We love diving into festive flavors with our cranberry crackers recipe, a delightful twist on classic homemade snacks that blend tart cranberries with crunchy textures. These easy-to-make treats bring a burst of holiday spirit to any gathering, whether you’re hosting a party or craving a wholesome nibble.
Originating from our kitchen experiments with seasonal ingredients, we’ve crafted a recipe that’s both simple and satisfying. Picture golden crackers studded with juicy cranberries—it’s the perfect way to add a nutritious punch to your snack routine. Join us as we guide you through this crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
In our Cranberry Crackers recipe, we start by assembling fresh, high-quality ingredients that blend tart cranberries with a satisfying crunch, perfect for your holiday gatherings. These components ensure a nutritious, crowd-pleasing treat that’s simple to prepare.
To make these crackers, we’ll use the following ingredients in the order they are incorporated:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Sifted for a light, airy base that provides structure.
- 1 cup dried cranberries: Roughly chopped to release their tangy flavor and ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
- ½ cup rolled oats: For added texture and a hearty, nutty crunch that complements the cranberries.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Packed to sweeten the mix without overpowering the natural tartness of the berries.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Softened at room temperature to bind the ingredients smoothly.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: To help the crackers rise slightly for a perfect snap.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: For a warm, aromatic spice that enhances the festive vibe.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: To balance flavors and bring out the cranberries’ brightness.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts: Toasted briefly for extra crunch and a rich, earthy note.
- ¼ cup water or milk: Added as needed to form the dough, keeping it pliable yet firm.
These measurements yield about 24 crackers, making it easy to scale for larger batches. For precise results, we recommend using a kitchen scale for dry ingredients.
Required Tools
As we move from gathering our fresh ingredients to preparing our cranberry crackers, having the right tools ensures a smooth, precise process that results in perfectly baked, crunchy treats. We recommend selecting durable, easy-to-clean tools to maintain efficiency in your kitchen.
To organize our essentials, we’ve compiled the key tools below in a simple list, highlighting their specific roles in the recipe:
- Measuring cups and spoons: These allow us to accurately measure dry and liquid ingredients like the 1 ½ cups of flour and ½ teaspoon of baking powder, preventing inconsistencies in texture and flavor.
- Kitchen scale: Building on our earlier emphasis on precise measurements, this tool helps us weigh items such as the 1 cup of dried cranberries or ¼ cup of butter for exact results, especially when scaling the recipe.
- Mixing bowls (medium and large): We use these to combine ingredients like oats, walnuts, and butter, ensuring even mixing without spills for a uniform dough.
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve: Essential for sifting the all-purpose flour, this tool aerates it and removes lumps, contributing to the light, crunchy texture we aim for in our crackers.
- Baking sheet and parchment paper: A sturdy baking sheet lined with parchment prevents sticking and promotes even baking, yielding about 24 crackers as per our recipe.
- Rolling pin: We rely on this to roll out the dough to an even thickness, typically ¼ inch, for consistent cracker size and crispiness.
- Oven thermometer: To guarantee optimal baking, this verifies our oven reaches the precise temperature—usually around 350°F—for golden, perfectly baked crackers.
- Cooling rack: After baking, we use this to cool the crackers evenly, preserving their snap and preventing sogginess from trapped steam.
By using these tools, we enhance our recipe’s success and make the process enjoyable and foolproof.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s guide you through crafting our delicious cranberry crackers with simple, step-by-step directions to achieve a perfect balance of tartness and crunch.
Prepare the Dough
To start, we combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl for our cranberry crackers. Sift 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour with ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt to ensure even distribution and a light texture. Next, add ½ cup of rolled oats and 1 cup of roughly chopped dried cranberries for that signature tart burst, then stir in ¼ cup of packed brown sugar and ½ cup of toasted chopped walnuts for added crunch and depth of flavor.
In the same bowl, we incorporate the wet ingredients using active mixing techniques. Cut in ¼ cup of softened unsalted butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, evoking a buttery aroma that promises a rich taste. Gradually add ¼ cup of water or milk, stirring until a firm dough forms that feels pliable yet not sticky—imagine the satisfying squish as you knead it lightly for about 1-2 minutes on a floured surface. This step ensures our cranberry crackers dough is well-blended and ready for shaping, setting the foundation for their irresistible texture.
Shape and Bake
Once the dough is prepared, we roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness, aiming for uniformity to guarantee even baking and a consistent golden-brown finish. Use a rolling pin to press it into a rectangle, then cut into approximately 24 squares or rectangles with a sharp knife or cookie cutter, incorporating those tart cranberries for visual appeal and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy release. Arrange the shapes on the sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight expansion. Bake in the center rack for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a crisp golden color and emit a warm, inviting cinnamon scent that fills the kitchen. This precise baking time ensures our cranberry crackers emerge with a satisfying snap and tender interior, making them a holiday favorite.
Cool and Store
After baking, we transfer the hot cranberry crackers immediately to a cooling rack to prevent sogginess and preserve their crunchy texture, allowing them to cool completely for about 10-15 minutes—listen for the gentle crackle as they set. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage to enjoy that tart cranberry goodness anytime.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Yield | Approximately 24 crackers |
| Storage Duration | Up to 1 week at room temperature; up to 3 months frozen |
Make-Ahead Tips
To maximize convenience without compromising the delightful crunch and tart flavor of our cranberry crackers, we recommend these practical strategies for preparing ahead. These tips build on our step-by-step instructions, allowing you to plan for holiday gatherings or busy weeks with ease.
Preparing the Dough in Advance
We suggest making the dough up to 2 days ahead for optimal freshness. After kneading the mixture as outlined in our recipe, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Chill it in the refrigerator to preserve texture and flavor, then let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling and cutting. This approach ensures the crackers retain their crispy golden brown finish when baked.
Baking and Storing Baked Crackers
For fully baked crackers, we advise cooling them completely on a rack after baking, as described earlier. Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you need longer storage, freeze the baked crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer or reheated in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their signature crunch.
Freezing Unbaked Dough
Freezing unbaked dough extends your preparation options significantly. Shape the dough into logs or cut it into cracker shapes as per our instructions, then freeze on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid—typically 1-2 hours. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the original baking time of 12-15 minutes at 350°F. This method keeps the tart cranberries and nutty walnuts vibrant.
Storage Duration Overview
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 1 week | Use an airtight container to prevent sogginess. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 days (for dough) | Wrap tightly to avoid drying out. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Label with dates and thaw in fridge overnight for dough. |
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve followed along with our cranberry crackers adventure
It’s a recipe that brings joy and simplicity to your baking routine
Give it a try and watch it become a favorite for gatherings and beyond
We can’t wait to hear how yours turn out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cranberry crackers recipe about?
This recipe features a simple, festive homemade snack combining tart cranberries with crunchy textures, perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s nutritious, crowd-pleasing, and stems from easy kitchen experiments with seasonal ingredients, offering a satisfying baking experience.
What ingredients are needed for cranberry crackers?
You’ll need 1 ½ cups sifted all-purpose flour, 1 cup chopped dried cranberries, ½ cup rolled oats, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup softened unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ cup toasted chopped walnuts, and ¼ cup water or milk. These high-quality components create a balanced, flavorful treat yielding about 24 crackers.
What tools are required to make cranberry crackers?
Essential tools include measuring cups and spoons, a kitchen scale, mixing bowls, a sifter, a baking sheet with parchment paper, a rolling pin, an oven thermometer, and a cooling rack. These ensure precise measurements and a smooth baking process for optimal results.
How do I prepare and bake the cranberry crackers?
Combine dry ingredients like flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix in wet ingredients such as butter, cranberries, walnuts, and water or milk, then knead the dough. Roll it out, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a rack to keep them crunchy.
Can I make cranberry crackers ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature before rolling and cutting. You can also bake and store crackers in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze unbaked dough for longer, ensuring fresh flavor and texture.
How should I store the cranberry crackers?
Store cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for several months. If freezing unbaked dough, thaw it in the fridge before baking to maintain crispiness and quality.
How many cranberry crackers does the recipe make?
This recipe yields about 24 crackers. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements to easily scale up for larger batches, ensuring consistent results every time.