Pin to Board Celebrate the season with these exquisite snowflake-shaped gourmet crackers, a perfect blend of buttery crispness and delicate flavor. Ideal for holiday gatherings, these elegant crackers add a festive touch to any cheese board or appetizer spread. Their intricate snowflake design makes them as visually stunning as they are delicious, promising to enchant guests with every bite.
Pin to Board From the first roll of the dough to the final golden bake, crafting these snowflake crackers turns your kitchen into a festive workshop. Their flaky texture and subtle seasoning elevate them beyond ordinary snacks, making them a sophisticated accompaniment to tangy chutneys, aged cheeses, or your favorite holiday drinks.
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. Mix dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and chosen flavorings or cheese.
- 3. Add butter
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 4. Form dough
- Gradually drizzle in cold water, mixing just until dough comes together. Do not overwork.
- 5. Roll dough
- Divide dough into two portions. Roll out each on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness.
- 6. Cut shapes
- Using snowflake-shaped cookie cutters, cut out crackers and transfer to prepared baking sheets. Gather scraps, reroll, and cut additional crackers.
- 7. Add 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
Arbeite den Teig nur so lange wie nötig, um eine zarte, knusprige Textur zu erhalten. Die Kälte der Zutaten ist entscheidend, damit die Butter beim Backen kleine Dampfblasen erzeugt und die Cracker besonders blättrig werden. Achte beim Ausstechen darauf, nicht zu viel Druck auszuüben, um die filigranen Schneeflockenformen zu bewahren.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Probieren Sie verschiedene Gewürzkombinationen, wie Parmesan, Zaatar oder getrockneten Thymian, um den Crackern besondere Nuancen zu verleihen. Wer es gern käsig mag, kann geriebenen Cheddar in den Teig integrieren. Für vegane Varianten lässt sich der Ei-Glasur mit pflanzlicher Milch ersetzen und der Käse weglassen.
Serviervorschläge
Diese Crackers harmonieren wunderbar mit Triple-Creme-Käse, würzigen Chutneys und frischen Früchten wie Trauben oder Feigen. Ein Glas prickelnder Wein macht daraus ein festliches Highlight für Ihre Gäste, das garantiert Gesprächsstoff bietet.
Pin to Board Mit diesen festlichen Snowflake Cutout Crackers bringen Sie nicht nur Geschmack, sondern auch winterliche Freude auf den Tisch. Perfekt, um gemeinsam mit Freunden und Familie köstliche Momente zu genießen – ein eleganter Genuss für jede festliche Tafel.
Common Questions
- → What ingredients provide the crisp texture?
The crispness comes from a rich mix of all-purpose flour and cold unsalted butter cut into coarse crumbs, then baked until golden.
- → Can I customize the flavorings?
Yes, this dough accepts various seasonings like rosemary, smoked paprika, black pepper, or even finely grated aged cheddar to suit your taste.
- → How should I store the crackers after baking?
Once fully cooled, store the crackers in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness for up to one week.
- → Why is the dough rolled thinly?
Rolling the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness ensures even baking and a delicate, crisp texture with the perfect crunch.
- → What toppings enhance the crackers?
Brushing with a beaten egg wash followed by flaky sea salt and optional sesame or poppy seeds adds flavor and visual appeal.