Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, cold butter cubes, flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This is a crucial step for flaky cheese straws.
Step 3: Continue to work the mixture until it comes together to form a soft, cohesive dough. If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of ice water, a teaspoon at a time, until it just holds together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cheese straws.
Step 4: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. For the perfect cheese straws recipe, aim for even thickness.
Step 5: Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into strips about 1/2-inch wide and 3-4 inches long. You can also use a cookie press with a star tip for a more uniform shape, if you prefer.
Step 6: Carefully transfer the cheese straws to the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Step 7: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese straws are golden brown and crisp. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. The exact baking time for your cheese straws recipe may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up further as they cool. Serve these delightful cheese straws immediately or store for later enjoyment.