Delicious Animal Graham Crackers For Kids
Graham crackers have been a staple snack for kids for generations, and for good reason. They're easy to eat, fun to munch on, and can be paired with a variety of sweet and savory toppings. But have you ever thought about making your own graham crackers at home, with a delicious animal twist? In this article, we'll show you how to make delicious animal graham crackers for kids that are perfect for snacking, lunchboxes, or even as a fun baking activity.
Benefits of Homemade Graham Crackers
Making your own graham crackers at home has several benefits. For one, you can control the ingredients and ensure that they're healthy and wholesome. You can also customize the flavor and texture to your liking, and make them in fun shapes and designs that kids will love. Additionally, homemade graham crackers are often less expensive than store-bought versions, and can be made in large batches to enjoy throughout the week.
Why Animal-Shaped Graham Crackers are a Hit with Kids
Animal-shaped graham crackers are a hit with kids because they're fun and playful. Who doesn't love the idea of munching on a cute little bear or giraffe? They're also a great way to get kids involved in the baking process, as they can help with mixing, rolling, and cutting out the crackers. And let's be honest - animal-shaped snacks are just plain cool!
Recipe: Delicious Animal Graham Crackers for Kids
Here's a simple recipe for delicious animal graham crackers that kids will love:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Animal-shaped cookie cutters (such as bears, giraffes, and lions)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use animal-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the crackers.
- Place the crackers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Allow the crackers to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Making the Best Animal Graham Crackers
Here are a few tips for making the best animal graham crackers:
- Use a variety of animal-shaped cookie cutters to make the crackers more fun and interesting.
- Don't overwork the dough, as this can make the crackers tough and dense.
- Use a light touch when rolling out the dough, as this will help the crackers to retain their shape.
- If you want to make the crackers more crispy, you can bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Experiment with different flavors, such as adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a unique twist.
Fun Ways to Enjoy Animal Graham Crackers
Here are a few fun ways to enjoy animal graham crackers:
- Serve them as a snack on their own, or paired with cheese, peanut butter, or hummus.
- Use them as a base for fun snacks, such as building a bear-shaped sandwich or creating a giraffe-themed fruit kebab.
- Pack them in lunchboxes or backpacks for a fun and easy snack on-the-go.
- Use them as a fun ingredient in baking projects, such as making graham cracker crusts for pies or cheesecakes.
Getting Kids Involved in the Baking Process
One of the best things about making animal graham crackers is getting kids involved in the baking process. Here are a few ways to do this:
- Let them help with mixing the dough, either by hand or with a stand mixer.
- Allow them to roll out the dough and cut out the crackers with animal-shaped cookie cutters.
- Let them help with placing the crackers on the baking sheet and baking them in the oven.
- Encourage them to get creative with the crackers, either by decorating them with frosting or sprinkles, or by using them as a base for fun snacks and recipes.
Gallery of Animal Graham Crackers:
FAQ:
What is the best way to store homemade graham crackers?
+Homemade graham crackers are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy them.
Can I make animal graham crackers ahead of time?
+How do I get my kids involved in the baking process?
+There are many ways to get your kids involved in the baking process, such as letting them help with mixing the dough, rolling out the crackers, and cutting out the animal shapes. You can also let them get creative with the crackers by decorating them with frosting or sprinkles.
We hope this article has inspired you to make delicious animal graham crackers for your kids. With their fun shapes and delicious flavor, they're sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Happy baking!