Autumn is the season of cozy flavors, crisp air, and the warm aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through kitchens everywhere. Nothing captures that feeling quite like homemade Pumpkin Graham Crackers. These delightful treats combine the comforting essence of pumpkin with classic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creating a snack that’s perfect for everything from afternoon tea to holiday baking projects.
Baking these crackers at home is more than just making a snack—it’s a fun and rewarding experience. The dough is soft and pliable, infused with rich pumpkin flavor and a touch of honey for subtle sweetness. Once baked, the crackers have a delicate crispness and a hint of fall spice that’s irresistible. Unlike store-bought graham crackers, these homemade versions are free from unnecessary additives, customizable, and bursting with seasonal charm. Whether you’re enjoying them on their own, dunked in milk, or crushed for a pie crust, these pumpkin graham crackers are sure to become a fall favorite in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Pumpkin Graham Crackers are soft, spiced, and slightly sweet crackers made with pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and classic fall spices. Finished with a cinnamon-pumpkin sugar topping, they are perfect as a snack, for s’mores, or as a crunchy addition to desserts. Simple to make, these homemade crackers deliver warm seasonal flavors in every bite.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
For the Crackers:
- 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- ½ cup (107g) packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 7 Tbsp (100g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 4 ½ Tbsp pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 Tbsp honey
Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together to evenly distribute the spices.
2. Cut in the Butter
Add the cold butter pieces to the dry mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. The small chunks of butter are key to creating tender, flaky crackers.
3. Add Pumpkin and Honey
Stir in the pumpkin puree and honey. Mix until a cohesive dough forms. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add ½ teaspoon of water to help it come together.
Tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and tender.
4. Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and flatten each portion into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and cut.
5. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350º F (175º C). Remove one disk of dough from the fridge while the other remains chilled.
6. Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour a silicone baking mat or clean surface. Flatten the dough disk and roll it out to approximately ½ cm thickness. Lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking as you roll.
7. Cut and Decorate
Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough into squares. Use a fork to poke two holes in each cracker—this prevents puffing while baking. Mix together the cinnamon-pumpkin sugar topping and sprinkle evenly over the squares.
Tip: Be gentle when transferring the dough to avoid tearing the crackers.
8. Bake the Crackers
Place the baking mat or lined sheet pan in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. For softer crackers, remove at 20 minutes. For crunchier crackers, bake an additional 5-8 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool and Store
While the crackers are still warm, use the pizza cutter to rescore the lines if needed. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Proper storage ensures they stay crisp and fresh for several days.
Baking Tips & Variations
1. Spice Customization
Adjust the fall spices to your preference. More cinnamon intensifies warmth, while adding a touch of cloves or cardamom creates a unique twist.
2. Gluten-Free Option
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results.
3. Sweetness Adjustment
For a less sweet cracker, reduce the brown sugar slightly. You can also swap honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
4. Pumpkin Variations
Use fresh pumpkin puree for a natural, slightly earthy taste. Avoid pumpkin pie filling—it’s too sweet and can alter the dough texture.
5. Fun Shapes
Instead of squares, use cookie cutters for festive shapes like leaves or pumpkins for a seasonal touch, especially fun for kids.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin Graham Crackers are incredibly versatile:
- Enjoy as a snack on their own with tea or coffee.
- Use as crust for pumpkin pie or cheesecake.
- Serve with marshmallows for homemade fall s’mores.
- Crush them as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or parfaits.
Homemade Pumpkin Graham Crackers are a delightful way to celebrate fall flavors in a simple, fun, and delicious treat. From their tender, spiced dough to the sweet cinnamon-pumpkin sugar topping, these crackers capture the essence of autumn in every bite. Perfect for snacking, baking, or creative desserts, they are sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen. With a little prep and care, you can enjoy these warm, flavorful treats any time you crave a touch of pumpkin spice.
FAQs
1. Can I make these crackers ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer shelf life.
2. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely. Roast and puree fresh pumpkin, then use in place of canned pumpkin puree.
3. How do I make them gluten-free?
Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a binder like xanthan gum.
4. Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, reduce the brown sugar slightly or swap honey for maple syrup for a milder flavor.
5. How do I make them crispier?
Bake an extra 5–8 minutes beyond the recommended 20 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Homemade Pumpkin Graham Crackers are soft, spiced, and perfect for fall. Easy to make with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and brown sugar—ideal for snacking or desserts.