6 Ways To Make Delicious Chocolate Animal Cookies
Who can resist the allure of chocolate animal cookies? These treats are perfect for snacking, gift-giving, or even as a fun activity for kids. With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can make delicious chocolate animal cookies that are sure to delight. In this article, we'll explore six ways to make these tasty treats, from classic recipes to creative variations.
Why Make Chocolate Animal Cookies?
Before we dive into the recipes, let's talk about why making chocolate animal cookies is such a great idea. For one, they're incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and some simple mixing and baking. Plus, they're perfect for customizing to your favorite flavors and themes. Whether you're looking for a fun activity to do with kids, a unique gift for friends and family, or simply a tasty treat to enjoy on your own, chocolate animal cookies are a great choice.
Recipe 1: Classic Chocolate Animal Cookies
To start, let's make a classic batch of chocolate animal cookies. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Animal-shaped cookie cutters (such as lions, tigers, and bears)
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, then stir in the chocolate chips. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use your animal-shaped cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Tips and Variations
- To add an extra layer of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder or a handful of chopped nuts to the dough.
- Use different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, for a unique twist.
- Experiment with different animal-shaped cookie cutters to create a variety of fun shapes.
Recipe 2: Peanut Butter Chocolate Animal Cookies
Next up, let's make a delicious batch of peanut butter chocolate animal cookies. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Animal-shaped cookie cutters (such as lions, tigers, and bears)
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the peanut butter and butter until smooth. Beat in the sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract, then stir in the chocolate chips. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use your animal-shaped cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Tips and Variations
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a salty-sweet contrast.
- Use natural peanut butter for a nuttier flavor.
- Experiment with different types of nut butter, such as almond butter or cashew butter, for a unique twist.
Recipe 3: Oatmeal Chocolate Animal Cookies
For a heartier take on chocolate animal cookies, try making a batch with oatmeal. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Animal-shaped cookie cutters (such as lions, tigers, and bears)
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, then stir in the chocolate chips. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use your animal-shaped cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Tips and Variations
- Add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or chia seeds, for added texture and nutrition.
- Use old-fashioned oats for a slightly chunkier texture.
- Experiment with different types of oats, such as steel-cut oats or oat flour, for a unique twist.
Recipe 4: Chocolate Mint Animal Cookies
For a refreshing twist on chocolate animal cookies, try making a batch with chocolate mint. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup peppermint chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Animal-shaped cookie cutters (such as lions, tigers, and bears)
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, then stir in the chocolate chips and peppermint chocolate chips. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use your animal-shaped cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Tips and Variations
- Add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top of the cookies before baking for a festive touch.
- Use peppermint extract instead of peppermint chocolate chips for a stronger mint flavor.
- Experiment with different types of mint, such as spearmint or chocolate mint, for a unique twist.
Recipe 5: Chocolate Chai Animal Cookies
For a warm and spicy take on chocolate animal cookies, try making a batch with chocolate chai. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- Animal-shaped cookie cutters (such as lions, tigers, and bears)
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, then stir in the chocolate chips, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use your animal-shaped cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Tips and Variations
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the cookies before baking for extra spice.
- Use different types of spice, such as ground cloves or allspice, for a unique twist.
- Experiment with different types of tea, such as earl grey or English breakfast, for a unique flavor.
Recipe 6: Salted Caramel Chocolate Animal Cookies
Finally, let's make a batch of salted caramel chocolate animal cookies. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup caramel bits
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt
- Animal-shaped cookie cutters (such as lions, tigers, and bears)
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, then stir in the chocolate chips and caramel bits. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use your animal-shaped cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking for a salty-sweet contrast.
Tips and Variations
- Use different types of caramel, such as dulce de leche or caramel sauce, for a unique twist.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different types of salt, such as fleur de sel or Himalayan pink salt, for a unique flavor.
What is the best type of chocolate to use for chocolate animal cookies?
+The best type of chocolate to use for chocolate animal cookies is semi-sweet chocolate chips. This type of chocolate provides a rich, chocolatey flavor and a smooth texture that pairs well with the other ingredients in the cookies.
How do I store chocolate animal cookies?
+Chocolate animal cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer.
Can I make chocolate animal cookies ahead of time?
+We hope you've enjoyed this article on 6 ways to make delicious chocolate animal cookies. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these recipes are sure to provide you with a fun and tasty treat. So go ahead, get creative, and start baking!