Transform snack time into a delightful adventure with this fun and flavorful recipe for Cheesy Animals! These homemade animal-shaped crackers are irresistibly crisp and packed with the rich, savory goodness of sharp cheddar cheese, making them a snack that both kids and adults will devour. Made with a simple blend of pantry staples like all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, and a hint of paprika for a subtle smoky kick, these crackers are as easy to make as they are to enjoy. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create adorable animal shapes that bake to perfection in under 15 minutes. Perfect for lunchboxes, party platters, or a homemade gift, these cheesy animal crackers bring a touch of whimsy—and a whole lot of flavor—to any occasion.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a food processor, combine all-purpose flour, shredded cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, salt, and paprika. Pulse until the mixture has a sandy texture.
Add 1 tablespoon of cold water at a time, pulsing after each addition, until the dough begins to hold together but isn’t overly sticky.
Transfer the dough to a clean work surface and shape it into a compact disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Use animal-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. Transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Gather dough scraps, re-roll, and cut more shapes until all the dough is used.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crackers are lightly golden and crisp.
Allow the cheesy animal crackers to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Serving size | (465.9g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1846.6 |
Total Fat 122.4g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 76.8g | 0% |
Cholesterol 367.0mg | 0% |
Sodium 2649.9mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 122.9g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 4.3g | 0% |
Total Sugars 0.4g | |
Protein 72.7g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 1654.9mg | 0% |
Iron 7.1mg | 0% |
Potassium 185.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories