These easy-to-make, festive little bars are grab-and-go party perfection, freeze well, and are perfect (and nut free) for lunch boxes.

Mother’s Brand circus animal cookies are legendary. Kids have been enjoying these pink and white frosted animal-shaped cookies for generations. Pick them up at the local supermarket (or online) and add them to a blondie recipe for nostalgic flavor.

Blondies are similar to brownies in texture but without the chocolate. We love that these are unique from the usual brownies, cookies, or bars.

Ingredients and Variations

BASE: The base of these blondies is a typical blondie recipe with additions!

COOKIES: Pink and white frosted animal cookies give this recipe its signature look, but crushed peanut-flavored Nutter Butters or Oreos can be used as well (sub out brown sugar for the white and add some maple syrup for the peanut butter flavored version).

MIX-INS: Mix in some yummy toffee, caramel, or butterscotch pieces, mini-M&M’s, or mini chocolate chips!

How to Make Blondies

For blondie brownies that taste like a dream, simply follow a few easy steps:

  • Cream butter & sugar, add eggs & vanilla (per recipe below).
  • Add dry ingredients just until combined.
  • Fold in chopped animal cookies & nonpareils, press dough into prepared pan.
  • Top with extra cookies & sprinkles, if desired. Bake as directed.

Tips for the Best Blondies

  • Line the pan with parchment to make them easy to remove.
  • For best results, don’t overbake the bars. They should be lightly colored.
  • Circus animal blondies can be wrapped individually and frozen. Put a frozen bar in a lunch kit or backpack and it’ll be ready to enjoy by lunchtime.

Other Uses for Circus Animal Cookies

Circus Animal Cookies can be added to so many desserts! For an extra pop of color and pretty presentation, try adding them to Extra Chewy Rice Krispie Treats, No Bake Cookies, Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes, or even a Milkshake!

Our Favorite Bars

  • Cookie Dough Brownies – layers of decadence
  • Extra Chewy Rice Krispie Treats
  • Peanut Butter Magic Cookie Bars – loaded with everything delicious
  • Nanaimo Bars
  • S’mores Bars – a delicious twist on a classic
  • Easy Pumpkin Bars
  • Turtle Brownies – smothered in caramel & pecans
  • Magic Cookie Bars – soft & chewy

Did everyone love these Circus Animal Blondies? Leave us a comment and a rating below! 

Circus Animal Blondies

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

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