Why aren't animal crackers called animal cookies?

Answer 1

Because they make a loud 'crack' when you break them. Animal crackers are 'crackers' in the shapes of animals, many brands of which are sweetened. There is debate about whether or not animal crackers are actually crackers or cookies. They are like crackers due to the way they are made, with layered dough, but the ones made with sweetened dough are more like cookies. The original version, made by Nabisco in 1902, were crackers in decorative little boxes meant to hang on Christmas trees.

Answer 2

The ingredients, baking processes, and tastes better suit the term "cracker" rather than cookie for that specific product.