Star-Shaped Holiday Crackers

Featured in: Warm Baked Comforts

These star-shaped crackers bring a festive touch to any gathering with their crisp texture and flavorful herbs. Made from a simple dough of all-purpose flour, butter, and olive oil, they bake to a golden, crunchy finish. The creamy dip combines cream cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic, creating an irresistible centerpiece for easy dipping and sharing. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, this dish combines visual appeal with delicious flavors in under an hour preparation time.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:29:00 GMT
Golden-brown, star-shaped Holiday Crackers arranged around a creamy, herb-flecked dip for sharing. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown, star-shaped Holiday Crackers arranged around a creamy, herb-flecked dip for sharing. | orchardbowl.com

Festive, crisp star-shaped crackers perfect for holiday gatherings, served with a creamy dip nestled in the center for easy sharing and dipping.

I enjoyed making these crackers for family celebrations and everyone loved the combination of crisp crackers with the flavorful dip.

Ingredients

  • Crackers: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cubed, 1/3 cup (80 ml) cold water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried herbs e.g. thyme, rosemary optional
  • Dip: 1/2 cup (120 g) cream cheese softened, 1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream, 2 tablespoons chives finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour salt baking powder and dried herbs if using.
Add Butter:
Add cold butter and rub into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Form Dough:
Stir in cold water and olive oil until a dough forms. Knead briefly on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
Roll Dough:
Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out crackers.
Arrange Crackers:
Arrange crackers on the prepared baking sheet. Prick each with a fork.
Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden and crisp. Cool completely.
Prepare Dip:
Combine cream cheese sour cream chives parsley garlic powder salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
Serve:
Arrange crackers around a small bowl of dip in the center of a serving platter or use a large shallow bowl with the dip in the middle and crackers radiating outward. Serve immediately.
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| orchardbowl.com

This recipe brings joy to our family gatherings, sparking fun conversations as everyone dips their crackers into the center.

Tips for Storage

Store crackers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the dip refrigerated separately for freshness.

Variations

Try adding finely grated Parmesan to the dough or include additional herbs for varied flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with vegetable crudités or alongside a cheese platter for a festive appetizer spread.

A close-up of crispy Holiday Crackers, perfect festive appetizer, ready for dipping into the cool dip. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of crispy Holiday Crackers, perfect festive appetizer, ready for dipping into the cool dip. | orchardbowl.com

This recipe is quick to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser during the holidays.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What herbs enhance the flavor of these crackers?

Dried thyme and rosemary are great choices that add a fragrant, savory note to the dough.

Can I make the dip ahead of time?

Yes, the creamy herb dip can be prepared in advance and chilled to let flavors meld before serving.

How thick should the dough be rolled out?

Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness to ensure a crisp and delicate texture after baking.

Are these crackers suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, they contain no meat products and rely on dairy and herbs for flavor, making them vegetarian-friendly.

What is the best way to store leftover crackers?

Store cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness for several days.

Star-Shaped Holiday Crackers

Crisp star-shaped crackers paired with a creamy dip, ideal for festive occasions and sharing.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Created by Sophie Alden

Recipe Type Warm Baked Comforts

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Origin American

Makes 12 Number of Servings

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Crackers

01 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
05 1/3 cup cold water
06 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, rosemary), optional

Dip

01 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
02 1/4 cup sour cream
03 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped
04 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 Salt and black pepper to taste

How To Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and dried herbs if using.

Step 03

Incorporate Butter: Add cold cubed butter and rub into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 04

Form Dough: Stir in cold water and olive oil until a dough forms, then knead briefly on a floured surface until smooth.

Step 05

Roll and Cut: Roll dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Use a star-shaped cutter to cut out crackers.

Step 06

Arrange and Prick: Place crackers on the prepared baking sheet and prick each with a fork.

Step 07

Bake Crackers: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Allow to cool completely.

Step 08

Prepare Dip: Combine cream cheese, sour cream, chives, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix until smooth.

Step 09

Serve: Arrange crackers around a bowl of dip on a serving platter and serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • Star-shaped cookie cutter
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small serving bowl

Allergy Warnings

Review all components for possible allergens and seek medical guidance if needed.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (dairy).

Nutrition Info (for each serving)

Details here are for your reference and aren't a substitute for professional advice.
  • Total Calories: 80
  • Total Fat: 4 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 9 grams
  • Proteins: 2 grams