Homemade Animal Crackers Recipe

Introduction

These homemade animal crackers are a delightful treat that’s both fun and easy to make. Crisp, lightly sweetened, and flavored with a hint of cinnamon, they’re perfect for snacking or sharing with kids.

Ingredients

• 9 tablespoons (4 ½ oz/129 g) butter, softened
• ¼ cup (2 oz/57 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (5 oz/142 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (5 oz/142 g) whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and honey until well combined.
2. Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla extract, then whisk until the mixture is smooth.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually mix this into the butter mixture. Knead gently by hand just until the dough comes together.
4. Step 4: Shape the dough into a flattened disc, wrap it in cling wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. While you can use the dough immediately, chilling makes it easier to roll out.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
6. Step 6: On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough to a ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness. Keep the remaining dough covered and chilled until ready to roll.
7. Step 7: Use animal-shaped cookie cutters or any cookie cutters you prefer to cut out shapes. Place the crackers about 1 inch (3 cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Step 8: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown.
9. Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for at least 5 minutes before enjoying.

Tips & Variations

• For a sweeter bite, sprinkle a little extra sugar on the cookies before baking.
• Substitute half of the whole wheat flour with oat flour for a different texture.
• If you don’t have cookie cutters, use a knife to cut the dough into simple rectangles or fun shapes freehand.
• Store leftover dough in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Storage

Once completely cooled, store your animal crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 7 days. To keep them crisp, avoid sealing them while still warm. Reheat briefly in a low oven if they soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose and whole wheat flours with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help bind the dough.

Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?

Absolutely! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in equal amounts, which will still provide sweetness and moisture.

Homemade Animal Crackers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 109 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 30–40 animal crackers depending on size 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Homemade Animal Crackers are a delightful, lightly sweetened treat with a perfect crunchy texture. Made with a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flours, honey, and cinnamon, they offer a wholesome twist on the classic snack. Perfect for kids and adults alike, these crackers are easy to make and bake to a beautiful golden brown, ideal for snacking or lunchbox treats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 9 tablespoons (4 ½ oz/129 g) butter, softened
• ¼ cup (2 oz/57 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup (5 oz/142 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (5 oz/142 g) whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Cream Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and honey until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth batter.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon thoroughly.
4. Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Use your hands to gently knead just until the dough comes together into a cohesive ball.
5. Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a flattened disc, wrap it tightly in cling wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to roll out.
6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the chilled dough to a ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness, keeping the remaining dough refrigerated until ready to use.
8. Cut Shapes: Use animal-shaped cookie cutters or any preferred shapes to cut out the dough. Place the crackers about 1 inch (3 cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
10. Cool and Store: Allow the crackers to cool on the baking sheets for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack or container. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Notes

• Chilling the dough helps make rolling and cutting easier and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• You can substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour if you prefer a lighter texture, but whole wheat adds a lovely nutty flavor.
• Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming with sugar.
• Store the animal crackers in an airtight container to maintain their crispness for up to a week.
• Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: homemade animal crackers, animal crackers recipe, homemade snacks, baked cookies, crunchy animal cookies, kid-friendly snacks