Colorful frosted animal crackers with sprinkles are a fun, nostalgic family treat that kids and adults love. These whimsical, candy-coated cookies bring childhood joy to every bite.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for even baking.
Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix well to fully incorporate.
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed to avoid overworking the dough.
Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use small animal-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are just lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack to maintain crispness.
For the frosting, melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and food coloring to create a smooth, spreadable icing. Adjust milk as needed for consistency.
Dip cooled animal crackers into the melted white chocolate or spread the icing evenly over the tops. Immediately add rainbow sprinkles before the coating sets.
Allow the frosted animal crackers to set at room temperature until the coatings are dry, then serve or store in an airtight container.