Pin It Celebrate the season with these elegant Gourmet Crackers shaped as delicate snowflakes, a perfect addition to any holiday gathering. Their crisp, buttery texture pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses and spreads, making your appetizer board both festive and sophisticated. Crafted with a blend of fine herbs and optional aged cheddar, these crackers bring a delightful crunch and subtle warmth to your palate.
Pin It These crackers combine the simplicity of classic ingredients with the flair of seasonal presentation. Whether you opt for rosemary and smoked paprika or aged cheddar, each bite delivers rich flavor and texture. Elegant yet approachable, this recipe invites creativity without sacrificing ease, ideal for sharing around festive tables.
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
Ensure the butter remains cold until mixed to create a tender, flaky texture. When rolling out the dough, work gently and dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Use a light touch with the egg wash to preserve the cracker's delicate crispness and avoid sogginess. Baking sheets should be rotated halfway through baking to ensure even browning and beautiful golden edges.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to swap or combine flavorings such as parmesan, zaatar, or dried thyme for unique twists. Experiment with different seeds for garnish, like chia or sunflower seeds, to add texture and visual appeal. For a richer taste, incorporate aged cheddar directly into the dough. Keep the recipe vegetarian by omitting cheese and checking that added toppings fit your dietary needs.
Serviervorschläge
Arrange your snowflake crackers on a festive board alongside a selection of triple-cream cheeses, tangy chutneys, fresh fruits, and sparkling wine. These crackers shine as a sophisticated holiday appetizer or party snack, bringing charm and crunch to any gathering. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
Pin It With their festive shape and delicious flavor, these snowflake gourmet crackers are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Designed for sharing and savoring, they elevate your appetizer table with elegance and homemade charm, inviting guests to indulge in the warmth of holiday hospitality.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What gives the crackers their crisp texture?
The crispness comes from rolling the dough thinly and baking it until golden, which ensures a delicate, crunchy bite.
- → Can I customize the flavorings in the dough?
Absolutely. The dough can be flavored with black pepper, rosemary, smoked paprika, or grated aged cheddar to suit your taste preferences.
- → How should I store the crackers after baking?
Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness for up to one week.
- → Are there alternative toppings to consider?
Yes, flaky sea salt is traditional, but you can also sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
- → What tools are needed to make the snowflake shapes?
Snowflake cookie cutters are essential for creating the festive cutouts that give these crackers their distinctive appearance.