Horton’s Elephant Ear Cookies are not just a whimsical treat; they embody the spirit of Dr. Seuss’s imagination and creativity. With their delicate curves and dusting of cinnamon sugar, these cookies make for a fun baking project that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. The vibrant pink hue adds a playful touch, instantly transforming an ordinary day into a Seussian adventure. Plus, the simple recipe means you won’t spend hours in the kitchen—who doesn’t love that?

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
Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids

When I first made these Elephant Ear Cookies, I was immediately reminded of the joy of reading Dr. Seuss’s books with my little ones, bursting with fantastical creatures and colorful tales. The cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat, bringing a smile to any child’s face. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a reading week at school, or just looking for a fun snack, these cookies are sure to be the highlight of your day. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s embark on a fun baking journey together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only about 26 minutes from prep to bake, you can whip these up in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet combination of sugar and cinnamon gives these cookies a comforting, warm taste—perfect for any occasion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their cheerful pink color and charming elephant-like curves, these cookies are a guaranteed favorite at any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacks, parties, or even as a fun breakfast treat that kids will beg for.
Family-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in the baking process for a delightful bonding experience that teaches kitchen skills.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pre-made sugar cookie dough (24-oz roll): Using pre-made dough saves time and ensures even, consistent cookies. Feel free to substitute with homemade dough if you’d prefer.
Natural pink food coloring (beet powder mixed with water): This gives a fun pop of color without artificial ingredients. You can try other natural color options like spirulina for blue or turmeric for yellow if desired.
Cinnamon sugar blend (2 tbsp cinnamon + ¼ cup white sugar): This simple mix enhances the flavor of the cookies while giving them that sweet, crispy edge. Consider adjusting the ratio for a more pronounced cinnamon flavor.
Slivered almonds (¼ cup): These add a nice crunch and detail that mimic Horton’s ears. If allergies are a concern, you can use edible decorations or leave them out.

How to Make Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids

Preheat the Oven: Start your adventure by preheating the oven to 350°F. It’s essential to have the oven ready, so your cookies bake evenly.

Prep the Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, providing a non-stick surface for your cookies. This makes cleanup a breeze, allowing you to focus more on the fun.

Divide & Roll the Dough: Carefully divide the 24-oz roll of pre-made sugar cookie dough into eight equal portions. Roll each portion into smooth balls, ensuring they’re uniform for even baking.

Shape the Cookies: Gently press each ball into an oval shape about ¼-inch thick. The calm, gentle shaping process allows kids to express their creativity, forming a whimsical cookie that looks adorable.

Create the Elephant’s Ear: Using a butter knife, carve a gentle “C” curve along one long edge of each oval. This playful design is what sets these cookies apart and makes them uniquely fun.

Color the Cookies: Mix 2 teaspoons of beet powder with 1 teaspoon of water to create a vibrant pink paint. Brush it lightly over the cookie surfaces to give them that delightful Seuss-inspired pop.

Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar: Generously apply the cinnamon sugar blend over the cookie tops, focusing extra on the curved edge. This not only adds flavor but gives a warm, inviting look.

Add Almond Details: For added flair, press 3-4 slivered almonds along the curved edge of each cookie. These will enhance the “ear” effect and add a nice crunch.

Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies, pulling them out when the edges are just barely golden. Your kitchen will begin to smell heavenly as these bake!

Storing & Reheating

Keep your Elephant Ear Cookies fresh by storing them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. For freezing, place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to refresh their delightful textures and flavors.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your dough is slightly softened before working with it; cold dough can be challenging to roll and shape.
When mixing your cinnamon sugar, feel free to adjust the cinnamon according to taste. Some like it spicy!
Watch your cookies closely while baking, as they can go from perfect to overbaked quickly.
If your cookies puff up more than expected, gently press them down with the back of a spatula after pulling them out of the oven for that perfect elephant ear shape.
Consider making a double batch if serving at a gathering; these cookies are likely to disappear quickly!

If you’re looking to create special moments in the kitchen, Horton’s Elephant Ear Cookies are your ticket to fun and creativity. Share the excitement with your kids and let their imaginations run wild while baking. There’s something magical about taking a simple treat and transforming it into an experience—that’s what baking is all about!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of pre-made?

Absolutely! Making your sugar cookie dough from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. Just make sure it’s chilled before you start shaping the cookies for best results.

What can I substitute for slivered almonds?

If there are nut allergies or if you just want some variety, consider using mini chocolate chips, edible pearls, or even candy melts to create fun details on your cookies.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?

If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon sugar mix. You can also experiment by using dark brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookies up to the baking stage, freeze them, and then bake them fresh whenever you want to serve them! Just add a couple of minutes to the baking time if you’re baking them straight from the freezer.

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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 sure to please with their adorable elephant shapes and delicious flavors. Crafted with sugar cookie dough and colorful toppings, they make a wonderful 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 dough into eight equal portions and roll each into smooth balls.
Flatten the balls into oval shapes, about ¼-inch thick.
With a butter knife, carve a gentle “C” curve along one long edge of each oval.
Mix 2 teaspoons of beet powder with 1 teaspoon of water and lightly brush it over the cookie surfaces.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend generously on top, focusing on the curved edge.
Press 3-4 slivered almonds along the curved edge for added detail.
Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes until the edges turn barely golden.

Notes

Feel free to substitute food coloring with other natural options for different colors.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.