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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.
vickie says
Our hostess for the book club I am part of just served these trader joe crackers with brie baked with fig jam, and rosemary all wrapped in puff pastry......what a delight to the taste buds! I am going to try this recipe. Thank you!
Susan says
I've made the Raincoast crackers which I loved and can't wait to try these too! Thanks for reposting, Chris. Fall is the perfect time to bake, ahhough it's 96 here today. Crazy
Linda Hollingsworth says
Hi Chris,
Can you tell me where to purchase the straight sided mason jars and your method and product of choice to grease them well? One if my least faborite things to do is grease a pan. Do you have a tool or tips on making it simple, effective and leas messy
One more thing, describe the slicing tool you have pictured and why you like it. Does it have multiple uses?
Love your recipes.
Linda
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Linda! Sorry to be so slow to answer this. I though I had done it awhile back. I just spray the mason jars with cooking spray. They are the 8-ounce size you can purchase at any grocery store. The slicing tool is nothing fancy, just a serrated knife 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I see those often at my local Fresh Market Chris but seldom buy them because of the price. So excited to try your recipe at home! Woohoo! Perfect for my fall cheese boards! Thank you!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Since Trader Joe's is 4 hours and a border away from me, I will be making these for sure. Love these flavours together 🙂
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert says
I wish we had a Trader's Joes near our house, but I guess I don't really need one do I? I can make these myself and safe a trip to the store. Love the beautiful crisps and I bet they are terrific with just about anything. Sharing!
Liz says
Love that you shared this one again. I still bite the bullet and buy those crisps when I entertain, but I really need to try making yours! They look wonderful.
Stephanie says
These crackers are beautiful! I am so happy I saw this post today. I've been searching for "special" cracker recipes; I plan to make them and give them away as Christmas gifts this year. Thanks for having such a lovely blog. I look forward to your posts.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Stephanie, these will make wonderful gifts!
Ginny Hartzler says
This is so innovative! I have never seen a cracker recipe made this way! And you don't have to make them individually, so it saves time. Plus, they are so healthy. I would eat these with some cheese and a drink for an entire meal! Any meal of the day.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Ginny, yes I could eat them any time of the day or night too 🙂
Karen says
Oh these look delicious! Wondering if I could make them gluten free or bonus to make them paleo. Any suggestions?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Karen, since I haven't tried this in a gluten-free version I wouldn't want to given you untested advice. That being said, I would think you could just sub your favorite gluten-free flour for the wheat flour. Let me know if you try it!
Natalia says
Hi Karen! Did you figured it out how to make them gluten and dairy free ? I will really appreciate if you could share it with me!!
Thanks
Linda Dawson says
I have two of those shaped baking tubes from Pampered Chef stored away, perfect for this recipe!! Can't wait to try it.
Chris Scheuer says
Cool Linda! Have fun, they are shatteringly delicious!
Carol says
while doing my usual scrolling, I happened upon this site - I have to say that this is one of the most interesting sites that I have come across = the recipes are fabulous - this recipe, and wow! banana jam = insane! It is absolutely fabulous - I am now a subscriber and thank you in advance for wonderful recipes to come.
Chris Scheuer says
Carol, you are so welcome! And thanks for joining us! Check out the archives section, we're about 800 recipes deep!
Claudine says
Well! It's a winner!
It's so good!
It's a keeper for me, thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for your comment Claudine, happy holidays!
Chivonne Graff says
Here in Canada there is a company with similar crackers called 'Raincoast Crisps'. Recipe is similar. My tip is this - instead of baking rounds in the oven, I put them in the dehydrator. They maintain their crunch for much longer.
Chris Scheuer says
Chivonne, that's a great idea! I never thought of that. Thanks for stopping by The Café!
Joan says
How long do you "bake" in the dehydrator? Aynwhat temp?
Annemarie says
These look amazing! I will be making these for our Christmas gathering. I don't have flax seeds. But, I do have ground flax seed. I am assuming it is not the same? Could I substitute the flax seed for chia seeds? I have those on the house and I really don't feel like going to the busy grocery store. Thanks! By the way, I just found your website and I am totally addicted! I have to put a time limit on how much time I spend here 😉
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Annemarie, ground flax will work just fine. It's actually absorbed better than flax seed.
SharonF says
Now if you can come up with a recipe for the Fig crackers. Haven't tried them, but they looked really good.
Maureen, Milwaukee says
Just made these as the savory addition to the Christmas cookie line-up. Wonderful aroma while baking, beautiful and inviting appearance when baked. What a treat for grown-ups tired of gingerbread men! Thanks for working out this recipe for us all--
Beth says
So excited to make these as I went to stock up at TJs and they have pulled all pumpkin items from the shelves because it's "seasonal." It's not even thanksgiving yet! Anyway have everything to make these except no mason jars that size. Any way to substitute? Cooking sheet and cookie cutters? Would that change the baking time? Please help! Desperately want these back in my life!! 🙂 thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Beth,
You could also make these in small loaf pans. I actually think that's what TJ's does. Also if you save small aluminum cans (without a lip), they will work well. I have also make these in an 8x8 pan and then sliced them into long rectangular shaped crackers. Great for dipping.
Lisa says
How long do you bake if using 8x8 pan... Same?
JJ says
When I first found the TJ's rosemary raisin crisps, I found a copy cat recipe on line, and now I've got this one too - thank you. Oh, and for any bakers who LOVE kitchen gadgets, I found cylinder baking tubes...in Japan. I bought the round ones and they're about 1.5 inches in diameter. Haven't used them yet, but if you're interested: http://global.rakuten.com/en/search/?sid=kwtdi&tl=550067
Thanks! jj
Chris Scheuer says
Very cool! Thanks.
Rhonda says
Thank you so much for this recipe! I made this crisps yesterday to take to a dinner party. They were delicious and a big hit! Thank you! 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
So happy you had good success and enjoyed them!
Tammy says
These look amazing! Even though we aren't big pumpkin-eaters in my house (well, mostly my husband - I like it in lots of things, just not puree where it's not cooked again or baked into anything) I think we would like these. I saw a recipe online to make a pumpkin flour/powder by dehydrating pumpkin and grinding it, so I might try that in place of some of the flour and still use the puree for more flavor. Thanks for being so inventive and creative!
Tracy says
These look beautiful! I wonder if I could substitute pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds) for the sunflower seeds -- I happen to have a ton of them...
Chris Scheuer says
Definitely!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
What a great idea, Chris! I love Trader Joe's stuff and will be even happier for making these for pennies. Pumpkin and cranberry go well together. These are just perfect for the holidays.
Liz says
I have eaten the WF version (Rainbow Crisps) but cringe when I think of their price! They are so darn tasty and I'm thrilled to be able to make them at home! You're a genius, my friend!
Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness says
These crackers sound wonderful. They sound like they would have a wonderful taste to them.