Buttery Homemade Crackers

Makes: About 40 small crackers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes

Ingredients

• 180 g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, for subtle sweetness)

• 85 g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 60–75 ml (4–5 tbsp) cold water

• Optional toppings:

  • Coarse salt

  • Grated parmesan

  • Cracked black pepper

  • Dried herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme)

‍ Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• All-purpose flour

• Salt

• Baking powder

• Sugar (if using)

Add cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs (like wet sand). Small pea-sized bits of butter should remain.

Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. You want it to form a soft, not sticky, dough.

2. Chill

Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap or parchment, and chill for at least 20 minutes. This helps with flakiness and makes it easier to roll out.

3. Roll & Cut

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 2 mm (1/16 inch) thick.

Using a scalloped cookie cutter or small biscuit cutter (approx. 1.5–2 inches in diameter), cut out circles. Gather and reroll scraps as needed.

Use a fork to dock (poke holes in) each cracker—this prevents puffing.

Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Optional: Lightly brush tops with water or milk and sprinkle with desired toppings like salt, pepper, or parmesan.

4. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges. Thinner crackers may bake quicker, so keep an eye on the color.

Allow to cool on a wire rack—crackers will continue to crisp as they cool.

✅ Tips for Perfect Crackers

• Cold Butter = Flaky Texture: Keep butter cold throughout to get that melt-in-your-mouth crispness.

• Thin Dough = Crisp Crackers: Don’t be afraid to roll thin! Thick crackers may end up chewy.

• Flavor Variations: Mix in herbs, cheese, or even a pinch of cayenne into the dough for a flavor twist.

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Re-crisp in a low oven if needed.

Flavor Variations

• Cheddar Herb: Add ½ cup finely grated sharp cheddar and 1 tsp dried thyme to the dough.

• Spicy: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or smoked paprika.

• Garlic Parmesan: Add ½ tsp garlic powder and top with grated parmesan before baking.