Homemade Animal Crackers + Frosted Animal Cookies
Recipe Overview
Overview
Homemade Animal Crackers are a delightful twist on a classic snack that many of us remember from childhood. The process begins with creaming together butter and sugar, which creates a rich base for the cookies. Adding in an egg, honey, and vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and flavor profile, making these crackers not just tasty but also nostalgic.
The dough is then rolled out and cut into fun animal shapes, which adds an element of creativity to the baking process. It’s a great way to involve kids in the kitchen, as they can help with cutting out the shapes and decorating the finished cookies. Once baked, these animal crackers have a perfect crunch, and the icing adds a sweet touch that elevates them to a special treat.
What I love most about this recipe is how it encourages mindfulness in cooking. Taking the time to appreciate the textures and smells of the dough while shaping the cookies makes the experience more enjoyable. Plus, the satisfaction of seeing the finished product is truly rewarding. These homemade crackers are not only delicious but also a fun way to create lasting memories in the kitchen.
If you’re looking to take these to the next level, consider making iced animal crackers. The icing can be customized with food coloring and sprinkles, making them visually appealing and perfect for any occasion. Whether for a birthday party or just a fun afternoon snack, these homemade animal crackers are sure to be a hit.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Use a hand mixer to cream together butter and sugar.
Add an egg, honey, vanilla extract, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
Add flour and mix to combine until a dough forms.
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and transfer to the freezer to firm up.
Cut the disc in half and place one half back in the fridge.
Roll the other half out between two sheets of parchment until it's about an eighth to a quarter inch thick.
Tip: If your dough softens too much, put it back into the fridge or freezer for five to ten minutes to firm up.
Dip cookie cutters into flour to avoid sticking, then cut out animal shapes from the dough.
Tip: This recipe requires some patience and mindfulness, which can enhance your enjoyment of the process.
Transfer cut-out shapes to a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Bake in the oven until done.
Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire baking rack.
Add milk to powdered sugar until you get the right consistency for icing.
Tip: Add milk to powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until you get the right consistency for icing.
Make a second bowl of icing and add a drop of red food dye to make it pink.
Dip animal crackers into the glaze until completely submerged.
Use a fork to lift them out and drip off the excess icing.
Place iced cookies onto a baking rack or parchment sheet.
Tip: Add sprinkles before the icing hardens so that they'll stick.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Animal crackers originated in the 19th century and were initially made as a children's snack.
- •The dough for animal crackers can be flavored with spices like cinnamon for added depth.
- •Icing can be customized with different colors and flavors to make the cookies more festive.
- •Using cookie cutters can create fun shapes that appeal to children and make baking more enjoyable.
