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Make your own (Copycat) Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps! They're way easier than you think and actually taste better!
These Copycat Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps are so good and (even though Trader Joe's is much more reasonable than the gourmet grocery stores) will cost a fraction of the price!
If you've never had the opportunity to try the delicious, fall-inspired, Copycat Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps you're in for a wonderful treat! They're perfect on a cheese tray, with dips and can make a fabulous side for soups and salads.
I love that they're a healthy alternative to traditional crackers, with pumpkin puree, whole grains, oatmeal, sunflower seeds, flax seed, dried cranberries and buttermilk in the ingredient "star" roles.
Make these crackers for a fraction of the cost!
Like I said, at Trader Joe's, a small box (5.3-ounces) of this type of cracker is more reasonable than Whole Foods ($3.99) but still a bit pricey. Guess what? You can throw together a BIG batch of these Copycat Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps for less than $2.00.
Your family/friends will be over the moon when you bring a bag of these crackers tied with a pretty ribbon and a wedge of yummy cheese as a hostess gift. This would also be a wonderful treat for neighbors, teachers, hairdressers, postmen , etc.- anyone you want to say "Thanks", "I care" or "You're the best" to.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps are baked in small loaf pans, producing a square-shaped cracker. I decided to do something fun and a bit different - I made my crackers round by spooning my batter into small, well-greased straight-sided Mason jelly jars. I really like the round look on a cheese tray, but feel free to use the small loaf pans or even clean tomato paste cans (8-ounce size).
After baking, these crackers are cooled and placed in the freezer for an hour. This makes it super easy to cut the round loaves into thin slices. The slices are then placed on a sheet pan and baked a second time till super crisp (and crazy-delicious).
How did I come up with the recipe? I simply bought a box of the TJ crackers and studied the list of ingredients. It's no secret that companies are required to list ingredients according to the quantity that's contained in a particular item. For example; if flour is listed in the beginning of the list, you know that there's a decent amount of flour in the finished product. If flour is one of the last ingredients listed, there's most likely, a minuscule amount of flour included.
After that, I just played around with proportions till I got, what I think is, pretty darn close. One thing I couldn't replicate was the "pumpkin powder" used in the TJ crackers, but I actually like using real pumpkin puree better, so I spent a bit of time figuring out how to make that work.
Check your pantry right now and figure out what you need to make these fun and delicious Copycat Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps. You'll be all set for fall entertaining and gift giving!
Café Tips for making these Copycat Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps
- These crackers are double baked. First they're baked in small glass jars, cooled and the little logs are placed in the freezer for an hour. The freezing makes it easy to slice the crackers nice and thin. After the first baking, you can keep the logs in the freezer if desired for several months. When ready to slice and bake, just remove them from the freezer to thaw a bit before slicing.
- These Copycat Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps can also be baked in clean empty cans. The 8-ounce cans that tomato paste comes (or similar size cans) in would be perfect. Small loaf pans can be used too. The crackers will have a rectangular shape.
- Depending on the humidity, sometimes the crackers will loose their crispness after being stored for awhile. If that happens, just pop them back in a 350˚F oven for about 5 minutes. They'll be fresh as ever. I noticed Trader Joe's crackers will do that too after the box is opened.
- If preferred, you can use 1 cup of all-purpose flour (instead of a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat) or just 1 cup of whole wheat flour.
- Feel free to substitute difference types of nuts and seeds according to your own taste.
- This recipe calls for just 3 tablespoons of Pumpkin puree. If you're wondering about what to do with leftover pumpkin, check out this post.
If you've tried the delicious Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps from Trader Joe's, you're going to be thrilled to be able to make them yourself - for a fraction of the price! If you haven't tried them, you'll be thrilled - when you take the first bite of these Copycat Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps!
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup flax seed
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree
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Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper. Generously spray 4 8-ounce glass Mason-type jars (like this or this) with cooking spray. Set aside.
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In a large bowl combine the flour and dried cranberries. Rub mixture with your fingers to separate dried cranberries, till there are no large clumps. Add baking soda, oats, sunflower seeds, flax seed, spices, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Combine buttermilk, brown sugar and pumpkin purree. Stir till well blended. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir, just until flour disappears.
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Spoon the batter into prepared jars, filling ⅔ full then place the jars on a sheet pan. Bake for 25-28 minutes until golden and springy to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come back clean or with just a few crumbs. Allow to cool in jars for 10 minutes then remove by inverting and gently shaking the jar. Cool completely on a wire rack.
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When the loaves are cooled, place in freezer for 1 hour. This will help you to slice the crackers nice and thin.(If you end up freezing them longer than an hour, no problem. Just let them sit for about 10-15 minutes before trying to slice them.)
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Preheat oven to 300˚F. Cut loaves into ⅛-inch slices and place slices on prepared sheet pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crisp. Crackers will get even crisper as they cool. Store in an airtight container or freeze in zippered bags.
Sandra says
I've never had them before but you have piqued my interest.
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
We don't have a TJ nearby but everyone raves about their products. Thanks for sharing this recipe Chris…the crisps sound perfect to go with cheese.
Suzanne says
Hi Chris, what a lovely spread you have there. Those crackers look so hearty and delicious. Unfortunately no Trader Joe's here 🙁 but I know they have great food since my parents live in Ca. where I like to browse theirs. Love the photos, and thanks for stopping by my blog lately, miss our group of blogger friends.
Susan Moran says
Oh Chris this is brilliant --- I love the mason jar method --- those look spot on!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Sue, I was really thrilled with them (but I do get thrilled about the craziest things).
Asiya @ Chocolate & Chillies says
These look yummy! I've never had the Trader Joe ones before (we don't have them in Canada) Can't wait to give this a try!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for stopping by Asiya, I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
cheri says
Hi Chris, yes! I have tried these at Trader Joe's and I just loved them, pinned and printed. Will bring these to Thanksgiving at my daughter's house with some cheese and fruit. Thanks!!
Barbara Sory says
Chris ....is pumpkin purée the same as canned pumpkin?
Chris Scheuer says
Yes it is Barbara and I've clarified that in the recipe.
Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet} says
These are simply brilliant! Love the ones from Trader Joe's but NOW I must make my own with your lovely recipe. Hope you have a great weekend!
Carolyn says
How very clever you are! I would never think of using jars for baking. I can't wait to try these!
Jodee Weiland says
Chris, these crackers look delicious, and I'm willing to bet that they are much better than the ones you buy! I love this idea, and I can't wait to try this recipe...thanks for sharing your recipe!
Kim says
Never tasted these beacause there is no TJ around here but I bought crackers like these and these were pricey! Love thse and I will prepare some for sure:)
Robin R. says
Love Trader Joe's but can't wait to try your recipe. The crackers look just like the TJ ones.
Debra says
So, since we live in a state with antiquate liquor laws, we will never get a Trader Joe's to come to us so I relish this recipe. You are a genius, Chris. I may make these today. What a perfect snack, especially with a gooey cheese smear!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
These twice baked crackers look marvelous with all the good for you seeds!
Kristin S says
Chris, these are some of my favorites and I never ever considered being able to make them myself. I might try these!
Chris Scheuer says
Try them Kristin, I think you'll love them!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
These crisps look so good, perfect for a fall party!
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon says
So since you are married, maybe you would adopt me? I have not seen these at TJs, but I will look just to see if they have soy lecithin - oh never mind I am sure they do. Thanks for an alternative.
Chris Scheuer says
I would love to adopt you Madonna but there are times I think you might need to adopt me. You are so smart about so many things! I need to take lessons 🙂
Karilyn says
I just made them. They look just like the photo and taste awesome. Would be great with a cream cheese spread. Perfect to have on hand for the holidays. Thanks for the great recipes.
Chris Scheuer says
I love hearing from people like you Karilyn who try things and take the time to leave a comment. So happy they turned out well for you!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Chris, you make the best crisps, I have made several of your crisp recipes. All amazing! The Trader Joe ones are my favorite and I can't wait to make your copycat recipe.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Jennifer, I'm thrilled to be able to make them so inexpensively!
Susan says
I have my grocery list started. Just have to make these and soon.
Jenna says
Aren't you the clever one, and much appreciated as 1. I hate paying $6 for a box of 20 crackers and 2. We don't have a Trader Joe's 🙁 I have bought something like these at Fresh Market and they are so good! I can't wait to try this Chris, thanks so much for sharing your secret!
Monica says
These look amazing and I can't wait to make them but, I have a "silly" question. Where did you get your straight sided Mason-type jars?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Monica, that's not silly at all. I put a few links in to make this more clear. I appreciate your question. You can get these jars at Walmart, Bed, Bath and Beyond and lots of larger grocery stores too.
Sarah Rindsberg says
any chance these can be made in a loaf pan (or other pan) and sliced to avoid buying the jars?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Sarah, these could definitely be made in a loaf pan. I've done that with great results.
Vicki Bensinger says
What a riot, I just posted these yesterday only I was duplicating Lesley Stowe's Pumpkin Raincoast Crisps that they sell at Whole Foods. I haven't tried Trader Joe's. I will have to check them out.
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
Seriously LOVE this since I am basically obsessed with all of Trader Joe's. I am so amazed you were able to duplicate it! Great job Chris!
Monique says
They are BEAUTIFUL and perfect!
I will have to try the TJ's and then try yours..I doubt mine would be as round and perfect.
But keep Scott!