We love how these pecan crackers combine a toasted nutty taste with a crisp bite. They originated as a quick fix for parties and have since become our go-to snack. We appreciate how simple ingredients transform into something so special.
We like pairing them with cheese spreads or savory dips because they highlight the pecan flavor so well. They’re perfect for entertaining friends or just enjoying on a quiet afternoon. We can’t wait to share this easy recipe that always pleases a crowd.
Pecan Crackers Recipe
Ingredients
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter chilled and cut into small cubes
• ⅓ cup finely chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons ice water
Time and Yield
| Process | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep | 15 minutes |
| Chill | 30 minutes |
| Bake | 12 minutes |
- We place the flour, salt, and black pepper in a bowl
- We add the chilled butter cubes and rub them into the flour mixture with our fingertips until the texture looks sandy
- We stir in the chopped pecans to distribute them evenly
- We drizzle in the ice water one tablespoon at a time while stirring to form a dough
- We shape the dough into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap
- We refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes
- We preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- We roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about ⅛ inch thick
- We cut out cracker shapes using a small cookie cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet
- We bake for about 12 minutes or until the crackers turn golden brown on the edges
- We transfer our pecan crackers to a wire rack to cool before serving
Tools And Equipment
- Mixing Bowl. We use a medium bowl to combine flour, salt, and black pepper
- Pastry Cutter or forks. This tool helps us blend cold butter into our dry ingredients
- Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups. We ensure accurate portions for consistent results
- Rolling Pin. We roll the dough to our desired thickness for crisp crackers
- Baking Sheet lined with parchment paper. We keep the crackers from sticking
- Wire Rack. We let them cool fully for a crunchy texture
Ingredients
Below are the precise amounts we use for our pecan crackers. We keep each item fresh and properly chilled for optimal flavor and texture:
| Ingredient | Amount | Preparation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | Sifted if desired |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | – |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Freshly ground for extra punch |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons | Cold and cut into small cubes |
| Finely chopped pecans | ½ cup | Toast them lightly if preferred |
| Ice water | 3 to 4 tablespoons | Keep chilled for a tender dough |
We combine the flour, salt, and pepper first. We then cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. We add the chopped pecans and slowly drizzle in the ice water to bring the dough together. We keep a close watch on the texture to avoid overworking the dough.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We store unbaked dough in advance to save time on busy days. We wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage we place the wrapped dough in a freezer-safe bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. When we are ready to use it we thaw the dough in the refrigerator until it is soft enough to roll out.
We also partially bake our crackers for later use. We bake them for 7 minutes then remove them from the oven and cool them completely on a wire rack. We store these partially baked crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. On the day of serving we finish baking them for 5 to 6 minutes at the same temperature until golden and crisp.
Below is a quick reference chart for storing our pecan crackers.
| Type of Storage | Maximum Time | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated Dough | 2 days | Plastic wrap |
| Frozen Dough | 3 months | Freezer-safe bag |
| Partially Baked Crackers | 3 days | Airtight container |
Directions
Here is where we transform our pecan crackers dough into thin crisp delights. We work systematically and carefully at each step to ensure a satisfying snack.
| Step | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Prep | 15 |
| Chill | 30 |
| Bake | 12 |
Prep The Dough
- In a medium bowl we combine the flour salt and pepper
- We add the cold butter pieces and cut them in until we see coarse crumbs
- We stir in the finely chopped pecans
- We drizzle in the chilled water one tablespoon at a time and press the dough together without kneading
Shape The Crackers
- We wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes
- We flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a thin rectangle
- We cut the dough into squares or use a round cookie cutter for uniform shapes
- We arrange the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet
Bake And Cool
- We place the baking sheet in a preheated oven set to 375°F
- We bake for 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden
- We transfer the hot crackers to a wire rack to cool
- We store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness
Conclusion
We love how these crisp bites fit into any celebration or everyday snack break. They’re a delight to serve on a cheese board or snack platter
and they always disappear faster than we expect.
We hope they’ll inspire creativity in the kitchen and bring a touch of homemade charm to every table. There’s something special about
baking your own crackers and sharing them with friends
and we trust these pecan delights will make any gathering extra memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these pecan crackers easy to make?
They are quite straightforward. You combine flour, salt, and pepper, then cut in cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Next, you mix in chopped pecans and gradually add chilled water to form a dough. After chilling the dough, you roll it out, cut into shapes, and bake until golden. The steps are simple enough for most home cooks, making them a convenient recipe for anyone seeking homemade crackers that are crisp, flavorful, and sure to impress guests.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes. You can store unbaked dough wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze it for up to three months. This flexibility allows you to prepare in advance, saving time on the day you plan to bake them. Just thaw frozen dough in the fridge overnight or remove the refrigerated dough when you’re ready to roll and cut. This make-ahead option ensures you always have fresh pecan crackers available for any occasion.
How can I store leftover crackers?
Keep any leftover pecan crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay crisp for several days, especially if the container is sealed properly. Make sure they’re fully cooled before packing them. This simple storage tip helps maintain their texture and flavor, so you can enjoy them later without worrying about soggy crackers. If needed, you can pop them in a low-temperature oven for a short time to refresh their crispness.
Can I partially bake the crackers and finish them later?
Absolutely. You can bake them for about seven minutes, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, place them back in a preheated oven for five to six minutes until they turn golden and crisp. This method is perfect if you prefer to prep in advance and finish them off right before guests arrive, ensuring each cracker’s fresh-baked taste.
What are the ideal serving suggestions?
These pecan crackers are versatile and pair beautifully with cheese spreads, savory dips, or simple toppings like sliced fruit. Their nutty flavor works well alongside tangy dips, creamy cheeses, or even sweet jams. Serve them on a snack tray, at a party, or as a quick midday bite. Their crisp texture and delightful pecan taste elevate your spread, making them a must-have for entertaining family and friends.
Which tools do I need for this recipe?
You’ll need a medium mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a pastry cutter or forks, a rolling pin, parchment-lined baking sheet, and a wire rack. These essential items make the process smooth: mixing dry ingredients, cutting in butter, rolling out the dough, and baking. A wire rack helps cool the crackers evenly, preserving their crispness. Having the right tools on hand streamlines preparation and results in a perfect texture every time.