National Animal Cracker Day 2021: 5 Fun Ways To Enjoy Your Favorite Childhood Snack

National Animal Cracker Day is celebrated annually on April 18 to munch on the snack and cherish childhood memories.

Animal crackers are slightly sweet cookie-like crackers that were initially imported to the United States from England. In 1871 the D.F. Stauffer Biscuit Company in York, Pennsylvania, started producing the snack. As the domestic demand for crackers grew, more local bakeries started manufacturing them in the country.

Animal crackers gained huge popularity after the National Biscuit Co. branded these cookies under the name “Barnum’s Animals,” named after P.T. Barnum the famous showman and founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus.

In 1902, the company manufactured a small, circus-themed rectangular box for their Christmas season. These rectangular boxes had strings attached to them and were designed to be hung as an ornament on a Christmas tree. The boxes were an instant hit in the market and they are still sold today.

These sweet crunchy cookies known for their signature shapes continue to fascinate kids even after a century and still remain a popular snack across the world. It is estimated that 53 different animals have been featured in Barnum’s animal crackers since 1902.

Here are few fun ways to enjoy animal crackers on the occasion. (Courtesy: Taste of Home)

1. Make a snack mix: You can treat yourself to a bright circus-inspired mix of popcorn, marshmallows, peanuts, pretzels, raisins, along with plain animal crackers.

2. Make a pie: The crushed animal crackers can be used in place of graham cracker crusts in recipes for pie. Blitz animal crackers along with melted butter and brown sugar in a food processor to get a crispy sweet crust fit for a pie.

3. Top a cupcake: For an easy circus or animal-themed birthday party, top your favorite batch of cupcakes with lots of sprinkles and place animal crackers on it.

4. Make mini-ice cream sandwiches: Sandwich a small scoop of your favorite ice cream between plain or frosted animal crackers to make fun mini ice cream sandwiches. To make it more whimsical, roll the sandwich in rainbow sprinkles.

5. Douse in Chocolate: Here is an easy fix to your chocolate craving. Douse your animal crackers in melted chocolate to make your own chocolate crunch.