animal crackers animal crackersAnimal crackers are synonymous with kids. All little ones seem to love these imaginative treats, and I’d bet you have your own fond childhood memories of eating them as well . . . with good reason. Animal crackers make everyone happy, which is why many moms keep them on hand.
In coming up with this recipe, I bought a bunch of boxed brands to investigate the ingredient lists and try to replicate the texture and flavor of the tastiest ones. I think I got pretty close.
Whether you’re making these for a birthday party, school snack, or midday treat, these Animal Crackers are sure to bring out the kid in everyone.
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground allspice or mace
½ cup sugar
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
1 teaspoon pure vanilla or lemon extract
1 large egg
1. Place the flour, oats, baking powder, salt, allspice, and sugar in a food processor and pulse to combine.
2. Add the butter and pulse to combine.
3. Add the vanilla and egg and pulse until the dough forms a ball.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ¼ inch thick and cut out animal shapes.
7. Place the cutouts on a Silpat- or parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Bake for 15 minutes and remove to a cooling rack.
TIP: The cookies can be covered and stored at room temperature up to 5 days.
TO FREEZE: After step 6, place the cutout cookies on a baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes. Remove, place in a ziplock bag, label, and freeze for up to 4 months. When ready to bake, follow cooking directions, adding 2 minutes to the baking time.
EMILEE: We love the Animal Crackers at our house! They’re definitely not just for the little kids—Mommy and Daddy love them as well! I love knowing what is in them and I can pronounce all the ingredients!
