Fish Crackers Recipe

The Cutest Snack of Our Childhood

Goldfish crackers are one of those snacks etched into our memories from childhood — both for their taste and their cute little shape. Who could forget the joy of buying a small packet from the school canteen or the neighborhood shop on the way home? Just thinking about fish-, almond- or pizza-shaped crackers brings back the memory of opening the package, popping one in our mouth, and then immediately sharing them with friends. Childhood snacks were wonderful, but what made them truly special was enjoying them in the company of our closest friends.

Back then, we never thought to check ingredients or worry about additives. These days, though, many parents prefer to prepare snacks at home using healthier ingredients. And it's not just parents — people like me, who are more mindful of what they eat, also turn to homemade alternatives instead of packaged snacks. Plus, since I live abroad and can’t just grab a Tadelle or Çokoprens from the corner store, I often end up making my own versions when cravings hit. Of course, they don’t always taste exactly the same as store-bought ones.

There are a few reasons why homemade snacks don’t taste quite like the packaged versions. One major difference is the use of flavor enhancers, preservatives, and industrial processing techniques in commercial products. These elements influence everything from texture to taste. It’s nearly impossible to recreate that "factory standard" with home ingredients. But the beauty of homemade crackers lies in knowing exactly what’s in them — and having peace of mind.

What’s more, when you make snacks at home, you can tailor them to your taste. You can reduce the salt, add your favorite spices, or enrich them with cheese. In short, you can create a snack that's just right for you and your loved ones.

Here’s a great example to show just how many additives and flavorings go into commercial products: Beypazarı kurusu, a crunchy Turkish cookie, is often sold packaged, but it's still considered a relatively “natural” product thanks to local producers. When you make Beypazarı kurusu at home, you can achieve nearly the same texture and flavor as the packaged version. That’s because even the producers who cut corners usually just swap butter for margarine — which often contains butter flavor anyway, so it goes unnoticed.

But let’s not digress too much. Time to get back to the recipe — and some tips for getting it just right.

Tips for Success

– Using cold butter is key. It helps maintain the crisp texture of the crackers. If you use room-temperature butter, you’ll end up adding more flour than necessary, making the dough harder to work with and the crackers too firm.
– Rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper helps you get a smooth, even layer without needing to add more flour. This ensures crispier results during baking.
– A classic fish-shaped cutter captures the nostalgia perfectly, but if you don’t have one, any small cutter will do the trick.
– Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Once the edges of the crackers are lightly golden, it’s time to take them out. Overbaking may lead to a burnt flavor even if the color looks fine.
– Adding small eye details — like poking tiny holes with a toothpick — makes the crackers more fun, especially for kids. It takes a little extra time, but it's worth it for that fishy look.

These homemade goldfish crackers aren’t just for kids — they make a delightful snack for adults too, especially alongside a cup of tea. You can even freeze them to always have a stash on hand. Whether you're focused on healthy eating or simply want to revisit the flavors of your childhood, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Enjoy!

Bon appétit!