Delectable Homemade Graham Crackers
Indulge in the delightful crunch and wholesome flavor of these homemade graham crackers. This recipe combines whole wheat and white flour for a perfectly balanced taste, while honey and molasses add natural sweetness and richness to every bite. Perfect for snacking on their own or for use in dessert recipes, these graham crackers are a healthier alternative to store-bought options. Share them with family and friends or pack them in lunchboxes for a satisfying treat. Enjoy the process of making these delicious crackers from scratch!
16
Servings
50
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
white flour
1/2 cup (unbleached, all-purpose)
whole wheat flour
1/2 cup (preferably organic)
sugar
4 tablespoons (granulated)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (fine)
baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (sifted)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
shortening
5 tablespoons (cold)
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted, softened)
water
6 tablespoons (cold, may need more)
honey
2 tablespoons (preferably raw)
molasses
4 tablespoons (unsulfured)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (pure)
sugar
for dusting (sprinkle)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk together until well combined.
2
Add the cold shortening and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the fat into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3
In a separate bowl, mix together the water, honey, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough appears too dry and doesn't come together, add more water, honey, or molasses as needed.
5
Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or leave it ungreased.
7
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a knife or a pastry cutter to cut the dough into approximately 16 rectangular shapes.
8
Transfer the cut crackers onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
9
If desired, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each cracker before baking. Gently press the sugar into the dough using a rolling pin to adhere.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and crisp. Bake time may vary, so keep an eye on them as they may go from perfect to overdone quickly.
11
Allow the crackers to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
1.875g
Fat
8.75g
Carbs
0.75g
Protein
0.625g
Fiber
1.875g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main benefit of these homemade graham crackers?
They are a healthier alternative to store-bought options, using whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners like honey and molasses.
How many crackers does this recipe produce?
The recipe makes approximately 16 rectangular graham crackers.
What ingredients provide the flavor profile?
Honey, molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract create a rich and wholesome flavor.
What are the nutritional facts per cracker?
Each cracker contains 50 calories, 1.875g of fat, 8.75g of carbohydrates, and 0.75g of protein.
What types of flour are required?
You will need equal parts white flour and whole wheat flour.
How do I incorporate the fats into the dry ingredients?
Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the cold shortening and softened butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Is there a specific type of molasses recommended?
Yes, the recipe calls for unsulfured molasses.
What should I do if the dough does not come together?
If the dough is too dry, gradually add more water, honey, or molasses until a shaggy dough forms.
Why must the dough be refrigerated?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up for easier rolling.
What is the ideal thickness for rolling the dough?
The dough should be rolled out to about 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
You can either line the cookie sheet with parchment paper or leave it ungreased.
How do I apply the optional sugar topping?
Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top and gently press it into the dough using a rolling pin before baking.
What is the baking temperature?
Preheat and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do the crackers take to bake?
They typically bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned and crisp.
How should the crackers be cooled?
Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Is nutmeg a required ingredient?
No, ground nutmeg is listed as an optional ingredient in this recipe.
What kind of honey is suggested?
The recipe suggests using raw honey for the best flavor.
Are these crackers suitable for lunchboxes?
Yes, they are perfect for packing in lunchboxes as a satisfying treat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 8.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe use baking soda or baking powder?
It uses both: 1/4 teaspoon of sifted baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of unsalted, softened butter.
How much water is initially needed for the wet mix?
Start with 6 tablespoons of cold water, adding more only if necessary.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include graham crackers, homemade snacks, healthy dessert, whole wheat, kid-friendly, and baking.
How much fiber is in each cracker?
Each serving provides 0.625 grams of fiber.
Is the shortening used cold or room temperature?
The shortening should be used cold.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt.
What is the primary sweetener combination?
The recipe uses a combination of granulated sugar, honey, and molasses.
Can these be used in other dessert recipes?
Yes, they are great for snacking or as an ingredient in other dessert recipes like pie crusts.
What should I watch for while baking?
Watch them closely as they can go from perfectly baked to overdone very quickly.