Description

These Frosted Animal Crackers are a nostalgic treat with a healthy twist, featuring an almond flour base lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup. Each cracker is dipped in vibrant pink and white icing and topped with rainbow sprinkles, recreating the classic look and taste with wholesome ingredients. Perfect as a fun snack or party treat, these homemade animal crackers are both delicious and visually delightful.

Ingredients

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For Crackers

1 egg (substitute 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
¾ cup tapioca starch (plus more for rolling dough)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Icing

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon egg white (omit to make vegan, add an extra tablespoon cold water instead)
3–4 tablespoons cold water
Food coloring (pink dye)
Sprinkles for topping

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat together the egg, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and molasses until fully combined. Gradually fold in almond flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, and cinnamon until a cohesive dough ball forms. Wrap the dough in cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 minutes to firm up for easier rolling.
Roll and Cut: Lightly dust a clean surface with tapioca starch. Place the chilled dough on the surface and roll it out evenly to about ½ inch thickness. Use animal-shaped cookie cutters to stamp out shapes from the dough. Arrange the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Crackers: Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on the edges. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Make the Icing: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together powdered sugar, egg white, and 3 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Adjust the consistency to be semi-thick; if too thick, add up to 1 more tablespoon of cold water; if too thin, add an additional ¼ cup powdered sugar.
Color and Dip: Divide the icing into two bowls. Leave one white, and tint the other with pink food coloring. Dip the top half of each cooled cracker into the colored icing, letting excess drip off, then place upside down on a wire rack to set. While still wet, sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles. Alternate icing colors for each cracker.
Dry and Store: Allow the icing to dry and set completely. Store the frosted animal crackers in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator, or up to 4 days at room temperature.

Notes

Egg Substitute: Use a flax egg in place of the egg to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
Storing: Ensure the icing is fully set before storing to prevent smudging. Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week or at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Rolling the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and better shape retention during baking.
Icing Consistency: Adjust water and powdered sugar amounts to get the perfect semi-thick icing that coats the crackers nicely without dripping excessively.