Cheddar Cheese Coins aka Cheese Pennies

These Cheddar Cheese Coins aka Cheese Pennies are buttery, crisp, and perfectly cheesy the kind of snack that disappears faster than you expect. With just a handful of pantry staples, they bake into golden rounds that melt in your mouth. Ideal for parties, soups, or snacking straight from the tray, they’re simplicity and comfort in one bite.

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What is Cheddar Cheese Coins aka Cheese Pennies

Cheddar Cheese Coins, also known as Cheese Pennies, are the kind of snack that make you stop mid-bite and smile. They’re buttery, flaky little rounds of sharp cheddar goodness that melt on your tongue and leave just a hint of spice. Somewhere between a savory shortbread and a crispy cracker, these coins are pure, bite-sized comfort.

Traditionally made in the South, Cheese Pennies earned their name because they’re small, golden, and irresistible. Every batch bakes into perfect circles with a rich aroma of cheese and butter that fills the kitchen with warmth.

These are the kinds of homemade treats that remind you of vintage holiday tins and family get-togethers. They pair beautifully with soups, cocktails, or as a stand-alone nibble at any gathering.

If you’re a fan of warm, savory bakes like Baked Soft Pretzels or crave the rich flavors found in Festive Herb and Sun-Dried Tomato Cheese Log, then you’ll fall in love with these crispy, cheesy coins.

They’re versatile, foolproof, and quick to make ideal for party trays, lunch boxes, or cozy nights with soup and a good movie.

Why You’ll Love This

These Cheddar Cheese Coins aka Cheese Pennies are the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen pro no special tools, no complicated steps, just pure, cheesy perfection in every bite. They strike that magical balance between buttery shortbread and savory cracker, with a gentle kick of spice that keeps things interesting.

Effortless, But Impressive

You’ll love how something so simple looks and tastes so elegant. Whether you’re making them for a holiday appetizer spread or an afternoon snack, these golden coins always get attention. Much like the smooth, crowd-pleasing Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites, they’re bite-sized, flavorful, and universally adored.

Perfectly Cheesy and Buttery

Each coin combines sharp cheddar with rich butter for that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. The cayenne and mustard powder add just enough depth without overpowering the cheese. It’s the kind of snack that pairs equally well with a bowl of soup or a glass of wine.

If you enjoy the comforting richness of Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey and Prosciutto, this recipe gives you that same savory satisfaction minus the fuss.

Their buttery crunch makes them equally fitting for cozy nights or classy gatherings. Once you bake a batch, you’ll understand why these timeless Southern snacks never go out of style.

How to Make

Making Cheddar Cheese Coins aka Cheese Pennies couldn’t be easier. These golden, buttery bites come together with just a few pantry staples and a little chilling time. The secret is simple high-quality cheddar, real butter, and patience while the dough firms up. The result? Crisp, flavorful crackers that melt in your mouth.

Quick Overview

This recipe blends the comfort of a cheese cracker with the richness of a savory shortbread. Mix the dough, roll it into logs, chill, slice, and bake no fancy tools needed. You can even prepare the dough ahead of time and bake later for last-minute entertaining.

They’re as foolproof as the Rustic Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread with Brie and Cranberry Sauce, making them a reliable favorite for both beginners and seasoned bakers.

Ingredients

Optional: A pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, rustic note.

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Step-by-Step

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, cayenne, mustard, and paprika. Add softened butter and mix with a stand mixer or your hands until crumbly but cohesive.

Step 2: Add the Cheese
Add shredded cheddar to the mixture and work it in until the dough begins to form. It should feel firm and slightly sticky. The small cheese bits give each coin its signature look once baked.

Step 3: Shape and Chill
Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each into an 8-inch log about 1.5 inches thick. Roll the logs over everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds to coat. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours (or freeze for 30 minutes).

Step 4: Slice and Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Slice the chilled logs into coins slightly under ¼ inch thick. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden.

Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the coins cool completely on the pan before serving. The texture will firm up as they rest.

Like the Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread, these can be prepared in advance, chilled, and baked fresh right before guests arrive making entertaining a breeze.

What to Serve Cheddar Cheese Coins aka Cheese Pennies With

One of the best things about Cheddar Cheese Coins aka Cheese Pennies is how versatile they are. These crisp, buttery bites pair beautifully with soups, spreads, cocktails, and even sweet jams. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or just alongside an afternoon drink, they fit in effortlessly.

With Soups and Salads

Their rich, cheesy flavor makes them perfect as soup toppers or salad sides. They crumble beautifully over creamy tomato soup or a hearty potato chowder, adding a little crunch and saltiness.

Try pairing them with a warm bowl of bisque or enjoy them like you would a crouton their flaky texture melts perfectly into the broth. If you love hearty dips, these coins are the ideal substitute for breadsticks.

For something elegant, pair them with the Festive Herb and Sun-Dried Tomato Cheese Log. The rich, herby spread contrasts beautifully with the cheddar’s sharpness, creating a balance of creamy and crisp textures.

With Cocktails and Appetizers

Cheddar Cheese Coins are fantastic party snacks. Serve them alongside a charcuterie board, olives, or even sparkling drinks. Their buttery crunch complements salty meats and tangy cheeses.

If you’re creating a festive appetizer platter, add them next to Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites the savory and sweet pairing is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

For casual entertaining, these cheesy bites work wonders beside wine or cider, bringing a warm, homemade touch to your grazing table.

Top Tips for Perfecting

These Cheddar Cheese Coins aka Cheese Pennies may look simple, but a few key tips ensure that every batch turns out irresistibly crisp, cheesy, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect. Here’s how to make them bakery-quality every time.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

For even mixing, make sure your butter and cheese are softened to room temperature before you start. Cold butter will prevent the dough from binding properly, and chilled cheese won’t distribute evenly. Room temperature ingredients are the secret to that perfectly tender texture.

Choose Quality Cheese

Since cheddar is the main flavor, it’s worth using a high-quality sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for the best results. Aged cheddar gives the coins a rich, tangy flavor, while mild cheddar produces a more delicate taste. Grate it fresh pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Don’t Skip the Chill

Chilling the dough is crucial. It helps the butter firm up, so the coins keep their round shape while baking instead of spreading too much. For quick prep, pop them in the freezer for 30 minutes instead of refrigerating for two hours.

Cut with Precision

When slicing your dough logs, aim for uniform thickness just under ¼ inch. This ensures even baking and prevents burnt edges. If your dough softens while slicing, chill it again for a few minutes before resuming.

Add a Signature Twist

For a flavor upgrade, sprinkle a touch of smoked paprika or black pepper on top before baking. Or, for a gourmet flair, roll your dough logs in sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for extra crunch and aroma.

These tips bring out the same level of finesse and consistency found in recipes like Baked Soft Pretzels proof that a little attention to detail turns simple ingredients into something truly special.

If you love a savory-sweet contrast, try serving them beside Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread; the pairing creates a beautifully balanced bite that feels both festive and refined.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Cheddar Cheese Coins aka Cheese Pennies store beautifully, which makes them a dream for meal prep and entertaining. Whether you’re baking them fresh for a party or keeping extras for later, they stay crisp and flavorful for days with the right storage method.

How to Store Them

Once cooled completely, transfer your cheese coins into an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to 5–7 days. If you prefer to make them in advance, freeze the unbaked dough logs instead of the baked crackers. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the logs in the fridge until slightly firm, then slice and bake as usual. This technique, similar to prepping the Festive Herb and Sun-Dried Tomato Cheese Log, saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How to Reheat for Best Texture

If your baked coins lose a bit of crispness, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 4–6 minutes. This refreshes their crunch without overbaking.

Avoid using the microwave it softens the texture and dulls that signature buttery snap. If stored properly, though, you’ll rarely need to reheat. These snacks hold their flavor beautifully and make the perfect companion for soups, dips, or festive cheese boards.

For gatherings, you can even serve them slightly warm with a spread like the Rustic Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread with Brie and Cranberry Sauce, turning your snack table into a cozy, cheesy celebration.

FAQs

These Cheddar Cheese Coins aka Cheese Pennies prove that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Crisp, buttery, and rich with cheddar flavor, they’re the kind of snack that brings everyone back for “just one more.” Whether served alongside soup, added to a charcuterie board, or enjoyed fresh from the tray, they’re always the right choice.

The best part? They’re as easy to make as they are to love. A little prep, a quick chill, and a short bake and you’ve got a batch of golden, cheesy perfection. Like all timeless snacks, these coins never stay around long.

Keep this recipe on hand for gatherings, game days, or cozy nights in. For more everyday kitchen inspiration and community fun, join us on Facebook and explore more snack ideas on Pinterest.

Now it’s your turn to bake up these golden bites of comfort and enjoy a little taste of Southern tradition one cheesy coin at a time.

Cheddar Cheese Coins aka Cheese Pennies

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Crisp, buttery, and cheesy these Cheddar Cheese Coins aka Cheese Pennies are the ultimate Southern snack for parties, soups, or cozy nights in.

Prep time

10 minutes

Cook time

10 minutes

Total time

20 minutes

Yield

~90 crackers

Ingredients

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (room temperature) 1½ cups all-purpose flour 8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened ½ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp cayenne pepper ¼ tsp ground mustard powder ¼ tsp sweet paprika Everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds, for rolling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine flour, salt, cayenne, mustard, and paprika in a bowl with butter until crumbly.
2. Step 2: Add shredded cheddar and mix until dough forms.
3. Step 3: Divide, roll into logs, and coat with sesame seeds.
4. Step 4: Chill 2 hours or freeze 30 minutes.
5. Step 5: Slice and bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Cool completely before serving.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, use aged cheddar and roll in smoked sesame seeds or seasoning of choice.

Nutrition

Calories

175

Fat

12.4g

Saturated fat

7.8g

Sugar

0.1g

Sodium

157mg

Protein

5.5g

Carbohydrates

10.3g

Fiber

0.5g