Spicy Cheese Crackers

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 dashes hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco), or more to taste
• 2 cups crispy rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Whip Cheddar cheese and softened butter together in a large bowl using an electric hand mixer until smooth. Beat 1/2 cup flour into the cheese mixture at a time, assuring each addition is incorporated fully before adding the next. Add cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and hot pepper sauce; beat to incorporate.

Use a wooden spoon to fold the cereal into the cheese mixture; shape into 1-inch balls and arrange onto a baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon to flatten the balls slightly.

Bake in preheated oven until set but not yet browning, 15 to 17 minutes. Let crackers cool on pans for 1 minute before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.