Introduction
If you’re a fan of nostalgic treats with a modern twist, these Softest Crumbl Circus Animal Cookies are about to become your new favorite dessert! Inspired by the iconic pink and white frosted circus animal cookies, this recipe delivers soft, chewy, bakery-style cookies packed with sprinkles and topped with a layer of creamy white chocolate. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, a fun weekend treat, or just indulging in some childhood nostalgia, these cookies are a showstopper.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Texture – These cookies are thick and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor – A hint of almond extract complements the vanilla, making them taste just like your favorite frosted animal cookies.
- Fun and Colorful – With sprinkles and a circus animal cookie topping, these are visually stunning and a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Easy to Make – No complicated steps—just mix, scoop, bake, and decorate!
Who This Recipe is For
This recipe is perfect for:
- Anyone who loves Crumbl cookies and wants to recreate them at home.
- Fans of circus animal cookies looking for a new way to enjoy their favorite treat.
- Home bakers who want an easy but impressive dessert.
- Those who enjoy soft, bakery-style cookies with a fun twist.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup butter, softened (salted or unsalted)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 & ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoon nonpareil sprinkles
Decoration
- 10 frosted circus animal cookies (for topping)
- 4 oz white chocolate
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop (large size)
- Cooling rack
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula or spoon for spreading chocolate
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cream of tartar, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the nonpareil sprinkles to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
- Using a large cookie scoop or a ¼ measuring cup, portion out 10 equal cookie dough balls.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
- Flatten each cookie slightly to about ½ inch in thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Decorate
- Once the cookies are completely cool, melt the white chocolate and oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.
- Spread 2-3 teaspoons of melted white chocolate over each cookie.
- Immediately add more sprinkles and place a frosted circus animal cookie on top.
- Let the chocolate set before serving.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap the Extracts – If you’re not a fan of almond extract, simply replace it with more vanilla.
- Different Sprinkles – Try using jimmies instead of nonpareils for a slightly different look.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Instead of spreading the white chocolate, drizzle it over the cookies for a different presentation.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free butter and dairy-free white chocolate.
FAQ
Can I make these cookies smaller?
Yes! Use a smaller cookie scoop and reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes.
Do I have to use white chocolate?
No, you can use milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking.
My cookies spread too much—what happened?
Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
Food & Drink Pairings
- Milk – Classic and comforting!
- Coffee or Espresso – The sweetness of the cookies pairs well with a bold coffee.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve a warm cookie with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
These Softest Crumbl Circus Animal Cookies are a fun, delicious treat that brings a touch of nostalgia to every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a celebration or just because, they’re guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
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Happy baking!
