Glowing Jack-O’-Lantern Sugar Cookies

Delightfully Spooky Jack-o’-Lantern Chocolate Sugar Cookies for a Family-Friendly Treat!

These Jack-o’-Lantern Chocolate Sugar Cookies bring together the rich flavor of cocoa and the fun of Halloween, all in one easy-to-make batch. Perfect for cozy nights with your family or for goodies that will delight kids in the neighborhood, these cookies offer a comforting twist to traditional sugar cookies.

As the crisp leaves begin to fall and the days grow shorter, there’s something magical about the allure of Halloween treats. The anticipation of carving pumpkins and decorating for the spooky season is an experience that nourishes our hearts, but what truly brings everyone together? It’s the baking! Today, let’s dive into crafting these adorable and delicious Jack-o’-Lantern cookies that are sure to be a hit at any Halloween gathering.

Print

Why You’ll Love Making These Chewy Chocolate Cookies

These cookies not only taste delicious, they are simple enough for even the youngest bakers to participate. The combination of chocolate and cream cheese frosting makes for a delightful, rich treat that no one can resist. Plus, you’ll find that they freeze beautifully, making them easy to prepare ahead of time!

How to Make Jack-o’-Lantern Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups (318 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) Dutch-process cocoa powder*
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 1/2 sticks (170 grams) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at cool room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (188 grams) powdered sugar, sifted (don’t skip sifting!)
• A few drops of orange gel food coloring

Directions

Make the cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
6. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart. Lightly press them down to form discs.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the cream cheese frosting:

1. In a bowl, combine cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.
2. Slowly add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing until combined and fluffy.
3. Stir in additional vanilla extract and a few drops of orange food coloring until you reach your desired shade.

Assemble the sandwiches:

1. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on the bottom side of one cookie.
2. Top it with another cookie, bottom side down, pressing gently to create a sandwich.
3. Use additional frosting to create Jack-o’-Lantern faces on the top of the cookies!

Serving Up Spooky Delights

Display these Jack-o’-Lantern cookies on a festive platter at your next fall gathering or Halloween party. They make perfect treats for little ghouls and goblins to nibble on during trick-or-treating. Additionally, these cookies are delightful with a hot cup of cocoa in the crisp, cool evenings, making family moments just a bit cozier.

Storing Your Sweet Treats

To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can also be frozen for up to two months. Just thaw them before serving for a delightful treat any time!

Tips to Perfect Your Jack-o’-Lantern Cookies

• Make sure your butter is at cool room temperature. This ensures a creamy texture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Sift the powdered sugar for your frosting to help avoid lumps and achieve that luscious, creamy consistency.
• Get the kids involved! Let them help shape the cookies or decorate with the frosting to make baking a family affair.

Fun Variations on This Recipe

• Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolaty goodness!
• For a more festive twist, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced flavor.
• Create mini sandwiches by using smaller cookie cutters for party treats that are easy to handle.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking.

2. What can I use if I don’t have orange gel food coloring?

You can substitute with yellow and red gel food coloring mixed together until you get the desired orange hue.

3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure that your butter is at the right temperature and the dough is well-chilled before baking. If they still spread too much, try adding a little extra flour to the dough.

With these charming Jack-o’-Lantern Chocolate Sugar Cookies, your Halloween will be sweeter, more festive, and filled with delightful moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones!