Whisk together flour, salt, paprika, chili powder, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Add cold cubed butter and cut into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or two forks until it looks like coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces visible.
1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp paprika, 0.25 tsp chili powder, 0.25 tsp black pepper, 0.5 cup unsalted butter
Stir in grated sharp cheddar until evenly distributed. Add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until dough just holds together when pressed and looks shaggy, not wet.
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, 3 tbsp cold water
Shape dough into a flat disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes until firm and cold.
Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to ⅛ inch thickness, approximately the thickness of two stacked credit cards. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into strips ½ inch wide and 6 inches long.
Arrange strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet spacing each ½ inch apart. Bake in a 375°F oven for 15-18 minutes until edges are golden brown and straws feel firm to touch. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before serving.
