Festive star-shaped crackers dip

Featured in: Seasonal Cooking Ideas

These festive star-shaped crackers are crisp and flavorful, made from a simple dough enhanced with herbs. Baked to golden perfection, they pair perfectly with a creamy, herb-infused dip center that adds a smooth contrast. Ideal for holiday gatherings, these crackers are designed for easy sharing and dipping. The combination of buttery crackers and fresh chive and parsley dip creates a delightful, approachable snack that can be prepared quickly for any occasion.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:25:00 GMT
Golden, star-shaped Holiday Crackers served on a platter, ready to be dipped into the creamy center. Pin it
Golden, star-shaped Holiday Crackers served on a platter, ready to be dipped into the creamy center. | smartyskitchen.com

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

This recipe brings festive cheer to our celebrations and is always a crowd-pleaser.

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.
Add liquids:
Stir in cold water and olive oil until a dough forms. Knead briefly on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
Roll and cut:
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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This recipe has become a family favorite during holiday gatherings and creates wonderful memories around the table.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) milk (dairy). Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens or cross-contamination if concerned.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (2 crackers plus dip): 80 calories 4 g total fat 9 g carbohydrates 2 g protein

Crispy Holiday Crackers feature a star shape, perfectly complementing the creamy herb dip in the middle. Pin it
Crispy Holiday Crackers feature a star shape, perfectly complementing the creamy herb dip in the middle. | smartyskitchen.com

These holiday crackers make entertaining effortless and tastier.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What herbs work best in the cracker dough?

Thyme and rosemary enhance the dough with warm, aromatic notes without overpowering the crisp texture.

Can I prepare the crackers in advance?

Yes, you can bake the crackers ahead and store them in an airtight container to maintain crispness until serving.

What is the best way to serve the dip and crackers?

Arrange crackers around a small bowl of creamy dip for an inviting presentation that encourages sharing and dipping.

How can the dough be altered for extra flavor?

Brushing the dough with olive oil and sprinkling sea salt or adding grated Parmesan before baking intensifies the taste.

Are there easy substitutions for sour cream in the dip?

Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a tangy, lighter option without compromising creaminess.

Festive star-shaped crackers dip

Crisp star crackers paired with creamy herb dip, perfect for festive gatherings and easy sharing.

Prep Time
25 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American

Makes 12 Portions

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

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 cold unsalted butter, 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 finely chopped chives
04 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

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: Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and dried herbs if using in a large bowl.

Step 03

Incorporate butter: Add cold cubed butter to the flour mixture and rub in until coarse crumbs form.

Step 04

Form dough: Stir in cold water and olive oil until dough forms. Knead briefly on a floured surface until smooth.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Bake crackers: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Let cool completely.

Step 08

Prepare dip: Combine cream cheese, sour cream, chives, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 09

Serve: Arrange crackers around a small bowl of dip on a serving platter or place dip in a shallow bowl with crackers radiating outward. Serve immediately.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 80
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 2 g