Go Back
Print

Circus Animal Sugar Cookies

These beautiful cookies are actually easy to make. Cookie dough starts with flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Then butter, shortening and sugar are beaten together before an egg and vanilla are added in. Next the dry ingredients are mixed in with sprinkles. The dough is scooped out and baked, immediately after being removed from the oven a frosted animal cookie is pressed into the center. As the cookie cools, the animal cracker is set into the cookie.
Course Dessert
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 24 cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups AP flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup vegetable shortening
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup multi-color sprinkles
  • 24 frosted circus animal cookies

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 2 baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In medium bowl, sift or whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer beat butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla, stir until well combined. Stir in dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in sprinkles.
  4. Scoop dough balls and roll in your hands. Place them on baking sheet. Leave 2 to 3 inches between cookies. Bake until lightly golden brown around the edges and centers have set, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately place 1 animal cookie in the center of each cookie, pressing down slightly.
  5. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Recipe Notes

Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.