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Circus Animal Stuffed Cookies

Circus Animal Stuffed Cookies with pink frosting and colorful nonpareils on white plate
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Soft-baked vanilla cookies stuffed with sweet pink frosting and rolled in colorful nonpareils. A nostalgic treat that recreates childhood circus animal cookies.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1–2 drops of pink food coloring
  • 1/2 cup colorful nonpareils (sprinkles)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. In a small bowl, beat softened butter until creamy, about 1 minute. Add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
  7. Scoop 1.5 tablespoons of dough and flatten in your palm. Place a teaspoon of pink frosting in the center.
  8. Take another 1.5 tablespoons of dough, flatten it, and place on top of frosting. Pinch edges together firmly all around to seal and roll into a smooth ball.
  9. Pour nonpareils into a shallow bowl. Roll the top portion of each cookie dough ball in sprinkles, pressing lightly so they adhere.
  10. Place cookie balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  11. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
  12. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Bring butter and egg to room temperature (30-60 minutes on counter) for smoother dough and better texture.
  • Do not overbake to maintain soft and chewy center. Cookies continue cooking on hot pan after removal.
  • Seal edges firmly all around the frosting to prevent leaking during baking. Use only 1 teaspoon of frosting per cookie.
  • Use a 1.5 tablespoon or 2 tablespoon cookie scoop for uniform sizing.
  • Frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/circus-animal-stuffed-cookies/