Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (255 g)
- 3 tsp baking powder (14 g)
- 1 tbsp sugar (14 g)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (divided)
Wet Ingredients
- 8 tbsp cold butter, divided (1/2 cup or 113 g)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (1 oz or 30 ml)
- 1/3 cup water (may be less as needed, about 80 ml)
- 1 egg, beaten (optional for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, add the flour, baking powder, sugar, and half a teaspoon of kosher salt. Pulse briefly to mix the dry ingredients together uniformly.
- Add Butter and Oil: Add 6 tablespoons of cold butter in small pats to the food processor and pulse until incorporated. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil to blend into the mixture.
- Form the Dough: Continually pulse the food processor and gradually add water, a little at a time, until a dough begins to form a ball. Be careful not to add all the water at once; you may need slightly less than 1/3 cup.
- Roll Out Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out as thinly as possible using a rolling pin. Add flour as needed if the dough sticks to the surface or pin.
- Cut Crackers: Use a cookie cutter or biscuit cutter to cut the dough into cracker shapes. Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheets, continuing to roll and cut the remaining dough.
- Dock Crackers: Poke holes in each cracker in a 2, 3, and 2 pattern using a fork to prevent puffing during baking and achieve a crisp texture.
- Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Brush the tops of the cracker cutouts with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle the remaining kosher salt over them for added flavor and a beautiful finish.
- Bake: Bake the crackers on the center rack of your oven for 10 minutes until they are golden and crisp.
- Butter Brush: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it over the crackers immediately while hot to add richness and flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crackers to cool completely on a wire rack before serving for the best crunch. Enjoy as a snack or with your favorite accompaniments.
Notes
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and skip the egg wash.
- Rolling the dough very thin is key to achieving the characteristic crunchy texture of Ritz crackers.
- Ensure the butter is cold to get flaky layers in your crackers.
- You can store the crackers in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain crispness.
- Adjust salt topping to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger salty finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian