Save to Pins Celebrate the holiday season with an inviting platter of our Gourmet Crackers: Snowflake Cutout Cracker Board. These crisp, buttery crackers are carefully shaped like delicate snowflakes, making them the perfect addition to festive gatherings or refined cheese boards. Crafted with care and enhanced by flavorful herbs or aged cheddar, these crackers not only bring a crunchy texture but also a touch of elegance and warmth to your appetizer selection.
Save to Pins Whether you're assembling a canapé spread or looking to impress guests with a homemade touch, these crackers balance artistry and taste. The recipe’s moderate difficulty invites enthusiastic bakers to enjoy the process of rolling and cutting, while the final golden-brown result elevates any gathering with its charming design and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- Dough
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) cold water
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Flavorings (choose or mix as desired)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 oz (60 g) finely grated aged cheddar (optional)
- Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and chosen flavorings or cheese.
- 3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 4. Gradually drizzle in cold water, mixing just until dough comes together. Do not overwork.
- 5. Divide dough into two portions. Roll out each on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness.
- 6. Using snowflake-shaped cookie cutters, cut out crackers and transfer to prepared baking sheets. Gather scraps, reroll, and cut additional crackers.
- 7. Brush lightly with beaten egg. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and seeds, if using.
- 8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Rotate sheets halfway through baking for even browning.
- 9. Cool completely on wire racks. Arrange on a serving board with cheeses, fruits, and spreads.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Be sure to keep the butter and water cold to achieve that perfect flaky and crisp texture. Rolling the dough evenly to 1/8-inch thickness helps ensure uniform baking and consistent crunch. Avoid overworking the dough to prevent toughness. When cutting crackers, gather scraps carefully and reroll no more than twice to maintain flakiness.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Personalize your crackers by trying different herbs and spices such as parmesan, zaatar, or dried thyme. For a cheesy variation, add finely grated aged cheddar. You can also experiment with different seeds like sesame or poppy for added texture and taste. Omitting the egg wash will yield a more rustic finish.
Serviervorschläge
These snowflake crackers pair wonderfully with triple-cream cheeses, tangy chutneys, fresh fruits, and nuts. Serve alongside sparkling wine or a festive cocktail to impress at holiday parties. Arrange them artfully on a wooden board for an inviting appetizer centerpiece.
Save to Pins With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of care, these snowflake crackers transform any gathering into a memorable occasion. Their crisp texture and delicate design showcase how homemade elegance can be both approachable and impressive. Enjoy and share the festive spirit one snowflake at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of flour is best for these crackers?
All-purpose flour provides the right texture and structure for crisp, tender crackers.
- → Can I add different herbs or spices?
Yes, rosemary, smoked paprika, or even thyme can be added to customize the flavor.
- → How thin should the dough be rolled?
Roll the dough to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness for optimal crispness.
- → What is the purpose of the egg wash?
Egg wash helps create a golden surface and allows salt or seeds to adhere better.
- → How should the crackers be stored?
Store cooled crackers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- → Can these crackers be made gluten-free?
Substituting with a suitable gluten-free flour blend may work, but texture may vary.