Save It Celebrate the season with an elegant touch by preparing these gourmet snowflake cutout crackers. Their crisp, buttery crunch and delicate shape make them a perfect addition to any holiday cheese board or festive gathering, bringing both beauty and flavor to your appetizer spread.
Save It This recipe blends classic all-purpose flour and cold butter into a tender dough, enhanced by a selection of aromatic spices and optional aged cheddar. The use of snowflake cookie cutters transforms simple crackers into a stunning visual centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks. Perfect for sharing with friends and family during special occasions.
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 throughout mixing to achieve a flaky texture. Roll the dough evenly and avoid overworking it to keep cracks crisp. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean removal easier after baking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Enhance flavor by experimenting with parmesan, zaatar, or dried thyme in place of or alongside the suggested spices. For a cheesy touch, include aged cheddar in the dough. You can also vary toppings with sesame or poppy seeds for extra texture and visual appeal.
Serviervorschläge
Pair these gourmet crackers with triple-cream cheeses, tangy chutneys, or your favorite sparkling wine for a sophisticated appetizer experience that impresses guests at any gathering.
Save It With this detailed yet simple approach, your snowflake crackers will not only taste exceptional but also add a creative and festive flair to your appetizer presentation, turning every bite into a celebration of flavor and form.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What ingredients add flavor to these crackers?
Freshly ground black pepper, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, and optionally aged cheddar are mixed into the dough for a delicate spice and richness.
- → How do I achieve the perfect crispness?
Baking at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until golden ensures a crisp texture, with rotating sheets midway to brown evenly.
- → Can I store the crackers long-term?
Store completely cooled crackers in an airtight container; they remain fresh for up to one week.
- → Are there alternative toppings for variety?
Sprinkling flaky sea salt, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds before baking enhances taste and appearance.
- → What foods pair well with these crackers?
Triple-cream cheeses, tangy chutneys, and sparkling wines complement the buttery flavors perfectly.