Save to Pinterest Celebrate the holiday season with these gourmet snowflake cutout crackers, a perfect blend of buttery crispness and elegant design. Shaped like delicate snowflakes, they add a festive touch to any cheese board or appetizer spread, inviting guests to indulge in a sophisticated, homemade snack experience.
Save to Pinterest These crackers are as fun to make as they are delicious to eat, combining simple ingredients with a festive presentation. With a bit of patience and creativity, you’ll have a charming addition to your appetizer repertoire that impresses all season long.
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
Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform baking and crispness. Avoid overworking the dough to maintain a tender, flaky texture. Use a light touch when brushing on the egg wash to prevent sogginess while enhancing golden color.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Experiment with adding parmesan cheese, zaatar, or dried thyme to the dough for varied flavors. You can omit the cheese for a vegan-friendly option and use seed toppings for added crunch and visual appeal.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these snowflake crackers alongside triple-cream cheeses, tangy chutneys, or a glass of sparkling wine for an elegant appetizer that captures the spirit of the season.
Save to Pinterest With simple ingredients and thoughtful preparation, these snowflake cutout crackers are sure to become a seasonal favorite, delighting guests with their festive shapes and rich, buttery flavor.
Ask About This Recipe
- → What type of flour is best for these crackers?
All-purpose flour provides the right balance for a tender yet crisp texture in these crackers.
- → Can I customize the flavors in the dough?
Yes, you can mix herbs like rosemary or spices such as smoked paprika, and even add grated aged cheddar for extra depth.
- → How thick should the dough be rolled?
Roll the dough to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness to ensure a delicate crispness after baking.
- → What is the best way to achieve even browning?
Rotate baking sheets halfway through the 12-15 minute baking time to promote uniform color and crispness.
- → How should I store the crackers to keep them crisp?
Once cooled, store crackers in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness and crunch.