Save Fun, jumbo-sized elephant-shaped sugar cookies, perfect for sharing at parties or as a delightful treat for kids.
This recipe always brings a smile to our family gatherings especially with the elephant shapes everyone loves.
Ingredients
- Dough: 250 g unsalted butter, softened, 200 g granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 420 g all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt
- Decoration: 200 g powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp milk, Food coloring (gray, pink, and black, gel or liquid), Edible candy eyes or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Step 3:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Step 4:
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 5:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Step 6:
- Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes if time allows (for easier rolling).
- Step 7:
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1 cm thickness.
- Step 8:
- Use a large elephant-shaped cookie cutter (or create a template from paper) to cut out cookies.
- Step 9:
- Transfer the cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Step 10:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 11:
- For the icing: Mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and spreadable. Divide and tint with food coloring as desired.
- Step 12:
- Decorate cooled cookies with icing, using gray for the body, pink for ears, and black for details. Add edible eyes or chocolate chips for eyes. Let icing set before serving.
Save Baking these cookies together has become a special family activity full of laughter and creativity.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or wooden spoon, rolling pin, elephant-shaped cookie cutter or paper template and sharp knife, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack, small bowls and brushes for icing
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy). Check decorations for additional allergens. Double-check food coloring and candy eyes for allergen statements.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 4 g per serving
Save These elephant cookies not only taste wonderful but also create lasting memories with every batch baked.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What dough ingredients create the cookie base?
The dough combines softened butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt for a tender, flavorful base.
- → How are the cookies shaped like elephants?
Use a large elephant-shaped cookie cutter or trace a paper template and cut with a sharp knife to form the distinctive shapes.
- → What colors are used for decorating the icing?
Icing is tinted gray for the body, pink for the ears, and black for finer details, creating a playful elephant appearance.
- → Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Yes, dough can be chilled to ease rolling, and decorated cookies can be stored in an airtight container to keep freshness.
- → Are there options to enhance the dough’s flavor?
A pinch of ground cinnamon or almond extract may be added to the dough to introduce warm, fragrant notes.
- → What are some suggested pairings for serving?
These cookies pair well with milk, lemonade, or light teas, complementing their sweet and buttery flavors.