Christmas Tree Crackers

These light and crispy Christmas tree-shaped crackers are perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday gatherings. Made with just five simple ingredients, they come together quickly and can be paired with a variety of dips or enjoyed on their own as a crunchy snack.

Ingredients

• Two cups all-purpose flour: spooned and leveled for the right dough consistency
• One and a half teaspoons granulated sugar: adds a hint of sweetness balancing the savory elements
• Three quarters teaspoon kosher salt: enhances the flavor but can be adjusted to taste
• Half cup plus two tablespoons room temperature water: helps bring the dough together without making it sticky
• Two tablespoons olive oil: adds moisture richness and helps crisp the crackers
• Topping of more olive oil and flaky salt: gives a beautiful finish and extra burst of flavor use good quality flaky salt for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit then line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl combine the flour sugar and salt. Stir them together so the ingredients are evenly distributed

Add Wet Ingredients:

Pour in the water and olive oil gradually mixing with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms that is just coming together but still a bit rough

Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead for about five minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic which will result in crisp yet tender crackers

Rest the Dough:

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 minutes allowing the gluten to relax which makes rolling easier

Roll and Cut Shapes:

Divide the dough in half then roll each half out to about one sixteenth of an inch thick. Use a light dusting of flour only if the dough starts to stick. Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut shapes as close together as possible since the dough does not re-roll well

Prepare for Baking:

Transfer the tree-shaped dough to the baking sheet. Use a fork to pierce each cracker a few times to prevent puffing and brush lightly with olive oil then sprinkle with flaky salt

Bake the Crackers:

Bake for six to eight minutes rotating the tray halfway through. Watch closely as edges start to brown and crackers crisp up quickly in a hot oven

Cool Completely:

Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheet so they can harden while cooling for perfect crunch

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Storage Tips

Store these crackers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp. Avoid moisture or humid areas as that will cause them to soften. They can be made a day ahead perfectly which takes some stress off holiday prep. If they lose a bit of crunch just pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Whole wheat flour can be used for a nuttier flavor but will make the crackers a bit denser. You can swap olive oil for avocado oil or any neutral oil to change the flavor profile. If kosher salt is not available regular sea salt or even fine salt can work but be mindful of the quantity.

Serving Suggestions

They pair beautifully with creamy dips like hummus or a festive cheese ball shaped like a tree. Think of adding nuts dried cranberries and herbs on your serving board for an impressive presentation. These crackers make eating snacks more fun especially around the holidays.

Cultural Context

Crackers in various shapes are popular around winter holidays especially in Western countries where festive baking traditions bring people together. Shaping crackers like Christmas trees adds whimsy and aligns with seasonal decorations. It’s a simple way to celebrate and enjoy homemade treats with loved ones.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What flour works best for these crackers?

All-purpose flour provides the right balance for a crisp texture and easy dough handling.

→ Can I use a different oil in place of olive oil?

Yes, neutral oils like grapeseed or avocado oil can be substituted, but olive oil adds a subtle richness.

→ How thin should I roll out the dough?

Roll the dough to about 1/16-inch thickness for a delicate, crisp bite.

→ Why pierce the crackers before baking?

Piercing with a fork prevents puffing, keeping the crackers flat and evenly crisp.

→ How should I store leftover crackers?

Store completely cooled crackers in an airtight container to maintain their crispness for several days.

→ Can the dough be re-rolled?

This dough doesn’t re-roll well, so cut shapes close together to minimize waste.