2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
12 Tbs. (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, chilled but not hard
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
Preheat oven to 375°F.
In the bowl of a standing mixer, cream the cheese and butter until well-combined. In a separate bowl, mix peppers into the flour and add slowly to the cheese mixture, stopping to scrape down the sides, until it forms a ball.
Lightly flour a dry work surface and roll the dough into a log. With a sharp knife, cut the dough into 1/4-inch slices. Transfer the coins to ungreased baking sheets.
Bake until golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Check them after 10 minutes to see if the pan needs to be rotated. Cool before serving.
