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4.7 from 89 votes
Homemade Animal Crackers arranged in a grid on some parchment.
Homemade Animal Crackers Recipe
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Chill Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 2 mins
 

With this healthy and fun Homemade Animal Crackers Recipe you can easily make and indulge in favorite iconic treats at home with your family!

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 25 cookies
Author: Gemma Stafford
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. In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and honey until well combined.

  2. Add the egg and vanilla, and continue to whisk until smooth.

  3. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder and cinnamon, then mix this into your butter mixture. You might need to get in there with your hands and knead it just until it comes together.

  4. Shape the dough into a flattened disc, wrap in cling wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. (You can use it straight away but it's a little easier to roll when it has chilled for a bit.)

  5. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough to a ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness. (Keep the remaining dough covered and in the refrigerator to stay cold until you are ready to roll it.)

  7. Using Animal Cookie Cutters (or any cookie cutters of your choice) cut out the dough into shapes. Place the crackers 1-inch (3 cm) apart onto the prepared baking sheets.

  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.

  9. Let cool for at least 5 minutes on the baking sheets before enjoying. Stored cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Watch the Recipe Video!

Recipe Notes
  • Make Ahead Tip: make the dough, cut the shapes and freeze the cookies on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months. Then, you can bake off fresh crackers whenever you want them!
  • I like the addition of whole wheat, but I don't recommend using 100% whole wheat and no white flour as it will make for heavy dough.
  • Be sure that your butter is very soft or it may be difficult to cream.
  • You can also mix this dough in a stand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, on medium speed.
  • Instead of using cling wrap, you can chill this dough in a reusable airtight container.
  • You can gather and reroll your dough scraps to get more cookies. If the dough gets too soft, refrigerate for 15 minutes before rerolling.
  • If you enjoyed this recipe, try my Homemade Goldfish Crackers next!
  • Here are the Animal Cookie Cutters that I used.