Transform your baking routine with these delightful frosted animal cookies. Bursting with nostalgic flavors and vibrant colors, they are perfect for family gatherings or a fun treat any day of the week.
Photos of Frosted Animal Cookies Recipe
When preparing this recipe, you might need to be aware of almond extract and rainbow nonpareil sprinkles. These ingredients may not be commonly found in your pantry but are easily available in the baking aisle of most supermarkets.
Frosted Animal Cookies Ingredients
all-purpose flour: The base of the cookies, providing structure and texture.
baking powder: Leavening agent to help the cookies rise.
salt: Enhances the flavors in the cookies.
unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their texture.
powdered sugar: Gives a smoother texture and sweetness.
egg: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor.
almond extract: Adds a subtle, nutty flavor.
rainbow nonpareil sprinkles: Adds color and a fun texture to the cookies.
half and half: Used in the icing for a creamy consistency.
pink food coloring: Adds a pop of color to the icing.
One reader, Kent Mariano says:
These frosted animal cookies are a delightful treat! The cookies are perfectly buttery and the icing adds just the right amount of sweetness. The colorful sprinkles make them fun and festive. My family couldn't stop eating them. Highly recommend for any occasion!
Key Techniques for Perfect Frosted Animal Cookies
How to cream butter and sugar: Creaming butter and sugar involves beating them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, which helps the cookies rise and gives them a tender texture.
How to roll out dough: Rolling out dough requires using a rolling pin to flatten the dough to an even thickness. Dust the work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.
How to use cookie cutters: Using cookie cutters involves pressing them into the rolled-out dough to create shapes. Ensure the cutters are sharp and press firmly to get clean edges.
How to tint icing: Tinting icing involves adding food coloring to the icing and mixing until the desired color is achieved. Use a small amount of food coloring at first and add more as needed.
How to spread icing on cookies: Spreading icing on cookies can be done with a small spatula or the back of a spoon. Apply an even layer and smooth it out for a neat finish.
How To Make Frosted Animal Cookies
Fun comes in different shapes and sizes like these animal cookies, frosted with a simple icing and decorated with sprinkles for a treat everyone will love.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Cookies:
- 2½cupsall-purpose flour
- 1tspbaking powder
- ½tspsalt
- 1cupunsalted butter,softened
- ½cupgranulated sugar
- ½cuppowdered sugar
- 1large egg
- 1½tspvanilla extract
- ¼tspalmond extract
- rainbow nonpareil sprinkles
For Icing:
- 1½cupspowdered sugar
- ¼tspvanilla extract
- 4tbsphalf and half,plus more as needed
- pink food coloring
Instructions
Cookie Dough:
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In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In the bowl of an electric stand mixer cream together butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until well combined. Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
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With the mixer set on low speed, slowly add in the flour mixture and mix until combined. Divide mixture into 2 equal portions, then shape each portion into a smooth 6-inch disk.
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Wrap with plastic wrap and chill for 1½ hours, or until firm. Alternatively, chill overnight then let rest on the counter for about 5 minutes if the dough is too firm to roll.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F during the last 10 minutes of chilling.
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Dust a clean work surface with flour then place one disk of dough on a floured surface. Dust top lightly with flour, and roll out to ¼-inch thickness. Leave the other dough disk chilled.
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Cut into mini animal shapes then use an offset spatula to transfer them to a baking sheet lined with a silicone liner or parchment paper. Leave about ¾-inch between cookies.
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Bake in preheated oven for about 7 to 11 minutes until set. Meanwhile gather scraps of dough, mash, and shape into smooth disk again and refrigerate.
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Remove from oven and cool several minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Repeat with remaining disk of dough.
Icing:
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In a medium mixing bowl whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough half and half or cream to reach a medium consistency.
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Divide mixture evenly among two bowls, tint one of them with pink coloring, and leave the other white.
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Spread over cookies and immediately sprinkle with sprinkles after frosting each one. Let rest until glaze has set.
Nutrition
- Calories: 32.78kcal
- Fat: 1.53g
- Saturated Fat: 0.95g
- Trans Fat: 0.06g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.40g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.07g
- Carbohydrates: 4.49g
- Fiber: 0.06g
- Sugar: 2.61g
- Protein: 0.33g
- Cholesterol: 5.36mg
- Sodium: 12.76mg
- Calcium: 4.12mg
- Potassium: 4.27mg
- Iron: 0.12mg
- Vitamin A: 13.01µg
- Vitamin C: 0.00mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Frosted Animal Cookies
When rolling out the cookie dough, make sure to dust both the work surface and the rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking. If the dough becomes too soft while working, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up. This will make it easier to cut out clean shapes and transfer them to the baking sheet.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix dry ingredients the night before to save time.
Use a food processor: Quickly combine butter and sugars using a food processor instead of a stand mixer.
Chill dough efficiently: Flatten dough disks to ½-inch thickness to reduce chilling time.
Roll dough between parchment: Roll out cookie dough between two sheets of parchment paper to avoid sticking and reduce cleanup.
Batch bake: Use multiple baking sheets to bake more cookies at once.
Quick icing: Use a squeeze bottle for faster and more precise icing application.
Substitute Ingredients For Frosted Animal Cookies Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may result in a denser texture.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp cream of tartar for every 1 tsp of baking powder.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used in the same quantity and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a caramel-like flavor.
powdered sugar - Substitute with homemade powdered sugar: Blend granulated sugar in a blender until it reaches a powdered consistency.
large egg - Substitute with flax egg: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a different but complementary flavor.
almond extract - Substitute with vanilla extract: Use additional vanilla extract if almond extract is not available.
rainbow nonpareil sprinkles - Substitute with colored sugar: Colored sugar can provide a similar visual effect without the crunch.
powdered sugar - Substitute with homemade powdered sugar: Blend granulated sugar in a blender until it reaches a powdered consistency.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a different but complementary flavor.
half and half - Substitute with milk and butter: Mix 3 tbsp milk with 1 tbsp melted butter to mimic the fat content of half and half.
pink food coloring - Substitute with beet juice: Beet juice can provide a natural pink color without artificial additives.
Creative Ways to Present Frosted Animal Cookies
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the cookies into delicate, bite-sized shapes to ensure an elegant presentation. Use mini animal-shaped cutters to create uniform pieces that are visually appealing.
Use decoration: After icing the cookies, immediately sprinkle with rainbow nonpareil sprinkles to add a pop of color and texture. Ensure each cookie has an even distribution of sprinkles for a professional look.
Plate with precision: Arrange the frosted animal cookies on a pristine white plate to make the colors stand out. Place them in a circular pattern or a neat grid to create a visually pleasing arrangement.
Add a touch of elegance: Garnish the plate with a few edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar around the edges to elevate the presentation. This adds a sophisticated touch that is sure to impress.
Consider texture contrast: Serve the cookies with a small side of whipped cream or a fruit coulis to provide a contrast in texture and flavor. This enhances the overall dining experience and adds a gourmet touch.
Highlight the ingredients: Use a small card or a menu insert to highlight the key ingredients used in the cookies, such as vanilla extract and almond extract. This shows attention to detail and allows diners to appreciate the quality of the ingredients.
Maintain cleanliness: Ensure that the plate and surrounding area are spotless before serving. Any smudges or crumbs should be meticulously cleaned to maintain a high standard of presentation.
Balance the colors: Use both pink and white icing to create a balanced and harmonious color scheme on the plate. Alternate the colors of the cookies to create a visually appealing pattern.
Use high-quality tools: Utilize an offset spatula for transferring the cookies to the plate to avoid any damage or smudging. This ensures that each cookie remains intact and looks perfect.
Serve at the right temperature: Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before icing and serving. This prevents the icing from melting and maintains the integrity of the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Frosted Animal Cookies
Mixing bowl: Used for combining the dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt.
Electric stand mixer: Essential for creaming together butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until well combined.
Plastic wrap: Used to wrap the dough disks for chilling.
Rolling pin: Helps in rolling out the dough to a ¼-inch thickness.
Offset spatula: Useful for transferring the cut-out animal shapes to the baking sheet.
Baking sheet: Where the cookies are placed for baking.
Silicone liner: Placed on the baking sheet to prevent cookies from sticking.
Wire rack: Used for cooling the cookies completely after baking.
Medium mixing bowl: Used for preparing the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla, and half and half.
Whisk: Helps in mixing the icing ingredients to a smooth consistency.
Food coloring: Used to tint the icing pink.
Spatula: Useful for spreading the icing over the cookies.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, sugar, and half and half.
Measuring spoons: Used for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like baking powder, salt, and extracts.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Frosted Animal Cookies
- Once the icing has completely set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra fresh, place a slice of bread in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
- If you want to freeze the cookies, it's best to do so before frosting them. Arrange the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, you can proceed with frosting and decorating them as desired.
- If you have already frosted the cookies and want to freeze them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until the icing is firm, about 2 hours. Then, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. To thaw, unwrap the cookies and let them sit at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.
Interesting Trivia About Frosted Animal Cookies
A fun fact about this frosted animal cookies recipe is that the use of both granulated sugar and powdered sugar in the cookie dough creates a unique texture. The granulated sugar adds a slight crunch, while the powdered sugar makes the cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
Is Making Frosted Animal Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
When analyzing the cost-effectiveness of this dessert, the ingredients are quite common and can be found in most pantries. The all-purpose flour, butter, and sugars are staples, while the vanilla extract and almond extract add a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. The half and half and food coloring are also inexpensive. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $10-$12. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Are Frosted Animal Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This frosted animal cookies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, and powdered sugar - are high in calories, saturated fat, and simple carbohydrates. The icing, made with powdered sugar and half-and-half, adds even more sugar and fat to the cookies. While the recipe does include some beneficial ingredients like vanilla and almond extract, which offer antioxidants and flavor, the overall nutritional profile of these cookies is not ideal for a healthy diet.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the cookie dough and icing, or experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Use a lower-fat butter alternative, such as coconut oil or Greek yogurt, in the cookie dough
- Incorporate healthier add-ins like finely chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for added texture and nutrition
- Opt for a lighter icing made with Greek yogurt and a smaller amount of powdered sugar, or skip the icing altogether and dust the cookies with a small amount of powdered sugar instead
Editor's Opinion on Frosted Animal Cookies
This frosted animal cookies recipe is a delightful blend of classic flavors with a whimsical twist. The combination of granulated and powdered sugars in the dough ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The addition of almond extract adds a subtle depth, complementing the vanilla. The icing, with its simple yet effective use of half and half, achieves a perfect consistency for spreading. The pink food coloring and rainbow nonpareil sprinkles add a playful, nostalgic touch. Overall, this recipe is well-balanced and sure to be a hit with both children and adults alike.
Enhance Your Frosted Animal Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve With Frosted Animal Cookies
Why trust this Frosted Animal Cookies Recipe:
This recipe is crafted with care, using simple and wholesome ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour. The detailed instructions ensure that even novice bakers can achieve perfect frosted animal cookies. The combination of vanilla and almond extract adds a delightful flavor, while the rainbow nonpareil sprinkles make them visually appealing. Trust this recipe for its balance of taste, texture, and fun!
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