Pin it Celebrate the season with a visually stunning and delicious appetizer: Gourmet Crackers shaped like delicate snowflakes. Their crisp, buttery texture paired with subtle flavorings makes them an irresistible addition to any holiday cheese board, creating moments of joy and sophistication for your guests.
Pin it Crafting these snowflake crackers is as joyful as sharing them. With simple ingredients and your choice of flavor accents, you can bring warmth and style to your appetizer table while showing off your culinary creativity.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 oz (60 g) finely grated aged cheddar (optional)
- 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 careful not to overwork the dough when adding water, as this helps maintain a tender, flaky texture in the crackers. Rolling to the correct thinness ensures crispness and a delicate bite, vital for showcasing the snowflake shapes.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to mix flavorings such as parmesan, zaatar, or dried thyme for a unique twist. Adding aged cheddar provides a rich depth of flavor, while herbs and spices can be adjusted to suit your palate or occasion.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these snowflake crackers alongside triple-cream cheeses, tangy chutneys, fresh fruit, or sparkling wine to create an elegant holiday appetizer that delights the senses and invites conversation.
Pin it With these tips in mind, your snowflake crackers will bring festive cheer and gourmet flair to every table setting. Enjoy the process as much as the delicious results—these crackers are sure to become a beloved holiday tradition.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best flour to use for these crackers?
All-purpose flour provides the right balance of structure and tenderness, yielding crisp, delicate crackers.
- → How thin should the dough be rolled?
Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness to ensure a crisp, even bake.
- → Can I customize the flavors of the crackers?
Yes, ingredients like rosemary, black pepper, smoked paprika, or aged cheddar can be mixed in to vary the taste.
- → What is the purpose of brushing the crackers with egg?
Brushing with beaten egg creates a golden, shiny surface and helps toppings like sea salt or seeds adhere.
- → How should the crackers be stored after baking?
Store fully cooled crackers in an airtight container to keep them crisp for up to one week.
- → What are suitable pairings for these crackers?
They pair beautifully with triple-cream cheeses, tangy chutneys, fresh fruits, and sparkling wines.