Homemade Baked Goldfish Crackers Recipe for Kids

These homemade healthy goldfish crackers are quick and easy to make. They taste like the store-bought version but use just a few simple ingredients.

I first adapted this idea after making homemade Cheez-It style crackers and decided to create a goldfish-shaped variation. Cutting many small fish shapes sounded tedious until I found a 5-in-one fish cutter that cuts five small fish at once. My toddler enjoys helping cut the shapes and counting them — a fun snack + learning activity. If you enjoy store-bought goldfish, you’ll likely love this easy homemade version.

If you want more snack ideas that double as kid-friendly activities, try homemade cocoa puffs or simple peanut butter cookies.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for these homemade goldfish crackers:

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use a good-quality, lower-moisture cheddar for best texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main base for the dough.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: Adds fat and flakiness—use it cold.
• Ice Water: 1–2 tablespoons, added as needed to bring the dough together.

Recipe Substitutions & Additions

• Cheese: You can swap cheddar for another low-moisture cheese. A multi-cheese blend can work but may change flavor and texture slightly.
• Flour: Whole wheat flour can be used, though the crackers may be denser and may require different liquid amounts.
• Butter: Plant-based butter works if you prefer a dairy-free option.
• Optional seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or other spices can be added for extra flavor.

Step by Step Instructions

STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

STEP 2: In a food processor, combine shredded cheddar, flour, and cold cubed butter. Pulse in short bursts until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or sand.

STEP 3: Add 1–2 tablespoons of iced water and pulse just until the dough begins to clump together. The exact amount of water depends on humidity and the cheese moisture. Avoid over-processing.

STEP 4: Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until it holds together. Form a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

STEP 5: Roll the chilled dough to between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Use a small cookie cutter (or a fish-shaped cutter) to cut shapes, or slice the dough into small squares with a pizza wheel.

STEP 6: Re-roll scraps and continue cutting until all dough is used. Arrange pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

STEP 7: Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Baking time will vary with thickness—watch closely to prevent burning. Let crackers cool completely; they crisp up as they cool.

Storage Instructions

After cooling, store crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They may lose some crispness over time but will retain their flavor.

Tips For Success

• Use good-quality cheese. Both pre-shredded and freshly shredded cheese from a block work well.
• A reliable food processor makes the job faster and ensures an even crumb texture.
• Watch the crackers closely while baking; thin crackers can burn quickly. They will firm up as they cool.
• Customize the flavor with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
• A multi-cut fish cutter speeds up shaping, but any small cutter or a square slice will work.
• These make a great portable snack and are fun for kids to help make and count.

Other On-The-Go Snacks You’ll Love

• Carrot Cake Muffins
• Spinach Apple Baby Puffs
• Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies