The Best Circus Animal Cookies

I couldn't believe how much better these frosted animal crackers were than the store-bought version. I mean, I set out to make a good cookie, but these exceeded even my expectations.

These circus animal cookies are deliciously buttery — definitely something the store-bought version lacks — and they have a real vanilla flavor to them (plus I love the hint of flavor from the almond extract I added). They are also more tender and have more of a melt-in-your-mouth bite to them, and best of all they don't have that off flavor (I've never liked that about the store-bought version, not sure if it's a preservative or what).