Circus Animal Sugar Cookies

This Circus Animal Sugar Cookie recipe is a copycat version of the famous Crumbl cookie and will satisfy your sweet tooth with its buttery and vanilla flavors. Topped with a delicious frosting and colorful sprinkles and garnished with actual Circus Animal Cookies, these treats are perfect for a birthday party or fun occasion!

Circus Animal Cookies are a classic treat that has been a childhood favorite for generations. These small, pink, and white animal-shaped cookies are known for their sweet vanilla flavor and colorful sprinkles. They have a playful and whimsical appearance that makes them perfect for children's parties and other fun events.

At Crumbl Cookie, Circus Animal Cookies are transformed into delicious sugar cookies with a soft buttery texture. The combination of the sweet vanilla flavor of the cookie with the playful and colorful sprinkles creates a delightful treat that's hard to resist. They've quickly become a fan favorite at Crumbl locations across the country, and now you can enjoy them in the comfort of your own home!

Making circus animal sugar cookies from scratch is easier than you might think. They are made with simple ingredients and are easy to assemble, bake, and frost! They're perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, or any other occasion that calls for a fun and playful dessert. So let's get baking!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These circus animal cookies are a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery flavor that melt in your mouth with each bite.
With their vibrant and colorful appearance, these cookies are perfect for any celebration or event, adding a touch of whimsy and fun to your dessert table.
The frosting on top of these cookies not only adds an extra layer of sweetness but also makes them look like they came straight from a professional bakery.
This recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, making it a perfect choice for a last-minute baking session or a fun activity with your kids.

Overhead look and circus animal sugar cookies on a white counter.

Ingredients You'll Need

Butter - The base of the cookie dough and provides richness and flavor to the cookies and frosting.
All-Purpose Flour - Provides structure to the cookies, helping them hold their shape while baking. It also gives the cookies a tender and slightly crumbly texture.
Powdered Sugar - Powdered sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also helps to create a softer and more tender texture. It's also used in the frosting to create sweetness and a thick, spreadable texture.
Vanilla Extract - Adds a sweet and fragrant flavor to the cookies and the frosting.
Heavy Cream - Heavy cream is used to thin out the frosting, making it easier to spread onto the cookies. It also adds a rich and creamy flavor making it even more delicious.
Sprinkles - They not only add a colorful and fun element to the cookies but also provide a bit of crunch and texture.
Circus Animal Cookies - These iconic cookies not only garnish the finished product but also add an extra layer of vanilla flavor and fun to the cookies. The tiny animal-shaped cookies provide a playful and whimsical touch to the overall appearance of the cookies.

How To Make Circus Animal Sugar Cookies

Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 350℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Assemble the cookie dough: Cream together butter and vanilla extract using a stand mixer.

While the mixer is on low, slowly add the flour, followed by the powdered sugar. Mix until the dough starts to form a ball.

Shape the cookies: Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, place the dough on the lined cookie sheets leaving two inches between each cookie. Flatten the cookies to about ½ inch using the bottom of a cup or measuring cup.

Bake and cool: Bake one cookie sheet at a time for 13-15 minutes or until the cookies turn a slight golden brown color around the edges. Remove the cookies from the baking sheet and place them on a cooling rack. Cool completely.

Make the frosting: Using a stand mixer, cream together butter and vanilla extract. Slowly add the powdered sugar while the mixer is on low. Add heavy cream until you get the desired consistency (about 2-4 tbsp). Add a couple of drops of your desired food coloring color.

Frost the cookies: Add the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Frost the cookies in a circular motion starting in the center and moving toward the edges.

Garnish and serve: Distribute the sprinkles over the top of each cookie and garnish with 1-3 Circus Animal Cookies. Serve and Enjoy!

Overhead look at copycat crumble circus animal sugar cookies on a baking rack.

Recipe Tips

Make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the other ingredients. This will ensure that the dough comes together easily and that the cookies have a smooth and even texture.
When adding the flour and powdered sugar to the butter mixture, be sure to mix on low speed. Overmixing can lead to tough and dry cookies, so it's important to mix just until the dough comes together.
It's important to use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough to ensure they all cook evenly.
When flattening the cookie dough before baking, be gentle to avoid overworking the dough. Use the bottom of a cup or measuring cup to gently press the cookies down to about ½ inch thickness.

Variations

Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough for a fruity twist. The citrus flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet vanilla and adds a fresh and tangy element.
Swap out ½ cup of the all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolatey version.
Mix in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough. The warm and cozy flavors will make these cookies perfect for fall or winter celebrations.
Instead of frosting the cookies with the traditional pink and white icing, experiment with different food coloring colors to match your event or party theme. You could also use a different frosting recipe altogether, such as cream cheese or chocolate frosting.
Use different types of sprinkles or even edible glitter.
Swap out the Circus Animal Cookies on top with other small candies or decorations, such as M&M's or gummy bears. Get creative and have fun with it!

Frosted sugar cookies on a white background.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the frosting is completely dry before storing to avoid any sticking or smudging. You can also place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.

Freezing: Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. Layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. The cookies can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the cookies at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

FAQ

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for substituting the flour, and keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the cookies may be slightly different.

How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is at room temperature and not melted, as melted butter can cause the cookies to spread too much. Also, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to use, bring the frosting to room temperature and give it a good stir to make sure it's smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick after being refrigerated, you can thin it out with a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

A circus animal sugar cookie with a bite taken out of it.

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