How to Make the Cheddar Dough
Beat the softened butter and freshly grated cheddar together before adding the flour and salt. The dough will be firm. If a few crumbs remain at the bottom of the bowl, press them into the dough by hand just until it holds together.
How to Slice Even Cheese Pennies
Chill the dough logs until very firm so they hold their round shape under the knife. Aim for slices about ¼ inch thick so they brown at the same rate. Once the edges are lightly browned, let the pennies cool briefly on the pan before moving them to a rack. They’ll crisp further as they cool.
Southern 4-Ingredient Cheese Pennies Recipe Card
Buttery slice-and-bake cheddar crackers with crisp edges.
- Prep time — About 20 minutes
- Chill time — At least 1 hour
- Bake time — 12 to 15 minutes per batch
- Yield — About 48 cheese pennies
Ingredients
- 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and grated cheddar until evenly blended.
- Add the flour and salt and mix until a firm dough forms. If needed, use your hands to gently press any loose crumbs into the dough.
- Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a log about 1½ inches in diameter. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until very firm.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled logs into ¼-inch rounds and arrange them with a little space between each one.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Let the pennies cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.