How to Make Crackers

Heat oven to 450ºF. Line two large sheet pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, sift flour, sugar, and salt. If using any additions, add them at this time. Add fat and water to flour mixture. Mix until combined; the dough will be tacky. Flour a cool work surface. Divide dough in two. Roll the dough halves to rectangles 1/8 inch thick. Brush dough lightly with olive oil. Cut dough into desired cracker shapes using a sharp knife or biscuit cutter. Prick the crackers with a fork. Using a spatula or pastry scraper, transfer the crackers to the prepared sheet pans. Be careful not to crowd the crackers. Bake in the oven 12–15 minutes or until golden brown. If the crackers along the edges bake faster, transfer them to a cooling rack and allow the remaining crackers to bake. Transfer crackers to cooling rack. Crackers will crisp as they cool. Serve crackers immediately or store in an airtight container on the counter for up to a week.