Swedish Breakfast Crackers
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Description:
Discover the delightful taste of Swedish Breakfast Crackers, a cherished recipe from a cozy country inn in Tallberg, Sweden. These crispy, twice-baked crackers are a staple at the inn’s Midsummer’s celebration breakfast buffet, embodying the essence of Swedish culinary tradition. Perfectly suited for a hearty breakfast or a light snack, these crackers are as versatile as they are delicious.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your crackers bake evenly and become perfectly crisp.
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Prepare Baking Sheets: Lightly grease two large baking sheets, each measuring 17 x 14 inches, with no sides. This helps in easy removal of the crackers later on.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream these ingredients together until light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
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Incorporate Egg: Add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat well until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Next, pour in the milk and continue mixing until a smooth dough forms. Be cautious not to overwork the dough.
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Divide and Flatten Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. On each of the prepared baking sheets, place one portion of the dough. Flatten each portion using your hands, then use a rolling pin to roll the dough out directly on the baking sheet. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch, rolling the dough into a 12 x 15-inch rectangle. Sprinkle a light dusting of flour over the dough to prevent sticking.
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Score the Dough: Using a fork, prick the dough all over to create a texture that helps the crackers bake evenly. Next, use a straight knife to cut the dough into 2 x 3-inch rectangles, but do not separate them. This scoring makes it easier to break the crackers apart after baking.
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Bake the Crackers: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crackers are light brown. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they do not burn.
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Crisp the Crackers: Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven. With a sharp knife, carefully cut along the scored lines to separate the crackers while they remain on the baking sheets. Turn off the oven and return the crackers to the oven to crisp up. Leave them in the turned-off oven for about 10 minutes. This step enhances their crispness.
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Cool and Serve: Let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheets. Once cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed with your favorite toppings or just on their own.
Yield: Approximately 48 crackers
These Swedish Breakfast Crackers are a fantastic way to start your day with a taste of Swedish tradition. Perfectly crunchy and subtly sweet, they make a delightful addition to any breakfast spread. Enjoy them with cheese, jam, or even on their own for a satisfying snack!
