Homemade Animal Crackers Recipe

Introduction

These homemade animal crackers are a delightful treat that combines a slightly sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor with a crisp texture. Perfect for snacks or lunchboxes, they can be shaped with fun cookie cutters to add a playful touch.

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 softened butter, sugar, and honey until well combined and smooth.
2. Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and whisk until smooth.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, kneading gently by hand just until the dough comes together.
4. Step 4: Shape the dough into a flattened disc, wrap it tightly in cling wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
6. Step 6: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough to about ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness, keeping the remaining dough refrigerated until ready to use.
7. Step 7: Use animal-shaped cookie cutters or any shapes you prefer to cut out the dough. Arrange the crackers on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch (3 cm) apart.
8. Step 8: Bake the crackers for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown.
9. Step 9: Allow the crackers to cool on the baking sheets for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack or serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a sweeter version, add a little more honey or sprinkle with a tiny bit of sugar before baking.
• Try swapping the cinnamon for ground nutmeg or ginger for a different spice flavor.
• If you don’t have cookie cutters, use a knife to cut the dough into small rectangles or squares.
• Make the dough ahead and freeze it for up to a month; thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.

Storage

Store cooled animal crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. To keep them crisp, avoid humidity. If desired, reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes to refresh their crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour only?

Yes, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture, though the flavor will be milder.

Can I make these gluten-free?

To make gluten-free animal crackers, try using a gluten-free flour blend that measures like all-purpose flour. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.

Homemade Animal Crackers Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 51 reviews

Delight in these homemade animal crackers, a wholesome and nostalgic treat made with a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flours, subtly sweetened with honey and cinnamon. Perfectly crisp, lightly golden, and fun-shaped, these crackers offer a wholesome snack option that’s easy to bake at home.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24–30 crackers depending on size 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sweeteners: 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: Whisk in the large egg and vanilla extract until the batter becomes smooth and homogenous.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
4. Mix Dough: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet butter mixture. Use your hands if needed to knead gently until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
5. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a flattened disc, wrap it tightly in cling wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll. It can be used immediately, but chilling improves handling.
6. Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half the dough to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness while keeping the rest refrigerated and covered.
8. Cut Shapes: Use animal cookie cutters or any preferred shapes to cut out the dough. Place cookies about 1 inch (3 cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden brown.
10. Cool and Store: Allow the crackers to cool on the baking sheets for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted before creaming.
• Chilling the dough helps with rolling and prevents sticking or tearing.
• You can substitute some of the whole wheat flour with oat flour for a different texture.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness.
• These crackers can be enjoyed plain or with a little peanut butter or jam.

Keywords: homemade animal crackers, animal cookies, baked snacks, cinnamon cookies, whole wheat crackers, easy cookie recipe