Ingredients
Method
To make the dough:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution, then set the mixture aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a handheld electric mixer, beat the softened butter and packed light brown sugar together on medium speed. Continue creaming for about 3 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
- Lower the mixer speed and gradually add in the dry ingredients. Blend until a soft, cohesive dough begins to form, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed to fully incorporate.
- Pour in the milk, honey, and vanilla extract, blending again until the dough is smooth, sticky, and pliable.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each into a disc shape, wrap securely in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to firm up.
To roll and bake the dough:
- Position an oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously flour a clean work surface or a large piece of parchment paper. Place one disc of dough in the center and gently pat it into a rough 5-by-6-inch rectangle.
- Dust the top of the dough with additional flour, flip, and repeat dusting. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough evenly from the center outward, lightly dusting with more flour as needed to prevent sticking. Aim for a sheet roughly 15-by-11 inches in size and about 1/8 inch thick.
- Carefully slide the parchment and dough onto a baking sheet. Brush off any excess flour from the surface. Repeat the process with the second disc of dough.
- For a traditional store-bought appearance, score the dough into twelve 2 1/4-by-4 3/4-inch rectangles. Dock each rectangle with a bamboo skewer or the thin end of a chopstick to create the signature perforations. Alternatively, leave the dough whole for a more rustic presentation.
- Bake the sheets in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crackers are firm to the touch and develop a rich, golden-brown hue.
- Immediately after baking, while still warm, cut along the scored lines with a sharp knife or use a pizza wheel to craft free-form shapes. Allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring.
- Store the graham crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months for extended freshness.
