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Mini Animal Cracker Cookies Recipe

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4.4 from 4 reviews

These Mini Animal Cracker Cookies are delightful, soft, cinnamon-flavored cookies shaped into fun animal forms. Perfectly balanced with a hint of spice and a buttery texture, they’re ideal for decorating with colorful royal icing and sprinkles to suit any occasion. With a simple dough that’s chilled, rolled, cut, and baked, these cookies bring nostalgic charm and vibrant customization options.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more as needed for rolling and work surface
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Decoration

  • Royal Icing or Easy Cookie Icing
  • Optional: food coloring (gel recommended)
  • Rainbow sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract and continue beating on high speed for about 1 minute until fully combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat again if necessary to ensure everything is well mixed.
  3. Combine wet and dry: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. The dough will be a bit soft. If it seems too sticky and hard to roll out, add an additional tablespoon of flour.
  4. Divide and roll dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Place each portion onto lightly floured parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll each dough portion out evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
  5. Layer and chill: Dust one rolled-out dough lightly with flour, then cover it with a sheet of parchment paper. Place the second rolled dough on top. Cover the layered dough with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours, or up to 2 days to firm up.
  6. Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  7. Cut out cookies: Carefully separate the two layers of dough. If the top piece sticks, gently run your hand underneath to separate. Use animal-shaped cookie cutters to cut shapes from the dough. Re-roll remaining dough scraps as necessary to use all dough completely.
  8. Bake the cookies: Place cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 to 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Rotate baking sheets halfway through the cook time for even baking. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare icing and decorate: While cookies cool, prepare royal icing or easy cookie icing and tint with gel food coloring if desired. Dip the cooled cookies in icing and add rainbow sprinkles. Decorate directly on a baking sheet and refrigerate if needed to help the icing set faster.
  10. Serve and store: Enjoy the cookies immediately or after the icing has set. Once set, these cookies are perfect for gifting or storing. Keep covered tightly at room temperature for about 5 days or refrigerate up to 10 days for longer freshness.

Notes

  • If dough is too sticky, add additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time for easier rolling.
  • Use gel food coloring to tint icing for vibrant colors without thinning the consistency.
  • Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain softness.
  • For longer storage, refrigerate cookies covered tightly for up to 10 days.
  • Chilling the dough before cutting helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
  • Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even cookie browning.

Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/mini-animal-cracker-cookies-recipe/