Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Animal Crackers

CINNAMON BROWN SUGAR ANIMAL CRACKERS

"This fresh take on the classic is fun to make with the family or perfect to give as a homemade gift."



1 3/4 cups plus 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons McCormick Ground Cinnamon
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon salt

Beat flour, butter, sugar, baking soda and cinnamon with an electric mixer on medium speed just until mixture comes together, but is still sandy in texture, about 4 to 6 minutes. (If using a stand mixer, be sure to use the paddle attachment, not the whisk.)

Whisk egg and salt in small bowl until well blended. Add to flour mixture; mix on medium until a soft dough forms, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Wrap dough tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 320 degrees F. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place crackers on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Transfer crackers to wire rack. Cool completely. Decorate with your favorite icing, if desired.

Test Kitchen Tips:

- If you don't have an electric mixer, don't worry! This dough can be mixed by hand!

- Make dough up to 1 day in advance.

- Pop dough scraps back in the fridge to chill, then re-roll to make more cookies. 

- Instead of icing, sprinkle crackers with a mix of demerara sugar and cinnamon before baking; press gently to make sure the mixture sticks to tops of crackers.

Try sprinkling crushed animal crackers over your favorite ice cream or morning yogurt for a little extra crunch.

Makes 12 servings
Source: McCormick