Homemade Frosted Cookie Bites – Just Like Animal Cookies!
Growing up, my sister and I were obsessed with circus animal cookies. You know the ones—those tiny cookies coated in pink and white frosting, covered in sprinkles, and packed in that white and pink ribboned bag. They were one of my favorite cookies as a kid, and to this day, they bring back memories of parties, special treats, and special super sweet days with my sister. I’ve taken the memory of those, and made them into these frosted cookie bites!
Now that I’m older (and more aware of what’s actually in store-bought animal crackers), I knew I had to come up with my own homemade animal cookie recipe—one with simple ingredients, no artificial dyes, and a fun twist.
Instead of the classic stylized animal snacks, I decided to cut down on the work and make mini squares!
No need for adorable animal cookie cutters or detailed decorating—just roll out the cookie dough, cut it into squares, and dip them in frosting. They have the same classic flavor of store-bought animal crackers but are so much easier to make.
These little frosted squares are perfect for a baby shower, birthday party, or even a school treat! And best of all, they’re made with real ingredients, so you can feel good about enjoying them.
I used the smallest square in this square in this biscuit cutter set
These are the naturally colored sprinkles I used on the cookies
Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Animal Cookies
How to Store the Cookies
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Can You Freeze the Dough?
Yes! Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw at room temperature before rolling out. Or, pre-cut and freeze on a cookie sheet. Then, once squares are frozen, throw them together in a plastic bag and bring out individually when ready to bake.
Can You Freeze the Frosted Cookies?
If you want to make a second batch in advance, you can freeze the frosted cookies, but note that the frosting may soften slightly when thawed. For best results, freeze unfrosted cookies and dip them in glaze next time you want fresh ones.
Why Use Meringue Powder?
Meringue powder helps create a frosting texture similar to royal icing—it sets quickly and gives the cookies that smooth, glossy finish!
Pink & White Frosted Cookie Bites Recipe
A simple, homemade take on circus animal sugar cookies, with a dippable pink and white glaze!
Pink & White Frosted Cookie Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter – softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk adds chewiness
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – spooned & leveled or swap in whole wheat flour for a heartier texture
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon for warmth
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. coarse kosher sea salt
Frosting (Dippable Glaze!)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp. butter – melted
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 4 –5 tbsp. whole milk adjust for consistency
- 1 tbsp. meringue powder helps the frosting set like royal icing
- Natural pink food coloring or a drop of red food coloring
- Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareil sprinkles White chocolate or candy melts optional, for extra sweetness!
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. - Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Roll the cookie dough out on a piece of parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thickness. If the dough is sticky, dust it with a little flour.
Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough evenly.
With a sharp knife or large cookie cutter, slice the dough into small size squares (about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch). If you want to purchase animals shapes cookie cutters you can grab them here.
Transfer them to a prepared baking sheet lined with sheets of parchment paper. - Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Bake at 350°F for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them at the minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a cookie sheet before frosting. - Step 4: Make the Dippable Frosting
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, milk, and meringue powder until smooth. The consistency should be thick but still dippable. Add more milk if needed.
Divide the frosting into two bowls. Leave one white and tint the other pink with natural food coloring or red food coloring. - Step 5: Dip & Decorate the Cookies
Dip the top of each cookie into the frosting, letting any excess drip off.
Place the cookies on a piece of parchment paper and immediately top with rainbow sprinkles or nonpareil sprinkles.
Let the frosting set for about 30 minutes, or until dry to the touch.
Notes
Try These Fun Variations!
- White chocolate drizzle – Melt white chocolate or melted candy melts and drizzle over the cookies for extra sweetness.
- Whole wheat flour swap – For a heartier texture, use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour.
- Mini chocolate chips – Add a handful of melted chocolate or chocolate chips to the frosting for a fun twist.
Did You Love These Delicious Sweet Snacks?
Let me know in the comments below if you tried this easy recipe or share and tag me over on Instagram! Don’t forget to pin this mini squares cookie recipe for later!
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Oh my! These look amazing. I remember those animal cookies😁