Circus Animal Sugar Cookies

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Circus Animal Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with colorful sprinkles and crushed cookies! Classic frosted circus animal cookies are loaded in a classic sugar cookie base, then topped with white chocolate. This fun and delicious cookie will take you back to your childhood!

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Circus Animal Sugar Cookies

If you loved eating frosted circus animal cookies growing up, you will easily fall in love with these Circus Animal Sugar Cookies! Similar to my Circus Animal Blondies, these cookies are made with a thick and chewy sugar cookie base, then filled with pieces of circus animal cookies, sprinkles, and topped with white chocolate and more sprinkles and cookie bits.

I used to love getting frosted circus animal cookies in my lunch box as a kid or enjoyed them with friends after school for playdates. They made the best treat and I still get excited when I buy a bag at the store!

Other childhood favorites of mine were Dunkaroo Dip and Bagel Bites! Does anyone else agree!?

The sugar cookie dough in this recipe has sprinkles and crushed cookies which makes these cookies extra special. If you love sugar cookies, try my classic Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe, Cut-Out Sugar Cookies, Sugar Cookie Truffles, and Sugar Cookie Bars.

Key Ingredients

• Butter: I used unsalted and added my own salt but you can also use salted butter, just omit the salt in the recipe. It’s best if the butter is at room temperature and slightly softened.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness.
• Eggs: You’ll need one whole egg and an egg yolk.
• Vanilla and almond extract: Both add so much flavor. The almond extract brings out the sugar cookie flavor the most. 
• Flour: Spoon and level the flour when measuring it. Be sure not to scoop it out of the bag using the measuring cup. This way, you won’t accidentally measure out too much. 
• Sprinkles: I love the classic nonpareils sprinkles because they are similar to the sprinkles on the actual circus animal cookies. The sprinkles add color and makes these cookies extra fun.
• Frosted circus animal cookies: Added on top of the cookies and in the sugar cookie dough.
• White chocolate: Used for the frosting and compliments the cookies perfectly.

How To Make Circus Animal Sugar Cookies

Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl with an electric mixer cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Add egg and extracts: Continue to beat together just until combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.

Add flour, baking powder, and salt: Blend until a dough forms, then add sprinkles and cookie pieces. Continue to mix until all the ingredients are incorporated but be sure not to over-mix the dough.

Scoop, roll, and press: Scoop out 1/4 cup of cookie dough and roll into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and arrange cookie dough balls on prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches in-between each cookie. Gently press down on each cookie with a drinking glass or measuring cup. Be careful not to make the cookies too flat.

Bake: For 8-9 minutes or until the center of the cookies have puffed and are no longer glossy. The cookies won’t really turn golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for at least 10 minutes to set, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Melt chocolate: Place white chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwavable safe bowl and microwave in 30 second increments until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

Decorate and enjoy: Spoon the white chocolate onto the top of each cookie and then immediately add a whole circus animal cookie to the centers. Top with more sprinkles and crushed cookies (optional). Enjoy!

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Recipe Tips & Variations

• Make these cookies smaller. I normally don’t eat a whole cookie so instead of making each cookie dough with 1/4 cup of dough, use 2 or 3 tablespoons. You will have to adjust the baking time as needed.
• Add pink food coloring to the white chocolate to add color.
• Use frosting instead of white chocolate- you can use canned frosting or homemade.
• It’s best if all of the ingredients are at room temperature such as the butter and eggs. It helps the ingredients incorporate better together.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• They are a fun twist on a favorite childhood dessert.
• You don’t have to refrigerate the dough so you can make these in less than 30 minutes.
• Perfect for birthday parties, classroom parties, celebrations, or any occasion.
• The sugar cookie dough is filled with circus animal cookies and sprinkles.
• These cookies are thick, chewy, buttery, soft, and has a cake-like consistency that will melt in your mouth.
• Circus Animal Sugar Cookies tastes similar to the Crumbl cookie version but are even better 😉 Be sure to check out my other copycat Crumble Sugar Cookies.

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Recipe FAQs

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Leftovers & Storage

To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container or cover plate with plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days. 

To Freeze Unfrosted Cookies: Frozen unfrosted cookies will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Store by wrapping each cookie individually with plastic wrap, then place them in a large heavy-duty ziplock bag. 

Freezing Cookie Dough: You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough or you can shape the cookies and place them on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 30 minutes, or until hard. Place them in an airtight container to freeze. Thaw completely or bake frozen and add an extra few minutes to the baking time. 

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Other Desserts With Sprinkles

• Cheesecake Sprinkle Cookies
• Funfetti Cookies
• Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
• Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
• Funfetti Cupcakes
• Dunkaroo Cheesecake Bites
• Funfetti Cake Mix Bars
• Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes

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