Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and shredded Cheddar cheese together with an electric mixer until creamy and well blended.

Gradually add the flour and salt to the bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms. Add milk one teaspoon at a time if the dough is too crumbly.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.

Using a knife or pastry wheel, cut the dough into 2-inch strips.

Place the cheese straws about 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle ground red pepper over them if desired.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.

Cool the cheese straws on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.