Horton’s Elephant Ear Cookies are not your average cookies; they’re shaped like the beloved character from Dr. Seuss’ whimsical world. These treats combine a delightful sugar cookie base with a charming pink hue, creating an inviting spectacle for kids. With slivered almonds resembling Horton’s ears, every bite brings a smile and a hint of nostalgia.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids

When I first baked these cookies with my kids, I realized how easy they are to make. The joy on their faces as they participated in rolling and shaping the dough was priceless. Not only are these elephant ear cookies delicious, but they also allow for creativity in the kitchen—a fantastic way to celebrate Dr. Seuss Day or simply add a sprinkle of fun to snack time. I invite you to dive into this baking adventure and create your own delightful memories!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just about 26 minutes of baking time, these cookies come together in a flash.
Irresistible Flavor: The warmth of cinnamon sugar mingles with sweet cookie dough for a homemade taste that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their pink color and ear-like shapes make them a hit at parties and school events, captivating every little eye.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a cute dessert for a birthday party or a themed snack for reading time, they fit right in.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pre-made sugar cookie dough, these treats won’t break the bank!

Ingredients You’ll Need

24-ounce roll pre-made sugar cookie dough: This time-saver eliminates the fuss of making dough from scratch, and brings consistency.
Natural pink food coloring (beet powder mixed with water): This healthier coloring option gives the cookies their charming pink hue without artificial additives.
2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar blend (2 tbsp cinnamon + ¼ cup white sugar): The sweet and slightly spicy blend creates a delightful crust on the cookies.
¼ cup slivered almonds: They add crunch and mimic the shape of Horton’s ears, enhancing both texture and theme.

How to Make Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper; this will make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.

Divide the Dough: Take the 24-ounce roll of pre-made sugar cookie dough and split it into eight equal portions. Rolling each portion into smooth balls should be your next step.

Shape the Cookies: Gently press each dough ball into an oval shape, aiming for about ¼-inch thickness. This is where the fun begins!

Carve the Ears: Using a butter knife, carve a gentle “C” curve along one long edge of each oval. This small detail is what transforms them into elephant ears!

Add Pink Color: To create that adorable pink hue, mix 2 teaspoons of beet powder with 1 teaspoon of water. Brush this mixture lightly over the cookie surfaces for that whimsical touch.

Sprinkle the Sugar: Liberally sprinkle your cinnamon sugar blend over the cookies, ensuring to focus particularly on the curved edge for that added sweetness and texture.

Press in the Ears: Place 3 to 4 slivered almonds along the curved edge of each cookie, mimicking Horton’s charming ears. This not only enhances presentation but adds a delicious crunch.

Bake to Perfection: Slide your baking sheets into the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye out for the edges; they are perfect when they are barely golden, ensuring a soft and chewy center.

Storing & Reheating

Once they’ve cooled completely, you can store the cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for about 3-5 days. For longer storage, pop them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you prefer to freeze them, simply layer the cookies between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container; they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back their soft texture, noting that some crunch from the almonds may soften over time.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your baking sheet is properly lined; this helps the cookies to not stick and ensures an even bake.
Roll the dough into balls quickly so it doesn’t warm up too much—it should stay firm for shaping.
Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer; baking times can vary!
Experiment with different colored food dyes to match occasion themes.
Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack; this keeps them from breaking.

Creating Horton’s Elephant Ear Cookies is a fantastic way to celebrate Dr. Seuss or simply bring a little whimsy into snack time. From their captivating appearance to their delicious flavor, they are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Don’t hesitate to involve your children in the kitchen—it’s a wonderful bonding experience. I can’t wait to hear how your baking adventures turn out!

Recipe FAQs

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the pre-made sugar cookie dough with a gluten-free dough option available at most grocery stores. Look for a brand that offers a similar consistency and flavor for the best results.

Can I make these cookies without slivered almonds?

Absolutely! If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use nuts, you can leave them out entirely or substitute with mini chocolate chips for a different treat.

What can I do if I don’t have beet powder?

If beet powder isn’t available, you can substitute it with any natural pink food coloring. Look for vegetable-based options at your local grocery store or online for a safer alternative.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough once portioned into balls. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then continue with the shaping and baking instructions.

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Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: N/A
Cook Time: 26 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids are delightful elephant ear cookies that capture fun flavors and a whimsical look. Made with simple ingredients like sugar cookie dough, pink food coloring, and cinnamon sugar, they’re great for kids’ parties or an afternoon snack!

Ingredients

pre-made sugar cookie dough (24-oz roll)
natural pink food coloring (beet powder mixed with water)
cinnamon sugar blend (2 tbsp cinnamon + ¼ cup white sugar)
slivered almonds (¼ cup)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
Divide the sugar cookie dough into eight equal portions, rolling each into a smooth ball.
Flatten each ball into an oval shape about ¼-inch thick.
Using a butter knife, carve a gentle “C” curve along one long edge of each oval cookie.
Combine 2 teaspoons of beet powder with 1 teaspoon of water and lightly brush this mixture over the cookie surfaces.
Liberally sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend onto the cookies, especially on the curved edge.
Place 3-4 slivered almonds along the curved edge to create an 'ear' effect.
Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are just barely golden.

Notes

For added fun, use colored sprinkles instead of cinnamon sugar if desired.
These cookies can be decorated in various ways to suit different themes and occasions.