Nostalgic Nibbles: Vegan Animal Crackers You’ll Actually Want to Snack On

There’s something about animal crackers that brings out pure childhood joy—the whimsical shapes, the hint of sweetness, and the satisfying crunch. This vegan version of the classic animal cookies recipe is a throwback that doesn’t compromise on taste or ethics. Whether you’re packing school lunches or looking for fun snack crackers recipes to share at your next get-together, these homemade animal crackers are just the ticket. With simple ingredients and zero dairy or eggs, they’re not just tasty—they’re one of the best healthy animal crackers you can make right in your own kitchen.

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Vegan Animal Crackers

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 9 minutes mins

Total Time 24 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 40 Small Crackers

Equipment

• Rolling Pin Helps flatten the dough evenly. No rolling pin? A clean wine bottle works in a pinch.
• Animal-shaped cookie cutters These are key for keeping the spirit of animal cracker cookies alive. If you don’t have any, small circles or stars will still be cute and snackable.
• Mixing bowls You’ll need a couple to keep wet and dry ingredients separate before combining.
• Baking sheet Standard-sized works perfectly.
• Parchment paper Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

  

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour or white whole wheat flour for a healthier option
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup coconut oil solid, not melted
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1 tablespoon plant-based milk if dough is too dry

Instructions

 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)

1. and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl

1. whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
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In a separate large bowl

1. cream the solid coconut oil with maple syrup using a spoon or hand mixer. Add the applesauce and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients

1. and mix until a dough forms. If it feels too crumbly, add a splash of plant milk.
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Roll the dough out

1. on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛ inch thick. Cut into animal shapes using cookie cutters.

Transfer to baking sheet

1. spacing slightly apart. They won’t spread much, so you can fit quite a few on one tray.

Bake for 8–9 minutes

1. or until the edges are just golden. Remove and let cool completely—they’ll crisp up as they cool.

Store in an airtight container

1. for up to a week—if they last that long!

Pairings & Serving Ideas

These vegan animal crackers are delightful on their own, but they also make a charming addition to a party snack tray filled with healthy crackers, dried fruits, and nuts. They’re also perfect served alongside an animal cracker dip—think something creamy and vegan like almond yogurt blended with cinnamon and maple. You can even crush them up to top vegan parfaits or use them as a crust in creative club cracker recipes for no-bake desserts. Looking for cracker snacks ideas? Pack them with apple slices and peanut butter for a complete mini-snack.

FAQs

1. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture might be slightly more delicate, but the flavor stays on point.

2. What’s the best type of fat to use?

Solid coconut oil works best to give that buttery mouthfeel without actual butter. If you want a less coconut-forward flavor, use refined coconut oil.

3. Can I turn these into frosted animal crackers?

Absolutely! Mix powdered sugar with a splash of non-dairy milk and natural food coloring to dip and decorate your animal snacks. Let them dry on parchment before storing.

4. Are these actually healthy crackers?

Compared to traditional animal cookies, yes. These use maple syrup instead of refined sugar, coconut oil instead of butter, and applesauce to keep them soft and subtly sweet. So if you’re hunting for homemade animal crackers healthy enough for daily snacking—these fit the bill.

5. Can I use different shapes?

Of course. The charm of an animal cracker recipe is in the fun shapes, but stars, hearts, or even small rounds will work just as well if you’re short on cutters.