Mother’s 4th of July Circus Animal Cookies Recipe
Get ready for a festive treat that will bring the joy of a 4th of July celebration to your taste buds. These playful circus animal cookies are a family favorite, especially for those who crave a fun, sugary delight. With vibrant colors and a delightful crunch, they are a perfect addition to any holiday or summer gathering. Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients, nutritional breakdown, and preparation instructions for these nostalgic treats.
Ingredients for Mother’s 4th of July Circus Animal Cookies
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Butter (softened) | ½ cup |
| Vegetable shortening | ½ cup |
| Egg (large) | 1 |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Milk | 2 tbsp |
| Colorful sprinkles | ¼ cup |
| White chocolate chips (for dipping) | ½ cup |
| Colored candy melts | 1 cup |
Allergen Information:
These circus animal cookies may contain the following allergens:
- Wheat (from all-purpose flour)
- Dairy (from butter, milk, and white chocolate chips)
- Eggs
- Soy (from vegetable shortening)
- May contain traces of tree nuts, peanuts, and gluten, depending on the specific brands and production methods.
Always check labels for specific allergens when preparing or purchasing ingredients, especially if making these cookies for others with dietary sensitivities or allergies.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: Yes (contains dairy and eggs)
- Vegan: No (contains butter and eggs)
- Gluten-Free: No (contains all-purpose flour)
- Nut-Free: Can be made nut-free by choosing brands that do not contain nut-based products or cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Energy | 487 kcal |
| Protein | 3.8 g |
| Fat | 25.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 24.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 68.3 g |
| Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugar | 44.2 g |
| Calcium | 0 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 10 mg |
| Phosphorus | 63.0 mg |
| Potassium | 98.0 mg |
| Sodium | 192.0 mg |
| Zinc | 0.4 mg |
| Copper | 0 mcg |
| Manganese | 0 mg |
| Selenium | 0 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg |
| Thiamin (Vitamin B1) | 0.23 mg |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 0.2 mg |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.02 mg |
| Folate | 0 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 0 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg |
| Vitamin D2 | 0 mcg |
Preparation Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
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Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and vegetable shortening. Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, if the dough seems too dry.
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Roll and Cut the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into fun circus animal shapes. If you don’t have animal-shaped cutters, feel free to use traditional shapes like stars or circles to keep the festive spirit alive!
-
Bake the Cookies: Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
-
Decorate: Once the cookies have cooled, dip them in melted colored candy melts or white chocolate chips. After dipping, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for that iconic circus animal cookie look. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Advice:
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Storage: Store your circus animal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the cookies (without the chocolate coating) for up to 3 months.
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Customization: Feel free to get creative with the colors and decorations! You can also experiment with different types of sprinkles or even add some edible glitter for a touch of sparkle.
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Healthier Modifications: If you’re looking to make these cookies a bit healthier, you could try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or use a plant-based butter and egg substitute for a vegan-friendly version.
Conclusion:
These Mother’s 4th of July Circus Animal Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate any occasion, especially the 4th of July! They offer a sweet treat that’s both nostalgic and fun, while the combination of a buttery, crunchy cookie and colorful decorations brings a smile to anyone who indulges in them. Whether served at a backyard BBQ, a picnic, or as a special treat for the kids, these cookies are sure to become a go-to favorite for all ages. Enjoy!
