Mini Animal Cracker Cookies Recipe

Whisk the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.

In a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed for about 2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.

 Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat on high speed for about 1 minute until combined. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed to combine.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low until combined. If the dough seems too soft, add 1 Tablespoon more flour until it is a better consistency for rolling.

Divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Roll each portion out onto a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured silicone baking mat to about ¼-inch thickness.

Stack the pieces, with parchment paper between the two, onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours and up to 2 days. If chilling for more than a couple hours, cover the top dough piece with a single piece of parchment paper.

Once chilled, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Remove one of the dough pieces from the refrigerator and cut into shapes with animal cookie cutters. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all is used. Repeat with 2nd dough piece.

Arrange cookies on baking sheets 1 to 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned around the edges. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through bake time.

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating. 

Decorate with traditional royal icing or glaze icing.

Enjoy cookies right away or wait until the icing sets to serve them.