Guardar Celebrate the season with these gourmet snowflake cutout crackers, a festive and elegant addition to your holiday cheese board. Their crisp, buttery texture and intricate shapes bring both charm and sophistication to any appetizer spread. Perfect for entertaining, these crackers offer a delicate balance of flavors that complement a wide array of cheeses, fruits, and spreads.
Guardar These crackers strike the perfect balance between elegant presentation and approachable baking. Whether you choose rosemary and black pepper or smoked paprika and cheddar, each batch will charm your guests and elevate your holiday celebration.
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
Be careful not to overwork the dough as this can make the crackers tough. Roll the dough evenly to a consistent thinness of about 1/8 inch for perfect crispness. Using cold butter and water helps maintain the flaky texture. Thoroughly cool your crackers on wire racks to preserve their crunch before storing or serving.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Try mixing in parmesan cheese, zaatar, or dried thyme for variations in flavor. You may also omit cheese for a dairy-free version, adjusting seasonings to your preference. Experiment with different seeds like sesame or poppy to enhance the topping and presentation.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these gourmet snowflake crackers alongside triple-cream cheeses, tangy chutneys, fresh fruits, and your favorite spreads. They pair wonderfully with sparkling wine or crisp white wine to toast the festive season in style.
Guardar With simple preparation and delightful results, these snowflake cutout crackers bring a touch of magic to your holiday gatherings. Their buttery crunch and elegant shapes will impress guests and become a festive tradition on your cheese boards for years to come.
Preguntas frecuentes sobre recetas
- → ¿Qué harina es mejor para estas galletas?
Idealmente, se usa harina todo uso para lograr una textura hojaldrada y crujiente sin perder fragilidad.
- → ¿Cómo mantener la forma delicada durante el horneado?
Es fundamental enfriar la masa y trabajarla con cuidado, además de usar mantequilla fría para evitar que se deformen.
- → ¿Qué especias realzan su sabor?
El romero seco, pimienta negra y paprika ahumada aportan profundidad sin opacar la mantequilla.
- → ¿Se pueden preparar con anticipación?
Sí, una vez frías, se almacenan en recipiente hermético hasta por una semana, manteniendo su textura y sabor.
- → ¿Con qué se recomienda acompañar estas galletas?
Son ideales para tablas de quesos cremosos, frutas frescas o mermeladas que complementan sus notas suaves.