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Homemade Animal Crackers Recipe

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4.4 from 137 reviews

Delight your loved ones with these homemade animal crackers featuring a tender almond flour and tapioca starch dough, naturally sweetened with maple syrup and molasses. Perfectly baked to a golden crisp and decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles, these gluten-free treats are ideal for snack time or parties. Customize the icing with vegan options for a versatile, delightful cookie experience.

Ingredients

Scale

For Crackers

  • 1 egg (substitute with flax egg to make vegan)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted and cooled
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon molasses
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 3/4 cup tapioca starch (plus extra for rolling out dough)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Icing

  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon egg white (omit to make vegan and add extra 1 tablespoon cold water)
  • 3–4 tablespoons cold water
  • Sprinkles for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat the egg, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and molasses together until well combined.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the almond flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, and cinnamon into the wet ingredients, mixing until a large ball of dough forms. Wrap the dough tightly in cling wrap.
  3. Chill the Dough: Place the wrapped dough in the refrigerator for at least 5 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to roll out.
  4. Roll Out the Dough: Sprinkle additional tapioca starch on a clean surface. Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
  5. Cut Animal Shapes: Using animal-shaped cookie cutters, cut shapes from the dough and transfer them carefully to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  6. Bake the Crackers: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before decorating.
  7. Make the Icing: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the powdered sugar, egg white (or omit for vegan), and 3 tablespoons cold water until the icing reaches a semi-thick consistency. If too thick, add up to 1 more tablespoon of cold water; if too thin, add 1/4 cup more powdered sugar.
  8. Color the Icing: Divide the icing into two separate bowls. Dye one bowl pink using food coloring and leave the other plain white.
  9. Decorate the Crackers: Dip the top half of each cooled cracker into one of the icing colors, letting excess drip off. Place on a wire rack to dry. While the icing is still wet, sprinkle with sprinkles for decoration. Repeat with alternating colors for the remaining crackers.
  10. Dry and Store: Allow the decorated crackers to dry completely. Once dry, enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

  • To make the recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg in the dough (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and omit the egg white from the icing, adding extra cold water instead.
  • Using tapioca starch for rolling prevents sticking and keeps the dough light and crisp.
  • Adjust icing thickness carefully to achieve the perfect consistency for dipping and decorating.
  • Store crackers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness.
  • These crackers are gluten-free due to the use of almond flour and tapioca starch.

Keywords: animal crackers, homemade cookies, gluten-free snacks, almond flour cookies, vegan option, maple syrup cookies, kid-friendly snacks

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/homemade-animal-crackers-recipe/