Homemade Graham Crackers Recipe Recipe - Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking (2024)

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:ThisHomemade Graham CrackerRecipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves baking from scratch. With their sweet, nutty flavor and perfect crunch, they’re an ideal upgrade from store-bought options. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make with a prep of 30 minutes!

• SimpleIngredients:You likely already have everything you need in your pantry.
• Versatile Uses:Perfect forpie crusts, s’mores, or justsnackingon their own.
• Better ThanStore-Bought:Freshly baked graham crackers deliver a deeperflavorand satisfyingtexture.

If you’re a fan of making your ownbakingstaples, especially for the busy holiday season, you’ll love exploring other homemade basics on Bigger BolderBaking. FromMarshmallowstoCream Cheese, fromMixed SpicetoMincemeat,mastering these essentials lets you elevate yourdessertsfrom the ground up. Just like with these graham crackers, you’ll find that making your owningredientsadds a unique touch to every recipe—and it’s easier than you might think!

IMPORTANT NOTE:This recipe was improved and updated on 8/25/2024, to include NEW STEP-BY-STEP photography,explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips.

Table of Contents

• Why are They Called “Graham Crackers”?
• Tools You Need
• KeyIngredientsand Substitutes
• How to Make Graham Crackers
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make Ahead andStorageInstructions
• FAQs
• Recipes Using Graham Crackers

Why Are They Called ‘Graham’ Crackers?

• Graham crackers are a versatile,sweetwhole wheatcookieused in everything from s’mores topie crusts.
  • Made with coarsely groundGraham flour, they have a rustic, heartytexture. It is similar to conventionalwhole wheat flourin that both are made from the whole grain, but ground more coarsely. It adds to theflavorandtexture.
  • Flavored withhoneyandcinnamonfor a signature taste.
  • Serve as the base for countlessdessertsor as a stand-alonesnack.
• The name “Graham” is tied directly to the flour that gives these crackers their distinct texture and history.
  • Graham flouris named after Presbyterian minister Sylvester Graham. That’s why you’ll always see Graham crackers capitalized — and Graham believed that a diet anchored by homemade whole grain bread is what was intended for us.

While Graham crackers were made to minimize stimulation using a vegetarian diet, that doesn’t mean they aren’t delicious and can’t be used in several scrumptious Graham crackerdessertrecipes, whether as agraham cracker crustor withgraham cracker crumbs.

• Large mixingbowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Glass measuring jug
• Hand whisk
• 2baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Silicone spatula
• Plastic wrap
• Pizza cutter
• Fork

KeyIngredientsand Substitutes

• Whole Wheat Flour

  • Provides structure and the nutty, coarsetexturecharacteristic of graham crackers.
  • Whole wheat hasbranandgermintact so can add dietaryfibertokidsthrough thissnack.

• LightBrown Sugar

  • Sweetens and adds moisture, contributing to theflavorand color.
  • Substitutes: Coconut sugar will have a caramel taste. Or usemolassesin ourBrown SugarRecipe to make your own.

• Cinnamon

  • Adds warm spice and depth offlavor.
  • Substitutes: Nutmeg, a pinch of allspice.

• BakingSoda

  • Leavens, helping the crackers rise slightly for a light, crisptexture.

• Salt

  • Balancessweetnessand enhances the overallflavor.

• Cold Butter, Cubed

  • Provides richness, flakiness, and binds the dryingredients. Either slated butter orunsalted butterwill work.
  • Substitutes: Margarine or coconut oil (solidified) will yield a differenttexture.

• Whole Milk

  • Adds moisture and contributes to tenderness.
  • Substitutes: you can use full-fat dairy-free milk such ascoconut milk,almond milk,oat milk, orcashew milk.

• Honey

  • Sweetens, adds moisture and contributes to chewiness and flavor.
  • Substitutes: Maple syrup or agave syrup.

• Vanilla Extract

  • Enhancesflavorwithsweet, aromatic notes.

How To Make Graham Crackers

Prep

1. Line 2 largecookiesheets withparchment paperand set aside.

Make the dough

2. Mix dryingredients:In a largebowl, mix the flour, sugar,cinnamon,bakingsoda, andsalt.

3. Mix wetingredients:In a separate jug,stirtogether the milk,honey, and vanilla until thehoneyhas dissolved.

4. Add fat:Add the butter to theflour mixtureand rub in with your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs (You can also do this in afood processor).

5. Combine:Add the milk mixture to the flour and mix until adoughforms. Thedoughwill be sticky and soft.

Chill the dough

6. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour so it’s easy to roll. Like previously mentioned this is a very soft dough, so the longer it chills the better.

Shape Graham crackers

7. On a well-floured surface, roll out thedoughto a little more ¼ inch thick. Note: keep the surface and yourrolling pindusted with flour to prevent thedoughfrom sticking too much.

8. Using a pizza cutter, cut thedoughinto 2 x 5-inchrectangles. Using aknife, score thecookiesdown the center lengthwise, then in half across. Using afork, prick the Grahams on both sides of the scored lines. This will create the classic Graham Crackercookiepattern. Gently transfer thecookiesto the preparedcookiesheet.

Bakethe crackers

9. BakethecookiesFan assist at 325°F (165°C) for roughly 10-12 minutes. I like tobakethem for 10 minutes so they are still soft and not too crunchy.

10. Store the cooledcookiesin anairtight containeratroom temperaturefor up to 5 days. Eat as is or use them to make S’mores.

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

• To make sure your butter is cold enough and prevent it from melting too fast, you can alsograte frozen butter. It creates pockets of butter throughout and adds loads of air andtexture.
• I don’t recommend using all-purpose flouras it won’t yield the same result aswhole wheat flour.
• If yourovendoesn’t have a fan, rotate thebaking sheethalfway through thebakingtime. This ensures even browning and prevents one side from getting too dark.
• For a crunchiertexture,bakethem a bit longer, but watch closely to avoid burning.
• When they’re hot out of theoven,sprinklewihthcinnamonsugar for extraflavorandtexture.
• Don’t forget to check outChocolateGraham Crackers if you love this one!

Graham Cracker Make Ahead andStorageInstructions

• Make Ahead:

  • Dough:Prepare the graham crackerdoughup to a week in advance. After mixing, wrap it tightly inplastic wrapand store it in the refrigerator. For longerstorage, you canfreeze thedoughfor up to 3 months.Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before rolling out andbaking.
  • Baked Crackers:Once baked and cooled, graham crackers can be stored in anairtight containeratroom temperaturefor up to 5 days.

• Store:

  • Room Temperature:Keep cooled graham crackers in anairtight containerto maintain their crispness. Place them in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
  • Freezing:For longerstorage, freeze the baked graham crackers. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers withparchment paper. They can befrozen for up to 3 months.To enjoy, thaw atroom temperaturefor a few hours before serving.

FAQs

How do you make graham crackers crispy?

Baking the crackers until they are just golden and letting them cool on the tray ensures they crisp up.

Can I make graham crackers gluten-free?

You can substitute a gluten-free flour blend or our Easy Almond Flour Mix for wheat flour, but the result may not have the signature texture.

Why does the dough need to be chilled?

Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and ensures the crackers maintain their shape during baking.

Can I freeze homemade graham crackers?

Yes, both the dough and baked crackers freeze well. Thaw them at room temperature before serving or baking.

Why are holes poked in graham crackers?

The holes prevent the crackers from puffing up, ensuring an even texture.

Can I make flavored variations?

Yes, you can add cinnamon, cocoa powder, or spices to create unique flavors.

DessertRecipes Using Graham Crackers

• Gemma’s Best-Ever New YorkCheesecake
• EasyKey Lime PieRecipe in 10 Minutes
• No-BakeLemon MeringueCheesecake
• 15 Minute Coconut Cream Pie
• S’moresIce CreamSandwich
• S’moreCheesecake(No-BakeRecipe)

Full (and printable) recipe below!

IMPORTANT NOTE:This recipe was improved and updated on 8/25/2024, to include NEW STEP-BY-STEP photography,explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips.

Ingredients

Instructions