Homemade Animal Crackers Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Whisk in the large egg and vanilla extract until the batter becomes smooth and homogenous.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden brown.
- 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
Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/homemade-animal-crackers-recipe/
