Horton’s Elephant Ear Cookies are not just a delightful treat; they embody the whimsical spirit of Dr. Seuss himself. With their soft, slightly chewy centers and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, these cookies bring a little magic to snack time. Each cookie is shaped like Horton the elephant’s ears, making them not just delicious but also a fun addition to any children’s gathering. These cookies are exceptionally easy to whip up, making them perfect for both budding bakers and busy parents who want to treat their kids to something special without the fuss.

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

I still remember the first time I made these cookies for a Dr. Seuss-themed birthday party. The smiles on my children’s faces as they eagerly gobbled them down were priceless. They are incredibly versatile: perfect for an afternoon snack, a classroom treat, or even a whimsical dessert for a Seuss-inspired gathering. With just a few ingredients, you can create a batch of Horton’s Elephant Ear Cookies that not only taste amazing but also spark joy and creativity among kids and adults alike. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get baking; these easy Dr. Seuss snacks for kids will brighten your day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready to eat in about 26 minutes, these cookies are a breeze to make.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sugar and cinnamon creates a warm, nostalgic taste that everyone loves.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Shaped like Horton’s ears, they are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for birthdays, playdates, or just because it’s Tuesday.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Not only are they tasty, but kids can help shape and decorate them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

24-oz roll of pre-made sugar cookie dough: This is the base for your cookies, making the process quick and simple. You can substitute with homemade dough if you prefer.
Natural pink food coloring (beet powder mixed with water): This gives the cookies their signature pink hue. If you don’t have beet powder, you can use a few drops of a store-bought natural dye.
2 tbsp cinnamon + ¼ cup white sugar (cinnamon sugar blend): This blend adds a delightful sweetness and warmth to each bite.
¼ cup slivered almonds: These create the perfect ‘ear’ details on your cookies. If you need a nut-free option, consider using chocolate chips or sprinkles instead.

How to Make Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly.

Prepare Baking Sheets: While the oven is warming up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps keep your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Divide the Dough: Carefully divide the 24-oz roll of pre-made sugar cookie dough into eight equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball—this helps maintain a uniform shape when baking.

Shape the Cookies: Flatten each ball into an oval shape, about ¼-inch thick. This is where the magic happens, creating the signature ‘elephant ear’ shape that is so whimsical.

Create the Curvature: Using a butter knife, gently carve a “C” curve along one long edge of each oval. This adds character to your cookies and mimics Horton’s large ears.

Apply Coloring: In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp of beet powder with 1 tsp of water. Lightly brush this mixture over the cookie surfaces to give them that playful pink touch. Don’t be shy—this adds a great visual appeal!

Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend over the cookies, paying extra attention to the curved edge to enhance that whimsical look and delicious flavor.

Add Almonds: Press 3-4 slivered almonds along the curved edge of each cookie, representing the ear details. This step not only adds flavor, but it also makes the cookies adorable.

Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn barely golden; that’s your sign that they’re ready to come out!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Horton’s Elephant Ear Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week in a sealed container. For freezing, place cookies in a single layer in a freezer bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. They last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through, although be aware the texture may change slightly after freezing, yet still delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overworking the cookie dough, as this can lead to tough cookies; simply shape and roll until just combined.
Make sure to monitor the baking times closely, as ovens can vary. Look for slight browning at the edges.
If your cookie dough is too soft to handle or shape, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before proceeding.
Feel free to add your child’s favorite sprinkles on top for extra fun!
Keep the beet powder on hand, as its vibrant color makes our elephant ears come to life.

These Horton’s Elephant Ear Cookies have become a staple for family baking days, encouraging creativity and deliciousness all at once. They are easy to make, delightful to share, and sure to become a favorite in your household. I encourage you to experiment with different decorations or flavor variations, as baking is all about enjoying the process! Each batch you create is an opportunity to make sweet memories with your little ones, supporting their imagination and taste buds alike.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade sugar cookie recipe, feel free to use it in place of the pre-made dough. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape.

How do I make the cookies gluten-free?

To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free sugar cookie dough. Many store-bought options are available that taste just as excellent as the regular kinds.

What if I don’t have slivered almonds?

No problem! If you’re looking for a nut-free option, chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles can replace slivered almonds beautifully while still adding a decorative touch.

How can I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much while baking?

To ensure minimal spreading, make sure your cookie dough is cold when you shape and bake it. Chilling the cookies for about 10-15 minutes in the fridge before baking will also help maintain their shape.

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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: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids are delightful elephant ear cookies bursting with flavor. Using simple ingredients like sugar cookie dough and natural pink food coloring, they are quick to prepare and a whimsical treat for any occasion.

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 the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Divide the pre-made sugar cookie dough into eight equal portions, rolling each into smooth balls.
Flatten each ball into an oval shape approximately ¼-inch thick.
Using a butter knife, carve a gentle “C” shape along one long edge of each oval.
Mix 2 teaspoons of beet powder with 1 teaspoon of water and lightly brush this over the cookie surfaces.
Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend, focusing on the curved edge of the cookies.
Press 3-4 slivered almonds along the curved edge to resemble the elephant's ears.
Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are barely golden.

Notes

You can adjust the color intensity of the cookies by adding more or less beet powder to the water.
For extra flavor, consider using flavored sugar in place of regular sugar for the cinnamon blend.
These cookies can be decorated with other edible embellishments for a fun twist.