Save to Pinterest Celebrate the holiday season with the crisp elegance of our Gourmet Crackers: Snowflake Cutout Cracker Board. These buttery, flaky crackers shaped like delicate snowflakes add a festive touch to any cheese board or party spread. With their perfect balance of flavor and texture, they’re designed to impress guests looking for a sophisticated appetizer that pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses and spreads.
Save to Pinterest Crafting these crackers is a joyous process that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of butter and herbs. The recipe encourages creativity with optional cheese or seeds to garnish, making each batch uniquely yours. Whether for a cozy family gathering or an elegant party, these snowflake crackers bring both flavor and festive cheer.
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
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2. Prepare dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and chosen flavorings or cheese.
- 3. Cut in butter
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 4. Add water
- Gradually drizzle in cold water, mixing just until dough comes together. Do not overwork.
- 5. Roll out dough
- Divide dough into two portions. Roll out each on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness.
- 6. Cut crackers
- Using snowflake-shaped cookie cutters, cut out crackers and transfer to prepared baking sheets. Gather scraps, reroll, and cut additional crackers.
- 7. Apply toppings
- Brush lightly with beaten egg. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and seeds, if using.
- 8. Bake
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Rotate sheets halfway through baking for even browning.
- 9. Cool and serve
- Cool completely on wire racks. Arrange on a serving board with cheeses, fruits, and spreads.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure your crackers turn out perfectly flaky, keep your butter cold and handle the dough minimally. Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. For consistent thickness, roll out the dough evenly to 1/8 inch (3 mm), which guarantees even baking and crispness.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Customize your crackers by adding parmesan, zaatar, or dried thyme to the dough for extra flavor. Incorporate finely grated aged cheddar to elevate the richness, or opt for a spicy twist by increasing smoked paprika. For a seeded finish, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds before baking.
Serviervorschläge
These festive crackers pair wonderfully with triple-cream cheeses, tangy chutneys, and fresh fruit. They also complement sparkling wine beautifully, making them a refined choice for holiday appetizer boards or intimate gatherings.
Save to Pinterest With this recipe, you’ll create an elegant and unforgettable appetizer that brightens any festive table. The combination of buttery flakiness, festive shape, and customizable flavors ensures these snowflake crackers become a seasonal favorite.
Recipe Q&A
- → What ingredients give the crackers their buttery texture?
Cold, cubed unsalted butter is cut into the flour mixture to create the crisp, buttery texture in these crackers.
- → Can I customize the flavorings in the dough?
Yes, you can mix or choose from black pepper, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, or add finely grated aged cheddar to enhance the taste.
- → How thin should the dough be rolled before cutting?
The dough should be rolled out to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness for optimal crispness and shape definition.
- → What is the purpose of brushing the crackers with egg wash?
Brushing with beaten egg helps achieve a golden color and adds a slight sheen after baking.
- → How should I store the crackers after baking?
Once completely cooled, store the crackers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- → What toppings are recommended for garnish?
Sprinkling with flaky sea salt and optional sesame or poppy seeds adds extra flavor and a decorative touch.