Valentines Snacks Heart Shaped Crackers

Name: Valentines Snacks Heart Shaped Crackers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 crackers
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3-4 tablespoons cold water

Highlighted under: Classic Meals

I absolutely love making these heart-shaped crackers for Valentine's Day! They are the perfect combination of crispy and buttery, making them a delightful snack or appetizer for any celebration. Shaping them into hearts adds a personal touch that warms my heart and impresses my loved ones. I find that the dough is easy to work with, and you can season them with your favorite herbs or spices to suit your taste. Which is precisely why I keep coming back to this recipe year after year.

Created by

Opal Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-13T01:17:34.979Z

As I experimented with different recipes for snacks, I discovered that making crackers from scratch is not only fun but also incredibly rewarding. I remember the first time these heart-shaped crackers came out of the oven, golden brown and perfectly crisp! The aroma that filled my kitchen made my whole family curious and excited to taste them.

One tip I learned is to let the dough rest before rolling it out. This helps in rolling the dough smoothly and achieves that delightful crunch when baked. It’s these small preparations that can elevate a simple recipe into something truly special for my loved ones.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crispy texture that adds a crunch to any dish
Customizable with herbs or spices to fit any occasion
Perfectly shaped hearts that make snack time unique

Crafting the Perfect Dough

The foundation of these heart-shaped crackers is a well-made dough that balances just the right amount of butter and flour. Chilling the butter is crucial, as it helps create a flaky texture. Ensure your butter is very cold; this will prevent it from melting into the flour too quickly and result in a richer crumb. When mixing, a pastry cutter or your fingertips will do wonders for maintaining the integrity of the butter pieces—these small lumps are vital for achieving a crispy cracker.

As you gradually add cold water, watch for the dough to come together without becoming overly wet. A dough that’s too soft may not hold its heart shape, while one that’s too dry can be tough. If you find your dough crumbly, add an extra teaspoon of water, but avoid overworking it. Once you have a unified ball, wrap it in plastic wrap and allow it to rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and makes rolling much smoother.

Baking Tips for Success

When it comes to baking these crackers, setting your oven to exactly 350°F (175°C) is important for achieving an even bake. Use an oven thermometer if you have one, as inaccurate oven temperatures can result in undercooked or overly browned crackers. While baking, keep a close eye on them – golden edges are your best indicator that they’re ready. If the edges darken too quickly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure an even color.

After removing the crackers from the oven, resist the urge to move them too soon. Letting them cool on a wire rack allows them to crisp up further, which is essential for enjoyable texture. If any appear to be less crisp than desired, you can always return them to the oven for an additional minute or two. Just keep a watchful eye on them to avoid burning—the right balance between time and temperature is key for perfection!

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Ingredients for Heart Shaped Crackers

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3-4 tablespoons cold water

These ingredients blend together to create a rich and flavorful dough.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your heart-shaped crackers.

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, and Parmesan. Add the chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.

Roll and Cut

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently. Roll it out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out crackers and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Bake the Crackers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crackers for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy your homemade heart-shaped crackers with your favorite dips or spreads!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try experimenting with different cheeses or spices in the dough. You could even sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for an extra touch.

Flavor Variations

While this recipe calls for garlic powder and Parmesan cheese, feel free to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Adding dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or even dill can enhance the flavor. For a kick, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or some freshly cracked black pepper. If you want a different cheese, grated cheddar or feta would work wonderfully too—just adapt the quantity for the desired taste intensity.

If you’re avoiding dairy, substituting the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine can yield satisfying results. Just remember that using a different fat may result in a subtle change in flavor, so aim for options that complement the addition of herbs for a well-rounded snack.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These heart-shaped crackers are excellent for making ahead of time. Once baked, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well, so if you plan to prepare them in advance for a gathering, simply lay them in a single layer in a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until they regain their crispness.

This recipe is also easily scalable; consider doubling it for larger gatherings without compromising on the quality. Just ensure you allow enough space on your baking sheet to keep the crackers from sticking together. A little room goes a long way in keeping them perfectly crisp.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may result in a denser cracker.

→ How long can I store these crackers?

You can store them in an airtight container for up to one week.

→ Can I add different seasonings to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices.

→ What can I pair these crackers with?

They go great with cheese spreads, dips, or even on their own as a snack!