Sesame Crackers with Cranberry Cheese Spread
Total Time
1 hour and 30 minutes
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Rating
4.75 out of 5 stars
(4)
Ingredients
32 servings
- For the Crackers:
- 3/4 cup sesame seeds
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature, plus more for the baking sheets)
- 1/2 cup loosely packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- For the Cheese Spread:
- 8 Oz Mascarpone Cheese or Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (finely shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- pinch of Salt
- 1/2 cup dried Cranberries (chopped)
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Preparation
Step 1
Toast the sesame seeds in a large skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until golden, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
Step 2
Beat the butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, salt and baking powder and beat until combined, scraping down the bowl as needed. Reduce the mixer speed to low; add the flour and 1/4 cup of the toasted sesame seeds and beat until just combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes to an hour.
Step 3
Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil and butter the parchment or foil. Form teaspoonfuls of dough into small balls, then roll in the remaining 1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds, pressing to coat. Arrange the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 4
Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand.
Step 5
Bake, switching the position of the pans halfway through, until dark golden around the edges, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool 1 minute on the baking sheets, then carefully remove the cookies with a thin metal spatula and transfer to racks to cool completely.
Step 6
For the Cheese:
Step 7
Combine the mascarpone cheese, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, dried cranberries, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. MIx well.
Step 8
Spread a thick layer on each cracker or serve along side crackers as a spread.
Step 9
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