These Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Crackers are a sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for snacking. With a nice balance of cinnamon and sugar, every bite is a little piece of happiness!
Making these is a fun way to use leftover sourdough starter. Plus, they’re great with coffee or tea, and who can resist that tempting aroma while baking? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter Discard: This recipe uses unfed sourdough starter, which adds flavor and texture. If you don’t have sourdough starter, you can try using regular dough or even a basic biscuit dough as a base, though the flavor won’t be the same.
All-Purpose Flour: While I use all-purpose flour, you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste or even gluten-free flour blends if you’re avoiding gluten. Just note that gluten-free flour may change the texture slightly.
Granulated Sugar & Cinnamon: The sugar gives sweetness while cinnamon adds warmth. For a lower sugar option, you could use coconut sugar. If you want to experiment, add other spices like nutmeg for a different twist!
Unsalted Butter: You can replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Just melt it before adding to the dough for easy mixing.
How Do You Roll Out Dough Without It Sticking?
Rolling out dough can be tricky, especially when it’s sticky. The key is to always keep your work surface and the dough floured. Here are some tips:
- Dust your countertop with flour before placing the dough down.
- Keep your rolling pin floured as well. This helps prevent sticking.
- If the dough sticks, sprinkle a little more flour on top and use your hands to pat it down gently.
- Use a dough scraper to lift stuck areas from the surface without tearing the dough.
Chilling the dough also helps firm it up, making it easier to roll. So, don’t skip that step!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Crackers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crackers:
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard (unfed, thick)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon milk or water (for brushing)
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 45 minutes total: 15 minutes for preparation and 12-15 minutes for baking. Plus, you’ll want to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make rolling easier. Then, just let the crackers cool and they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, mix together the sourdough starter discard, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until a dough starts to form. Don’t worry if it looks a bit crumbly at first; it will come together!
2. Mix in the Butter:
Add the melted butter to the dough and mix it in well. Keep stirring until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, one teaspoon at a time, until it’s easier to handle.
3. Chill the Dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is important as it makes rolling out the dough much easier!
4. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. Roll Out the Dough:
Once chilled, take the dough out of the fridge and place it on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out as thinly as possible, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner, the crunchier!
6. Cut the Crackers:
Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the rolled dough into small squares or rectangles, whichever shape you prefer for your crackers.
7. Bake the Crackers:
Transfer the cut crackers to your prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with milk or water to help the topping stick.
8. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the remaining sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the tops of the crackers to add that delicious sweet flavor.
9. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the crackers are nice and crisp. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
10. Cool and Store:
Once baked, remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once they’re cool, store your delicious cinnamon sugar crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy as a sweet, crunchy snack whenever you like!
Can I Use Any Type of Sourdough Starter for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use any unfed sourdough starter. If your starter is thinner, you might need to adjust the flour slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Crackers?
If you prefer a less sweet cracker, simply reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the dough and topping. You can start by halving the sugar and adjust to your taste!
Can I Store the Crackers in the Freezer?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the cooled crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
Don’t worry! If your dough feels sticky, gradually add more flour, about one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable texture. Chilling the dough also helps it become less sticky.
