These simple yet satisfying salt crackers and cookies are perfect for anyone looking for a savory snack that's free of eggs and butter. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create crispy, crunchy crackers or slightly softer cookies with a delightful salty kick. They're great on their own, paired with cheese, or dipped in hummus or soup!
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra coarse salt for sprinkling, optional)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (for a slight lift, optional)
- ¼ cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- ¾ to 1 cup water (adjust as needed for consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder (if using). Mix well to ensure even distribution.
- Add the olive oil and mix until the flour begins to clump together.
- Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously until the dough comes together in a soft ball. The dough should be pliable but not sticky—if it’s too dry, add more water; if it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
Step 2: Shape the Crackers/Cookies
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion as thinly as possible (about β
-inch thick for crackers or slightly thicker for cookies).
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into desired shapes—rectangles for crackers, circles for cookies, or get creative with cookie cutters!
- Transfer the shaped pieces onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about ½ inch of space between each piece.
Step 3: Prick and Sprinkle
- Use a fork to gently prick the surface of each cracker or cookie. This helps prevent them from puffing up during baking and gives them a classic texture.
- If desired, sprinkle coarse sea salt over the tops for added flavor and crunch.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the crackers/cookies are firm to the touch.
- For crispier crackers, bake an additional 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 5: Cool and Store
- Remove the baked crackers/cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets.
- Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Tips for Success
- Flavor Variations : Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
- Texture Adjustment : For crunchier crackers, bake them longer or reduce the thickness when rolling out the dough. For softer cookies, leave them thicker and bake for less time.
- Gluten-Free Option : Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a version suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Oil Substitution : You can substitute olive oil with melted coconut oil for a slightly sweeter taste if preferred.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
(Based on 24 crackers/cookies)
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Variations
- Cheesy Version : Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast to the dough for a cheesy twist.
- Seeded Crackers : Mix in sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaxseeds for added nutrition and texture.
- Sweet-Savory Hybrid : Dust the tops with a pinch of cinnamon and sugar after sprinkling salt for a unique sweet-and-salty treat.
Whether you're craving a crunchy snack or need something to pair with soups and spreads, these Salt Crackers & Salt Cookies deliver deliciousness without compromise. Simple, savory, and endlessly customizable, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen! π΄πͺ