Cheese Mantecaos

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400F.

2. 2

   Put the butter, cheese, flour, egg, salt, cayenne, and cumin into the bowl of a food processor and pulse, just until the mixture resembles coarse meal; do not over process.

3. 3

   (You can also use a pastry cutter or a fork to cut the mixture to the same consistency.)

4. 4

   Form the mixture into 1-inch balls.

5. 5

   Line the balls on a nonstick or lightly greased baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between them.

6. 6

   Slightly flatten each ball with your fingers.

7. 7

   Bake until the pastries puff and become golden brown, about 10 minutes.

8. 8

   Cool completely on a wire rack, then garnish with paprika if you like and serve within a few hours.

9. 9

   Omit the cumin and paprika; increase the cayenne to 1 teaspoon, or to taste.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.