These are the result of what happens when there are days in a row of negative temperatures, even more negative with the wind chills, and my kids are forced to stay indoors away from all of the magnificent snow. We bake. This time we invited our sweet next door neighbor girls over to join us and together we all had a wonderful and cozy time rolling dough and making lots of cute animal crackers. Coconut oil animal crackers to be exact. And along with using coconut oil, these also are made with whole wheat pastry flour, and sweetened with coconut sugar and a touch of honey. I like to think these are far more virtuous than any animal crackers bought in a store. We had a hard time deciding whether we enjoyed the chocolate or cinnamon crackers more, so I’m including both versions here. With more negative temps on the way, it’s time to start thinking about what my next kiddo baking project is going to be…
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons dark molasses
- 2 tablespoons milk
- In the bowl of stand mixer, combine flours, coconut sugar, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, coconut oil, honey, molasses, and milk. Add wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix together on medium speed until just combined. Form dough into a disk, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Gently knead the dough on a floured surface until the dough is smooth. Roll out dough on a well-floured surface until it is about 1/16-inch thick. Use mini animal cutters to cut into shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheet.
- Bake 8-10 minutes until tops appear dry and edges start to brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup dutch processed cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons dark molasses
- 2 tablespoons milk
- In the bowl of stand mixer, combine flours, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, coconut oil, honey, molasses, and milk. Add wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix together on medium speed until just combined. Form dough into a disk, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Gently knead the dough on a floured surface until the dough is smooth. Roll out dough on a well-floured surface until it is about 1/16-inch thick. Use mini animal cutters to cut into shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheet.
- Bake 8-10 minutes until tops appear dry. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
June Burns says
Those look terrific! I didn’t know you could make animal crackers at home–bet they’re way better than store-bought 🙂
Renee says
These are SO adorable! And baking when the weather is horrible is the best thing in the world!
Lu @ Super Nummy Yo! says
OH MY GOSH these are too cute!!! I wouldn’t be able to decide between cinnamon and chocolate either 😛 Can I ask where you got your cookie cutters from? I’m in love with the owl one and the hippo with the heart stamp on its butt haha.
Emily says
Thanks, Lu! I bought these at a little kitchen store during some travels to Sonoma. Pretty sure these are the same ones:http://www.amazon.com/International-Animal-Colored-Fondant-Stamper/dp/B00K6F3B78/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1424804181&sr=8-7&keywords=animal+cookie+cutters
Lu @ Super Nummy Yo! says
Oh awesome! Thanks! Adding them to my wishlist 😀
Karen says
These are whimsically delightful! Thank you for the link to the sweet animal cookie cutters. 🙂 Can’t wait to try these!
Emily says
Thanks, Karen!
Amy says
Fantastic, was looking for cookie recipe to make with toddler! But I don’t have a stand mixer, what do you recommend? Will it combine ok without? Thanks
Emily says
It’s fine to make without a stand mixer, just keep in mind that it might take a few extra minutes to combine everything by hand. Sometimes after stirring with a wooden spoon, I use my hands to finish mixing everything together.
Jaye says
The recipe looks delish! But I was wondering if there was anything I could substitute for the egg & would almond milk would work? I’m trying to make them vegan friendly.
Emily says
Hi Jaye! I’ve used nut milk as a substitute for dairy milk in many recipes with success and I think it would probably work fine in this one too. As for the egg, have you ever tried a flax “egg”? It’s 1 tbsp of ground flaxseed and 2 1/2 tbsp of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken and then use as you would an egg. I have not tried this personally, but I have several vegan friends that use this method. Hope this helps!