Cheese Mantecaos

Directions

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.