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Homemade Crackers
5 from 90 votes

Homemade Crackers

Homemade Crackers combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and vegetable shortening to create a crisp and flaky base. The dough is rolled out thinly and cut into squares, then baked twice—first at 400°F, then browned at 450°F for a crunchy texture. Light salting right after baking enhances the flavor. These crackers have a delicate crunch with a tender crumb and are great for snacking or serving with dips.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 10
Calories: 68 kcal
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoon vegetable shortening
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

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  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. 
  3. Cut in the chilled vegetable shortening using a pastry cutter or your fingers. The dough should have the texture of cornmeal at this point. 
  4. Add the cold water to the flour mixture a little at a time and work it into the dry flour into a dough. Depending on the weather and the flour you use, you may not need to add all the water. It is essential to avoid overworking the dough at this point. The dough should be stiff, but it needs to stay together easily when you form it into a ball. 
  5. Turn the dough on a slightly floured surface. Roll with a rolling pin until very thin. Cut into squares and pick several times with a fork.
  6. Bake on bottom rack in a 400-degree oven for 10 minutes.
  7. Then remove and place on top rack and increase temperature to 450 degrees to brown the crackers. Immediately salt to taste when removed from oven.

Notes

  • Keep all ingredients cold until just before combining to ensure flaky texture.
  • Do not overwork the dough to avoid tough crackers.
  • Roll the dough as evenly and thinly as possible for uniform baking.
  • If the dough resists rolling and springs back, let it rest 5 minutes before continuing.
  • Preheat the oven completely and use an oven thermometer for accurate temperatures.
  • Rotate baking pans halfway through to ensure even browning.
  • Watch closely during the final high-temperature baking to avoid burning.
  • Cool crackers completely before storing to maintain crispness.
  • Using a pasta machine can help achieve consistent dough thickness.

Nutrition Information

Calories 68kcal (3%) Carbohydrates 9g (3%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 2g (3%) Saturated Fat 0g (0%) Cholesterol 0mg (0%) Sodium 233mg (10%) Potassium 53mg (1%) Fiber 0g (0%) Sugar 0g (0%) Calcium 19mg (2%) Iron 0.6mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 68

% Daily Value*

Calories 68kcal 3%
Carbohydrates 9g 3%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 233mg 10%
Potassium 53mg 1%
Fiber 0g 0%
Sugar 0g 0%
Calcium 19mg 2%
Iron 0.6mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.