Horton’s Elephant Ear Cookies are perfect little treats to bring to life the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. These delightful cookies capture the imagination with their playful shape and cheerful pink hue, inspired by everyone’s favorite gentle giant, Horton. Their texture hits that sweet spot between soft and slightly crispy, making them perfect for snack time, playdates, or any occasion that needs a sprinkle of fun.

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 made these, I couldn’t believe how simply enchanting they turned out. The kids in my neighborhood couldn’t resist their charm! The cinnamon sugar topping, combined with slivered almonds, brings a comforting flavor that feels familiar yet is irresistibly cute. Plus, they are quick to whip up, making them a go-to dessert for a Dr. Seuss-themed gathering or simply to brighten a regular day. I’m excited for you to give these a try and make some magical memories!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 26 minutes, it’s a breeze to make these delightful cookies.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon-sugar and almond provides a cozy, munch-friendly flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their colorful pink color and unique shape make them a hit with kids and adults alike!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for after-school snacks, birthday parties, or festive gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: With just a few tweaks, they can be made gluten-free using suitable dough.

Ingredients You’ll Need

24-oz roll of pre-made sugar cookie dough: This saves time and is consistently delicious. You can swap for homemade dough if you prefer.
Natural pink food coloring (beet powder mixed with water): This gives that whimsical touch without artificial additives. If you want to color them differently, feel free to use vegetable-based dyes.
Cinnamon sugar blend (2 tbsp cinnamon + ¼ cup white sugar): This blend adds a warm, sweet fragrance and flavor. You can adjust the cinnamon amount based on your preference!
¼ cup slivered almonds: These provide a delightful crunch and visual interest. If allergies are a concern, consider using chopped pecans or leaving them out altogether.

How to Make Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. It’s essential to start with a well-heated oven so the cookies bake evenly.

Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Divide Dough: Take your 24-oz roll of pre-made sugar cookie dough and divide it into eight equal portions. Roll each portion into smooth balls to ensure even baking and a nice shape.

Shape Cookies: Press each ball down into an oval shape that’s about ¼-inch thick. The oval shape gives them that signature elephant ear look, so make sure to flatten them just right!

Carve Details: Using a butter knife, gently carve a curve along one long edge of each oval. This ‘C’ shape mimics Horton’s ear and adds character to your cookies.

Add Color: In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of beet powder with 1 teaspoon of water to create a natural pink dye. Brush this mixture lightly over the surfaces of the cookies for that fun look.

Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Generously sprinkle your cinnamon sugar blend over the cookies, concentrating on the curved edge to enhance the flavor.

Add Almonds: Press 3-4 slivered almonds into the curved edge of each cookie to give it personality and an extra crunch.

Bake Perfectly: Place your baking sheets in the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are barely golden. Trust me, the aroma will be irresistible!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Horton’s Elephant Ear Cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. To prolong their freshness, refrigerate them for up to two weeks in a tightly sealed container. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze the cookies for up to three months. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. To refresh, simply reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes until warm and soft again.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overworking the cookie dough to keep the cookies tender and fluffy.
Make sure to use room temperature dough for easier handling and more even baking.
If your cookies spread too much, chill the dough for 15 minutes before shaping.
Adjust the amount of cinnamon in the sugar blend to fit your family’s taste.
Consider experimenting with different nuts or even sprinkles for a festive twist.

The charm of Horton’s Elephant Ear Cookies lies in their simplicity and whimsy. Baking these treats not only brings a splash of color to your table but also adds a dash of fun to snack time. As you try your hand at these delightful treats, feel free to play around with flavors and decorations. Whether you stick to the classic or add your own creative twist, you’re sure to enjoy every bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite sugar cookie recipe, feel free to use it. Just ensure your dough is cold before shaping for the best texture.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, substitute the pre-made sugar cookie dough with a gluten-free dough available in stores or make your own with a gluten-free flour blend.

What can I substitute for slivered almonds?

If you’re concerned about nut allergies, you can simply leave them out or replace them with sunflower seeds or mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes! You can freeze the shaped cookie dough before baking. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and keep them in an airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

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Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: N/A
Cook Time: 26 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 8 cookies
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids are irresistible cookies crafted from pre-made dough, colored with natural pink hues, and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Fun to make and even better to eat, these treats are perfect 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 cookie dough into eight equal portions and roll each into smooth balls.
Flatten each ball into an oval shape, about ¼-inch thick.
Using a butter knife, create a gentle “C” curve along one long edge of each oval cookie.
Mix 2 teaspoons of beet powder with 1 teaspoon of water and brush this mixture over the cookie surfaces.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend generously over the cookies, focusing on the curved edge.
Place 3-4 slivered almonds along the curved edge as decorative details.
Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes until the edges are just barely golden.

Notes

These cookies can be decorated in various colors to match different themes.
Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar according to your taste.
Serve warm for the best flavor experience.