Buttery Crackers
Crisp, flaky, and incredibly buttery homemade crackers that melt in your mouth. They're surprisingly easy to make and perfect for snacking, cheese boards, or dipping into your favorite soup.
For 8 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dough
- b.In the bowl of a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Pulse 2-3 times to combine.
- c.Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Pulse 8-10 times, or until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- d.With the processor on low, slowly drizzle in the cold milk. Process just until the dough begins to clump together. Do not overmix.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Chill the Dough
- b.Turn the dough out onto a clean surface, gather it into a ball, and flatten it into a 1-inch thick disk. Avoid kneading.
- c.Wrap the disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days. This step is crucial for flaky crackers.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Preheat and Prepare
- b.Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of your oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Roll and Cut Crackers
- b.Lightly flour a work surface and a rolling pin. Unwrap the chilled dough and roll it out as thinly as possible, aiming for about 1/16-inch thickness. Work quickly to keep the dough cold.
- c.Using a 1.5-inch round cookie cutter or a sharp knife, cut out the crackers. Arrange them about 1/2-inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- d.Gather and re-roll the scraps once to cut more crackers.
- e.Using a fork or a skewer, prick each cracker 2-3 times in the center. This prevents them from puffing up into bubbles while baking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake the Crackers
- b.Bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating the baking sheets from top to bottom and front to back halfway through the baking time.
- c.The crackers are done when they are firm to the touch and golden brown around the edges. Watch them carefully in the last few minutes as they can burn quickly.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Cool
- b.Immediately after removing the crackers from the oven, brush them lightly with the melted butter.
- c.Sprinkle evenly with the flaky sea salt.
- d.Let the crackers cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will become crispier as they cool.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the flakiest crackers, ensure your butter and milk are very cold. You can even place the cubed butter in the freezer for 10 minutes before using.
- 2Do not overwork the dough. Mix just until it comes together. Overmixing develops gluten and results in tough crackers.
- 3Rolling the dough to a uniform, thin layer is the key to achieving a perfectly crisp texture throughout.
- 4Docking the crackers (pricking them with a fork) is essential to release steam and prevent them from puffing up excessively.
- 5Store cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb Crackers
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme to the flour mixture in Step 1.
Cheesy CrackersCheesy Crackers
Add 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese to the flour mixture along with the butter.
Spicy CrackersSpicy Crackers
Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika into the dry ingredients for a subtle kick.
Whole Wheat CrackersWhole Wheat Crackers
For a nuttier flavor and more fiber, replace 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Control Over Ingredients
Making crackers at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients, avoiding the preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sodium often found in store-bought versions.
Source of Quick Energy
The carbohydrates from the flour provide a quick and accessible source of energy, making these crackers a satisfying snack to curb hunger between meals.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of approximately 6 crackers contains about 245 calories. This can vary based on the exact size and thickness of your crackers.