Servings: Makes 4 dozen silver-dollar size

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
2 cups flour 2 cups flour
1 pound grated sharp Cheddar cheese — we use a sharp white Cheddar 1 pound grated sharp Cheddar cheese - we use a sharp white Cheddar
¼ tsp. cayenne or more to your liking ¼ tsp. cayenne or more to your liking
Fresh thyme leaves or a pecan piece if you want to get extra fancy Fresh thyme leaves or a pecan piece if you want to get extra fancy

1. Bring the butter and flour together quickly to form a very soft dough. They should be well combined but do not ove rknead. I use the paddle attachment of a KitchenAid mixer for about 4 to 5 minutes.
2. Add the grated cheese and the cayenne. Bring together until the cheese is well incorporated but not over mixed. In the mixer, this would be about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Roll the dough into logs about 3 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze at this point.
4. Slice each log into ⅛ of an inch discs. If you've decided to get fancy, press a leaf of thyme or another hearty fresh herb or pecan piece into the center of the circle. Bake on parchment or lightly sprayed cookie sheet 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden brown. They are a little soft when first removed from the oven. Let them cool just a bit on the cookie sheet, and then you can lift them off to a plate.