Festive, fast, and perfect for holiday parties!
These Christmas cheese crackers combine sharp cheddar, rosemary, and butter for a golden, aromatic treat. Bake in 20 minutes for last-minute holiday perfection!
Whether you're hosting a Christmas party or gifting homemade snacks, these crackers deliver festive flavor and effortless charm.
The no-knead dough and quick method make them ideal for busy cooks. Pair with cranberry relish or brie for a complete holiday bite.
With rosemary's earthy notes and cheddar's richness, these crackers bring cozy holiday warmth to any table.
Save this recipe and spread holiday cheer instantly with these festive, fast snacks!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Ready in 30 minutes with no kneading or rolling required. Perfect for last-minute holiday hosting!
Festive Flavor
Rosemary and cranberry add holiday cheer to sharp cheddar for a balanced, aromatic treat.
Versatile
Great for gifting, party platters, or pairing with holiday dips and cheeses.
Make-Ahead
Pipe and freeze dough ahead for easy holiday baking when you're ready to serve.
Christmas Cheese Crackers
Fast, festive, and perfect for holiday platters
Ingredients
- • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- • 1/4 cup flour
- • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- • 1/2 tsp salt
- • 1/4 tsp black pepper
- • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
Melt Butter: In a large bowl, melt butter in microwave or on stove until smooth.
💡 Use unsalted butter for better flavor control
Combine Ingredients: Add grated cheddar, flour, rosemary, salt, pepper, and vinegar to butter. Mix until smooth.
💡 Add rosemary last to preserve its freshness
Chill Dough: Cover bowl and refrigerate 15 minutes to firm the mixture.
💡 Chilling prevents dough from spreading in oven
Shape Crackers: Transfer dough to piping bag with 1/4-inch tip. Pipe 1-inch rounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
💡 Use festive shapes like stars or snowflakes for extra holiday cheer
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
💡 Rotate baking sheet halfway for even browning
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, but Gouda or Gruyère work well too.
Substitutions: Extra sharp cheddar for more intensity, Colby-Jack for milder flavor
Rosemary
Fresh rosemary adds aromatic depth. Substitute with thyme or oregano for different notes.
Substitutions: Dried rosemary (use half the amount), pine needles for a piney twist
Flour
All-purpose flour gives structure. Gluten-free flour works if needed.
Substitutions: Gluten-free flour blend, cornstarch for crispier texture
Red Wine Vinegar
Adds tangy balance. Substitute with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
Substitutions: Lemon juice (equal amount), white wine vinegar
Pro Tips for Perfect Crackers
Flavor Boosters
Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or 1/4 tsp garlic powder for extra depth.
Timing Tips
Chill dough for 15 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
Gifting Ideas
Pack in festive tins with holiday-themed labels for homemade gifts.
Presentation
Pipe into festive shapes (snowflakes, trees) for extra holiday charm.
Variations & Customizations
Spicy Version
Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or 1 minced jalapeño to the dough.
Herb Medley
Mix rosemary with thyme, sage, and parsley for a festive herb blend.
Sweet Version
Replace rosemary with cinnamon and orange zest for a sweet treat.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Cranberry relish for sweet-tart contrast
- Blue cheese spread for bold flavor pairing
- Spiced apple cider for cozy holiday drinks
- Mini skewers of fruit and cheese for festive platters
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with mulled wine, spiced cider, or a crisp white wine like Riesling.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Pipe dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake frozen (add 2-3 minutes to baking time) when ready to serve.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled crackers in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage
Freeze baked crackers in airtight bags for up to 2 months. Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why are my crackers too soft?
A: Underbaking is likely the issue. Ensure oven is preheated properly and bake until golden brown and crisp.
Q: How to prevent dough from spreading?
A: Chill dough for 15 minutes before piping to firm up the fat in the butter.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but prepare multiple baking sheets and rotate them during baking for even results.
Q: How to store leftovers?
A: Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas cheese crackers bring holiday warmth to any table with their golden crust and aromatic rosemary. Whether you're gifting homemade treats or hosting a festive party, these quick crackers will impress everyone.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this recipe as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: share the crackers first, then pair with cranberry relish and brie for a full holiday menu.
