Cindy "TheSweetNerd" Rodriguez These animal-themed cookies, aka Jungle Sugar Cookies, are a huge shout-out to my grand-nephew, Noah, who just celebrated his first birthday. When I was in high school one of my sisters had a little boy, Michael. I remember being so excited about his arrival – my first nephew! Now, twenty-some years later, my nephew Michael has his own son: Noah. Noah is a sweet, happy boy and I dedicate these jungle sugar cookies covered with icing and topped with rainbow sprinkles to him. XOXO, kiddo. Your great aunt loves ya.
These jungle sugar cookies are really simple and super festive. I followed my go-to Perfect Sugar Cookie recipe, and used jungle giraffes and monkey animal cutters from Sur la Table. Just a reminder, once the shapes have been cut out, chill in the freezer to set before baking.
I used royal icing to first outline the jungle sugar cookie, and then flood the entire critter. After that dries, add another outline of icing around the edge of the cookie shape and cover in rainbow sprinkles.
Really, what is the most edible, delicious nugget in this post? Yep, it’s Noah!
Personalizing cookies is the greatest gift you can give! Even better, create a favor to send home with your guests. I simply cut some paper, and I used it as a backdrop for the plastic bag. Then I loaded in the cookies. Voila…Some sweet treats!
Have fun with the cutters – mixing the cookie animals with his name in sprinkles made for a cute table presentation. Happy BIG Birthday, Noah! What shall we do for age 2?!
OUR FAVES
- Sur La Table jungle themed cookie cutters
- Paper Source paper background
- Bonjour Fete balloons and table decor
Photos by: Maria Hedrick Photography
Cookies 1Dries: Whisk flour and salt in a bowl. Set aside. 2Base: In a mixer, cream together butter and sugar. Next, add eggs, vanilla and optional flavorings of citrus zest or spices (ie: cardamom). 3Gradually, add dries to base just until incorporated. Chill in refrigerator up to one hour. Roll on lightly floured surface. Cut shapes. 4Bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes or until edges are slightly browned. 5Note: When you cut into a shape, chill in freezer to set. Then, transfer directly to hot oven. Royal Icing 1Add vanilla flavoring into 1/2 cup water and set aside until step 3. 2In the mixer (paddle attachment), gently mix confectioners sugar and meringue powder on low. 3Add 1/2 cup flavored water and mix on low until it is thick and lumpy. 4Now drizzle the remaining water as needed until it becomes a thick like honey consistency. 5At this point, turn mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes or so until icing is thick and fluffy. Stop when it forms a soft peak. Decoration 1Once the cookies are cooled, use the royal icing to flood the cookie. Once that icing dries, add outline of cookie and shake sprinkles on top of royal icing outline.Directions
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He really is so cute, Cindy! What a cute idea. I love the paper you’re showing with the cookies. How do you envision that on the party table?
You could cut it into shapes, like a large star or a flower petal shape and set at the center of the table. Or use it beneath whatever you’re using to display the cookies – it’ll look good with glass because you can see the paper through it.
Noah is so darn adorable! I love these cookies too
These are darling! I’ve just begun working with royal icing and love the idea of piping a border and using sprinkles for decoration afterwards.
Yes, it’s a cool look. Just let the base of the royal icing dry a little first so you have a wet, sticky top layer.
These are so cute! I love all the sprinkles!
Thanks Shadi! Rainbow is always fun.
Happy birthday to Noah! He is a cutie and I bet he loved those cool cookies!
Aw, thanks. He did. As well as his dad, and mom, and grandma…
Omg he’s adorable, love these cookies!
Thanks Emily! I’m a big fan as well.
This is such an adorable post!!! I always wondered how people got their sugar cookies to cook in the same shape they were cut. When I use cookie cutters the cookie always cooks into a big blob. Does putting the cookies in the freezer before cooking help them keep their shape?
You got it. It sets the dough so it holds its shape. Blob-proof!