Delicious 100 Percent Whole Wheat Grahams and an Exciting Giveaway

Mastering Homemade 100% Whole Wheat Graham Crackers: A Wholesome Recipe & An Exciting Wondermill Giveaway!

I have a little confession to make about my baking habits. Unlike some intuitive bakers who can effortlessly improvise, I’m typically a creature of recipes. My process usually involves starting with one, or often two or three, and meticulously adapting them until I achieve the perfect result. I tend to make gradual adjustments – usually just one or two at a time – to avoid any disastrous, inedible outcomes. While I do have a mental catalog of “safe” modifications, major overhauls aren’t my usual style. This is why I’m particularly proud to share that for this recipe, I barely glanced at a couple of existing graham cracker recipes before confidently deciding to develop this one from scratch. Granted, graham crackers might not be the most complex bake, but the satisfaction of creating these delightful treats fills me with a genuine sense of accomplishment!

Creating your own graham crackers offers a multitude of benefits, from controlling the quality of ingredients to enjoying the unparalleled freshness that simply can’t be found in store-bought alternatives. By using 100% whole wheat flour, we’re not only boosting the nutritional value but also introducing a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the classic graham cracker taste. This recipe embraces a wholesome approach, ensuring that every bite is not only delicious but also contributes to a healthier snack option for you and your family.

Discovering Graham Buttons: A Fun Twist on Classic Crackers

As you might have noticed from the first picture, I ventured beyond traditional squares and made adorable “Graham Buttons”! The truth is, I can get a little antsy with the repetitive process of rolling out dough and meticulously cutting cookies. It’s a fantastic activity, but sometimes my patience wears thin. So, with the remaining dough from my graham cracker batch, I decided to get creative. I simply pinched off small pieces, roughly 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons each, rolled them into neat little balls, and then gently flattened them with the floured bottom of a cup. To give them that signature graham cracker look, I poked them with a chopstick. It probably ended up being just as time-consuming as rolling out more traditional cookies, but for some reason, this playful method annoys me considerably less! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get the kids involved – they absolutely love the squishing part much more than the precise rolling.

This “Graham Buttons” approach is perfect for those who enjoy a more rustic look or simply want a fun, bite-sized snack. The uneven edges and charming round shapes add a homemade appeal that’s truly endearing. They bake up beautifully and offer the same satisfying crunch and flavor as their square counterparts, just in a more whimsical form. It’s a testament to how even simple recipes can be adapted to fit your mood and creative spirit in the kitchen.

Perfect Pairings: Enjoying Your Homemade Graham Crackers

Of course, no graham cracker experience is complete without a delightful accompaniment. My personal favorite way to enjoy these homemade treats is with a generous dollop of peanut butter. I even tried spreading peanut butter between the Graham Buttons, but I found them a little too thick for a perfect sandwich. For an ideal snack, I heartily suggest pairing these wholesome graham crackers with a tall glass of cold milk, right alongside an open jar of your favorite peanut butter. You simply can’t go wrong with that classic combination – it’s pure comfort food at its best.

Beyond the beloved peanut butter, these homemade graham crackers are incredibly versatile. Imagine them as the base for a homemade s’mores bar, offering a deeper, nuttier flavor than store-bought versions. They are also fantastic crushed into crumbs for a cheesecake crust, providing a superior texture and taste. For a lighter treat, simply enjoy them plain with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack. Their subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch make them a perfect canvas for countless pairings, whether with fresh fruit, a dollop of cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. The possibilities are truly endless, making them a staple in any health-conscious kitchen.

Unlock Freshness: An Exciting Wondermill Electric Grain Mill Giveaway!

Now, onto even more exciting news! I am absolutely thrilled to announce a fantastic giveaway for you all. The incredibly generous team at Wondermill is sponsoring a giveaway for one of their top-of-the-line Electric Grain Mills. I had the pleasure of reviewing this exceptional appliance previously in this post, and my enthusiasm for it has only grown since then.

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Since my initial review, my Wondermill Electric Grain Mill has become an indispensable tool in my kitchen. The ability to grind fresh flour at home has revolutionized my baking, allowing me to achieve unparalleled freshness and control over my ingredients. This machine consistently produces high-quality flour with incredible ease, and I am beyond excited to offer one of you the chance to experience this culinary game-changer! Even if you follow a gluten-free diet, please don’t feel excluded from this amazing opportunity. The Wondermill is remarkably versatile. Be sure to check out Will It Grind to explore the extensive list of items this mill can process. It handles a wide variety of grains, including brown and white rice, lentils, beans, and numerous other gluten-free options, opening up a world of possibilities for your gluten-free baking and cooking. Just remember to consult the list of items it’s not suited for grinding, which primarily includes nuts and seeds that are generally better suited for a food processor anyway.

Owning a grain mill transforms your kitchen into a hub of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Imagine baking with flour that was ground just moments before, retaining all its natural nutrients, flavors, and aromas. This mill empowers you to experiment with different whole grains, discover unique flavor profiles, and customize the texture of your flour to suit any recipe. It’s an investment in healthier eating and more flavorful baking, making this giveaway a truly valuable prize for any home cook passionate about quality ingredients.

**Giveaway is now closed!**

How to Enter the Wondermill Giveaway

There are three distinct ways to enter this fantastic giveaway, increasing your chances to win this incredible Wondermill Electric Grain Mill! Please ensure you leave a separate comment for each entry you make, as this helps in accurately tracking all submissions. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your baking!

Mandatory Entry:

  • Simply leave a comment below this post telling me what your absolute favorite whole grain flour or gluten-free flour is! We’d love to hear your preferences and perhaps get inspired by your choices.

For Two Extra Optional Entries:

  • First Extra Entry: Like Wondermill on Facebook. Once you’ve done that, return to this page and leave a separate comment letting me know that you’ve liked their page. This helps spread the word about this amazing company!
  • Second Extra Entry: Choose ONE of the following actions to earn your second optional entry:
    • Follow Food Doodles on Twitter.
    • Like Food Doodles on Facebook.
    • Share this page with your friends on Facebook or Twitter using the convenient share buttons located at the bottom of this post.

    After completing your chosen action, come back here and leave a separate comment informing me of what you did. If you are already following Food Doodles on Twitter or Facebook, that absolutely counts! Just leave a comment stating that you are a current follower to claim your entry.

Unfortunately, due to shipping restrictions and logistical considerations, this giveaway is exclusively open to those with a valid US mailing address. My sincere apologies to all my wonderful international readers – I truly wish I could extend this opportunity globally! The giveaway will conclude promptly on Wednesday, March 21st, at noon MST. I will personally email the lucky winner (so please make sure to accurately fill out your email address when you leave your comment!) and announce the winner in a follow-up post either that same afternoon or the very next day. Good luck to everyone!

**Giveaway is now closed!**

The Recipe: 100% Whole Wheat Graham Crackers from Scratch

100% Whole Wheat Graham Crackers

Yields: Approximately 3 dozen traditional crackers or many Graham Buttons
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
Bake time: 11-13 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 C whole wheat pastry flour (preferably from soft wheat, either white or red, for a tender crumb)
  • 1 C whole wheat bread flour, coarsely ground if possible (flour from hard wheat for structure – if unavailable, use an additional 1/4 C whole wheat pastry flour)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt (enhances flavor and balances sweetness)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (for that classic graham cracker spice)
  • 1/4 C coconut oil, melted (or any high-quality, flavorless oil like grapeseed or light olive oil)
  • 1/4 C honey (a natural liquid sweetener; maple syrup or agave will work just as well)
  • 2 tbsp blackstrap molasses (adds a deep, rich flavor and characteristic color; regular baking molasses can be substituted)
  • 1/4 C brown sugar, packed (for moisture and sweetness)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for aromatic depth)
  • 2 tbsp milk (dairy or a plant-based alternative like almond milk works perfectly)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Your Oven & Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to a steady 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, whole wheat bread flour (or additional pastry flour), baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil (ensure it’s melted if using, but not hot), honey, blackstrap molasses (or substitute), vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk until all these liquid ingredients are well combined and uniform.
  4. Integrate Wet into Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined and all the flour mixture has been incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much and lead to tough crackers. If the dough seems too dry or crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of extra milk at a time until it just comes together.
  5. Chilling the Dough (for rolling): If you plan to roll out and cut traditional graham crackers, divide the dough into two equal pieces. Wrap each piece snugly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, for a quicker chill, place them in the freezer for about 10 minutes. While it’s possible to roll out the dough immediately, chilling helps it firm up, making it much easier to handle and less sticky.
  6. Making Graham Buttons (no chilling needed): If you prefer the charming “Graham Buttons,” skip the chilling step. Pinch off pieces of dough approximately 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons in size. Roll them into small balls. Then, gently flatten each ball with the smooth, floured underside of a cup to prevent sticking, pressing them to about 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick. Using a chopstick or a skewer, poke 4 holes in the center of each cookie. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheets.
  7. Baking Graham Buttons: Bake the Graham Buttons for 12-13 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
  8. Rolling and Cutting Traditional Crackers: If you opted to chill your dough, take out one piece at a time. On a lightly floured surface (or directly on your parchment paper/silicone mat with a piece of plastic wrap over the dough to prevent sticking to the rolling pin), roll out the dough until it is uniformly 1/8″ thick. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, trim off any uneven edges to create clean lines. Then, cut the remaining dough into even squares or rectangles of your desired size. Carefully transfer these cutouts to your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1/2″ apart. Gently prick each cracker a few times with a fork. (Tip: You can also bake the crackers without separating them after cutting if you roll them out directly on the parchment. The edges won’t be as crisp, but you can simply run a knife over the cuts while they’re still hot from the oven before letting them cool completely.)
  9. Baking Traditional Crackers: Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Remember to rotate the baking pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
  10. Cooling: Allow the crackers to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.
  11. Storage: Once completely cool, store your homemade 100% Whole Wheat Graham Crackers in an airtight bag or container at room temperature. They will retain their freshness and crispness for up to a week.
  12. Achieving Extra Crispiness (if needed): If your crackers feel slightly soft after cooling completely, don’t worry! You can easily make them crispier. Return them to a preheated oven at 250-300 degrees F (120-150 degrees C) for an additional 5-10 minutes. This low-temperature drying process will help them achieve that perfect, snappy texture.

Why Make Your Own Graham Crackers? Benefits Beyond the Recipe

Beyond the simple pleasure of baking, choosing to make your own 100% whole wheat graham crackers offers significant advantages. Firstly, you gain complete control over the ingredients, ensuring no artificial flavors, preservatives, or high-fructose corn syrup make their way into your snacks. This is particularly important for families looking for healthier alternatives to processed foods. Secondly, the flavor of freshly baked graham crackers, especially those made with whole grains, is simply superior. The subtle notes of honey, molasses, and cinnamon are more pronounced and authentic, providing a truly satisfying taste experience that mass-produced crackers simply can’t match.

Furthermore, using a grain mill like the Wondermill allows you to grind your own whole wheat flour, maximizing freshness and nutritional value. Freshly ground flour retains more of its natural oils, vitamins, and minerals, which can degrade over time in store-bought flour. This not only contributes to a healthier end product but also imparts a depth of flavor and texture that elevates your baking to a new level. It’s an empowering way to embrace wholesome eating and connect more deeply with the food you prepare.

Conclusion: Your Kitchen, A Hub of Wholesome Creations

Embarking on the journey of making your own 100% whole wheat graham crackers is a rewarding experience, transforming a simple snack into a wholesome, flavorful treat. Whether you opt for the classic squares or the whimsical Graham Buttons, you’ll be delighted by the ease and deliciousness of this recipe. And remember, the opportunity to enhance your baking even further is at your fingertips with our exciting Wondermill Electric Grain Mill giveaway. Imagine the possibilities of fresh-ground flours right in your own kitchen!

So, gather your ingredients, unleash your inner baker, and don’t forget to enter the Wondermill giveaway for a chance to win a tool that could revolutionize your approach to whole-grain baking. Happy baking, and good luck to all participants!