why are they called animal crackers and not cookies?

Answer 1

It's a toss up since they have features from both. They are like crackers due to they way they are made, with layered dough, however the use of sweetened dough gives them the cookie taste and consistency.

Answer 2

Animal crackers are sweet crackers in the shapes of animals. These are usually animals you would see at the zoo or circus, including lions, tigers, bears, and elephants. There is debate about whether or not Animal Crackers are actually crackers or cookies. They are like crackers due to they way they are made, with layered dough, however the use of sweetened dough gives them the cookie taste and consistency. Traditionally they come in a box with a handle on the top.

Nabisco makes Barnum's Animal Crackers, arguably the most famous commerically produced version of the snack, due to the distinctive package art of a circus cage full of animals. Austin, a division of Keebler, also makes a variety of animal crackers. Although not nearly as popular, the Austin-variety has similar nutritional content and animal shapes.

Another brand of animal crackers is Stauffer's, which makes other varieties of crackers too.

Answer 3

Lets see. cause they are crackers and they are shaped like animals. Duhhhhhh.