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Homemade Frosted Circus Animal Cookies (Vegan)

Skip buying these classic sweet treats next time you're at the store and make them at home for yourself.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 12 - 14 servings

Ingredients

Cookies

  • 1 cup 2 sticks vegan butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/4 cup plant-based milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Frosting:

  • 200 g about 1 cup vegan white chocolate
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil or vegan butter will work as well
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup plant-based milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract optional
  • pinch of salt
  • red preferably organic, food coloring or beet juice
  • colorful round sprinkles
  • animal shaped cookie cutters

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 C) and line a few cookie sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl, then add milk, vanilla, and salt. Add flour a cup at a time and beat until dough is well mixed.

  2. Divide dough into halves or quarters and roll out each portion, one at time, on a lightly floured surface in a layer about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes or just a sharp knife to cut squares. Place cookies side by side (no need for much spacing because these don't spread) and bake for 7 to 9 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Remove and cool completely before frosting.
  3. Frosting:

  4. Melt palm oil and white chocolate in a double-boiler (or microwave safe bowl) and whisk in 1/4 cup almond milk. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. If the frosting seems too thick add a few more tablespoons of milk until it is thin enough for easily dipping the cookies. For pink frosting add a few drops of red food coloring or beet juice. You can divide the frosting and only add it to half.

  5. Dip cookies into frosting and place on wire rack to allow excess to drip off and top with sprinkles if desired. Allow to dry for 4 - 12 hours until frosting is set.

Recipe Notes

For chocolate frosting replace white chocolate with dark and add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder.

If you are vegan be sure to check the ingredients for the dye and the sprinkles.