Circus Animal Sugar Cookies
A Sweet Circus: Crumbl Copycat Circus Animal Sugar Cookie Recipe
Who doesn't love a whimsical treat that combines nostalgia with irresistible flavor? The Crumbl Circus Animal Sugar Cookie is a cult favorite for a reason. Packed with buttery, vanilla goodness and topped with decadent frosting, sprinkles, and iconic Circus Animal Cookies, this copycat recipe brings the magic of Crumbl to your kitchen. Whether for a birthday bash or a cozy night at home, these cookies will surely steal the show!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Toppings:
- Colorful sprinkles
- Circus Animal Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don't stick.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to set. The cookies should remain soft and not turn golden brown. Let them cool completely before frosting.
4. Prepare the Frosting
Using a stand mixer or handheld beaters, cream the butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with heavy cream or milk, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Add vanilla extract and food coloring, if desired, to give the frosting a playful touch.
5. Decorate the Cookies
Spread a generous layer of frosting over each cooled cookie. Top with colorful sprinkles and press a Circus Animal Cookie onto the center for the final flourish.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Let the decorated cookies set for 15–20 minutes (if you can wait that long!) before serving. Pair them with a cold glass of milk or your favorite beverage for the ultimate indulgence.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Nostalgic Appeal: Circus Animal Cookies add a playful, retro charm.
- Soft and Buttery Texture: These cookies are melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Perfect for Celebrations: Their colorful and fun presentation makes them a hit at parties.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: For easier handling and less spreading, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Even Frosting: Use an offset spatula or piping bag for picture-perfect frosting.
- Customizable: Swap Circus Animal Cookies for your favorite toppings to create a personalized treat.
Recreating Crumbl's iconic Circus Animal, Sugar Cookie, at home is easier than you think. This recipe captures the magic of the original while allowing you to put your spin on it. Gather your ingredients, don your apron, and treat yourself to a sweet adventure in baking. These cookies are bound to bring joy to your kitchen and to everyone who tastes them!
Happy baking!
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Don’t forget to save this recipe and share your creations with us. We'd love to see how your Circus Animal Sugar Cookies turn out! Use #SweetCircusCookies to join the fun.
This Circus Animal Sugar Cookie recipe replicates the beloved Crumbl cookies, offering a delectable blend of buttery vanilla goodness. These cookies are topped with creamy frosting, vibrant sprinkles, and authentic Circus Animal Cookies, making them ideal for birthdays or any festive celebration!
- 1 cup unsalted butter - softened
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter - softened
- 3 1/2 - 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 - 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- sprinkles
- Circus Animal Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350℉Line to baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Cream together butter and vanilla extract using a stand mixer.
- Slowly add the flour while the mixer is on low, followed by the powdered sugar. Mix until the dough starts to form a ball.
- Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, place the dough on the lined cookie sheets, leaving two inches between each cookie. Flatten the cookies to about ½ inch using the bottom of a cup or measuring cup.
- Bake one cookie sheet at a time for 13-15 minutes or until the cookies turn slightly golden brown around the edges.
- Remove the cookies from the baking sheet and place them on a cooling rack. Cool completely.
- Using a stand mixer, cream together butter and vanilla extract.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar while the mixer is on low.
- Add heavy cream until you get the desired consistency (about 2-4 tbsp).
- Add a couple of drops of your desired food coloring color ( I used pink).
- Using a piping bag with a star tip, frost the cookies in a circular motion, starting in the center and moving toward the edges.
- Sprinkle the sprinkles over the top of each cookie and garnish with 1-3 Circus Animal Cookies. Serve and Enjoy!
