How to Make Easy Homemade Sourdough Graham Crackers 

The Best Homemade Sourdough Graham Crackers: A Fun Treat Using Sourdough Discard

Welcome back to The Midnight Mustard Seed! Today, I’m sharing a new recipe for homemade sourdough graham crackers. We’ve had playdates recently with sweet friends, and these kiddos have been really loving graham crackers. I thought I’d try to make a homemade version since they have completely depleted my stash of store bought crackers. I actually think we prefer the homemade version more!

This recipe is not only a great way to use your sourdough starter discard but also is a perfect snack for kids and adults alike! These crispy graham crackers are a delightful twist on the store-bought version, with a rich flavor from cinnamon and honey. Whether you’re making a sourdough graham cracker crust for a key lime pie, assembling indoor s’mores with homemade marshmallows, or simply making a snack for little hands, this sourdough graham cracker recipe is a must-try. Plus, it’s a great baking activity for the whole family!

Why Make Sourdough Graham Crackers?

If you’re a sourdough baker, you likely have extra sourdough discard sitting in your fridge. Instead of letting it go to waste, this recipe is a great way to turn it into something delicious. These homemade sourdough crackers are made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, like all purpose flour, light brown sugar, honey, and unsalted butter. The result? A batch of crisp crackers with a slightly tangy, wholesome flavor that’s tastier and better for you than the store-bought version.

Not only are these sourdough discard graham crackers a fun treat, but they’re also versatile. Use them for a sourdough graham cracker pie crust, pair them with a dip for dessert charcuterie boards, or enjoy them as a perfect snack for little ones on the go. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into this easy recipe!

Ingredients for Homemade Sourdough Graham Crackers

Here’s the list of simple ingredients you’ll need to make your own homemade graham crackers:

•  2 2/3 cup all purpose flour (wheat can also be used)

•  1 cup light brown sugar, packed

•  1 tsp baking soda

•  ½ tsp amount of salt

•  ½ cup sourdough starter discard (or active sourdough starter)

•  1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or canola oil or soybean oil for a dairy-free option)

•  1/4-1/3 cup honey

•  1 tsp vanilla extract

-1/2 tap cinnamon

•  2–3 tbsp milk 

•  Optional: cinnamon sugar for sprinkling on top of the dough

Equipment You’ll Need:

•  Medium mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer

•  Hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment

•  Rolling pin

•  Pizza cutter or sharp knife (or cookie cutters for fun shapes)

•  Baking sheet lined with a piece of parchment paper

•  Wire rack for cooling

•  Airtight container for storage

•  Large piece of plastic wrap for chilling the dough

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Sourdough Graham Crackers:

Follow these simple instructions to make your own homemade sourdough graham crackers:

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, and amount of salt. Mix on medium speed until well blended. If using a hand mixer, mix in a medium mixing bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: sourdough starter discard, melted butter, honey, vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp milk. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough ball forms. If the dough is too dry, add an additional tablespoon of milk. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

2. Chill the Dough

Form the graham cracker dough into a ball and wrap it in a large piece of plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour  (or up to 24 hours) to make it easier to roll out.

3. Roll Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, place the dough ball and use a rolling pin to roll it out to about ⅛-inch thickness. For easier rolling, place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. This is the perfect way to get an even, rolled-out dough that won’t stick to your rolling pin.

4. Cut and Shape

Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into rectangles (about 2×3 inches) or use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Transfer the cut dough to a baking sheet lined with a piece of parchment paper. Optionally, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the dough for a sweet, crunchy finish.

5. Bake the Crackers

Bake on the sheet pan for 10–12 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown. The bake time may vary depending on thickness, so keep an eye on them. For crisp crackers, bake a minute or two longer.

6. Cool and Store

Transfer the baked crackers to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for 5-7 days.

Tips for the Best Sourdough Graham Crackers:

•  Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps the wet ingredients and dry ingredients combine smoothly.

•  Don’t skip chilling: Chilling the graham cracker dough makes it easier to roll and cut.

•  Experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced twist.

•  Make it a family activity: This is a great baking activity for kids—let them use cookie cutters to create fun shapes!

Creative Ways to Use Sourdough Graham Crackers

These homemade sourdough crackers are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:

•  Sourdough Graham Cracker Pie Crust: Pulse the crackers in a food processor and mix with melted butter for a delicious graham cracker pie crust for key lime pie or cheesecake.

•  Homemade S’mores: Pair with homemade marshmallows and chocolate for a cozy treat.

•  Charcuterie Boards: Add these crisp crackers alongside cheeses, fruits, and dessert dips for a unique touch.

•  Perfect Snack: Enjoy them as they are for a quick, wholesome snack.

This sourdough graham cracker recipe is one of the best ways to use up extra sourdough discard while creating a fun treat that’s healthier than the store-bought version. With simple ingredients like flour, sourdough discard, honey, and cinnamon, you can avoid lots of sugar and artificial additives. Plus, it’s a perfect way to get creative in the kitchen with your little ones!

Making homemade sourdough graham crackers is not only a great baking activity but also a delicious way to repurpose your sourdough starter discard. Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or just starting out, this new recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it out, and let me know how it goes in the comments below!

If you’re looking for more sourdough inspiration, check out my other easy sourdough recipes. Happy baking! I hope your family loves these as much as we do!

-Samm

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