Cornmeal-Cheese Sticks (Sorullitos de Maiz)

Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, black pepper, paprika, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add butter; use fingers to crumble into flour until the mixture resembles peas.

Combine water and milk in a saucepan over medium heat; bring to a simmer and remove from heat. Pour into cornmeal mixture; stir rapidly until dough forms a soft ball that separates from the sides of the bowl. Add Cheddar cheese; stir to combine.

Cover bowl with a clean dish cloth; allow dough to rest for 5 minutes.

Scoop a heaping teaspoon of dough; using your hands, form a ball and then roll into a stick. Repeat with remaining dough.

Heat oil in a large skillet; fry sticks until golden, 3 to 5 minutes per side.