Horton’s Elephant Ear Cookies are a delightful treat that can transform any day into a whimsical adventure inspired by Dr. Seuss. These cookies are not just ordinary; they capture the playful essence of children’s literature with their charming shape and lovely pink hue. With a buttery, soft center and a crisp, slightly sugary edge, every bite is sure to bring a smile to your little one’s face. Perfect for celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday, a themed party, or just a fun afternoon at home, they offer a simple way to introduce kids to the joy of baking.

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 cookies, my kitchen filled with laughter and excitement as my kids helped roll the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar. Such moments remind me that cooking can be a bonding experience. Plus, the joy of pulling a tray of fresh, warm cookies from the oven is unmatched! Trust me, you’re going to want to whip up a batch of these Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids – they’re as tasty as they are fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: These cookies come together in just about 26 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute snack.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet sugar and warm cinnamon is simply heartwarming.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their cute elephant ear shape and vibrant color, everyone will want to try one!
Flexible Serving: Great for snacks, parties, or even as a breakfast treat alongside milk.
Kid-Approved: Kids love to help shape and decorate, making it a fun family project.

Ingredients You’ll Need

24 oz roll pre-made sugar cookie dough: This makes the process super quick and ensures a consistent texture, which is perfect for kids.
Natural pink food coloring (beet powder mixed with water): Using natural coloring not only enhances visual appeal but is a healthier option. You can create your own by mixing beet juice or other fruit powders if desired.
Cinnamon sugar blend (2 tbsp cinnamon + ¼ cup white sugar): This blend gives a comforting sweetness and additional flavor to the cookies. Feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences!
¼ cup slivered almonds: These provide a nice crunch and detail to the cookie, resembling the ears of Horton himself. If you want to make them nut-free, you can omit these!

How to Make Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.

Prepare Your Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes for an easy clean-up and prevents the cookies from sticking, which is always a win.

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

Shape the Dough: Flatten each ball into an oval shape that’s about ¼ inch thick. This is where the cookies get their signature elephant ear look!

Carve the Edges: With a butter knife, gently carve a “C” curve along one long edge of each oval. This little detail helps create the ear shape that is so iconic.

Add Color: In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of beet powder with 1 teaspoon of water. Brush this mixture lightly over the surfaces of the cookies; this natural pink hue is what makes them so festive!

Sprinkle the Sugar: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend over each cookie, paying special attention to the curved edge for an extra flavor boost.

Add Almonds: Press 3 to 4 slivered almonds along the curved edge. They’ll resemble Horton’s ears, adding to the playful theme.

Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheets in the oven and allow the cookies to bake for 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for barely golden edges and a fragrant aroma to fill your kitchen.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them in a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they should last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. The texture may change slightly with refrigeration or freezing, but warming helps refresh them wonderfully!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Watch Baking Times: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies. You want them just golden, not overcooked.
Use Cold Dough for Shaping: If your dough has been at room temperature for too long and is sticky, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before shaping.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different extracts like vanilla or almond for extra flavor.
Get Creative with Toppers: If you don’t have slivered almonds, try using chocolate chips or colored sprinkles for a fun twist.

These Horton’s Elephant Ear Cookies are not just a treat; they are a wonderful way to bring creativity and joy into the kitchen. They’re easy to make, fun for the kids, and delightful to eat. In this process, don’t hesitate to let your imagination run wild—experiment with colors or additional toppings to make it your own.

Let’s celebrate the magic of Dr. Seuss while indulging in these sweet snacks together, as every baked good tells a story, and these cookies certainly have a tale of joy!

Recipe FAQs

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

Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own sugar cookie dough, that works great too. Just be sure to chill it before rolling for easier shaping.

What can I use instead of beet powder for coloring?

If you don’t have beet powder, you can use any natural coloring, such as turmeric for a yellow hue or even a few drops of red or pink food dye if you don’t mind artificial coloring.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, if you have a gluten-free sugar cookie dough recipe or a store-bought version available, feel free to substitute to make these cookies gluten-free.

How can I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd?

For a bigger gathering, simply double or triple the recipe. Just remember to bake them in batches to ensure they cook evenly.

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

Soulful Strawberry Banana ‘Cat in the Hat’ Snack

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

These delightful Horton’s Elephant Ear Cookies bring irresistible flavor and fun to snack time. With just a few simple ingredients like pre-made sugar cookie dough and a dash of creativity, you can create these charming cookies perfect for kids and adults alike. Easy to make and delicious to eat, they are an ideal addition to any gathering or a special treat at home.

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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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 a smooth ball.
Flatten each ball into an oval shape, about ¼-inch thick.
Use a butter knife to carve a gentle “C” curve along one long edge of each oval.
Mix 2 tsp of beet powder with 1 tsp of water and brush it lightly over the cookie surfaces.
Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend, focusing on the curved edge.
Press 3-4 slivered almonds along the curved edge to add details.
Bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the color intensity of the cookies by adding more or less beet powder.
These cookies can be decorated differently based on your creativity; use other edible decorations if desired.