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4.84 from 24 votes

Circus Animal Sugar Cookies

Circus Animal Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with colorful sprinkles and 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!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time9 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: circus animal cookies, circus animal sugar cookies
Servings: 12 cookies

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons nonpareil sprinkles
  • 1/4 cup crushed circus animal cookies plus 12 cookies to put on top
  • 4 ounce white chocolate
  • 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray. In a large bowl with an electric mixer cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • Add in egg, egg yolk, 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!

Notes

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