© Original recipe by The Pantry Post ©
Spooktacular Milk Chocolate Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Cookies 🎃🍫👻
1. Introduction
Get ready to elevate your Halloween cookies game with these irresistibly festive and spooky Jack-O’-Lantern cookies! Filled with luscious milk chocolate and decorated to resemble tiny pumpkins, these spooky chocolate cookies are perfect for Halloween parties, trick-or-treat festivities, or simply indulging in a themed sweet treat. Combining the fun of Halloween with the decadence of milk chocolate, this recipe promises a fun and delicious Halloween dessert that everyone will love.
2. Ingredients Needed for Spooktacular Jack-O’-Lantern Cookies
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate
- Mini milk chocolate bars or chips for stuffing
- Orange food coloring (for decorating)
- Black edible marker or icing gel for faces
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Spooky Halloween cookies
Prepare the Cookie Dough
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in the milk chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate for that irresistible chocolaty flavor.
Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This makes it easier to shape later.
Form the Cookies and Stuff with Chocolate
Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a portion of chilled dough, flatten it slightly, and place a mini milk chocolate bar or a handful of chocolate chips in the center. Enclose the filling by shaping the dough into a ball or pumpkin shape, ensuring the chocolate is fully covered.
Bake
Place the shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden around the edges. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Decorate the Jack-O’-Lantern Faces
Using black edible marker or icing gel, draw spooky faces on each cookie to resemble tiny pumpkins. Use orange food coloring for additional festive decoration if desired.
4. Storage Tips for Halloween Cookies
Store these Halloween cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To keep them fresh and prevent from drying out, layer them with parchment paper between layers.
5. Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas
Arrange your spooky Halloween dessert on a festive platter with candy eyes, mini pumpkins, and autumn leaves. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frosting for extra indulgence. These Halloween cookies are perfect alongside hot cocoa or apple cider for a cozy haunted night.
6. Tips and Variations for Perfect Jack-O’-Lantern Cookies
- Substitutions: Use dark chocolate or vegan chocolate to accommodate dietary needs.
- Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice or ginger for a seasonal twist.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Reduce sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cookie.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Halloween Cookies
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes, for quicker preparation, use high-quality pre-made cookie dough like sugar cookie or gingerbread dough, but homemade dough provides the best flavor and customization.
Are these cookies suitable for dietary restrictions?
You can make gluten-free or vegan versions by substituting the flour with gluten-free options and using vegan chocolate and plant-based butter.
How long does it take to make these Halloween cookies?
Estimate about 1.5 to 2 hours, including chilling, baking, and decorating time.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: This versatile tool helps bake cookies evenly and quickly, making your Halloween baking experience more efficient.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: Ensure your baking sheets and utensils are nonstick for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo: Perfect for finishing cookies with a crisp texture or preparing additional Halloween treats.
- Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Espresso & Coffee Maker: Pair your Halloween cookies with a festive coffee or hot chocolate.
9. Conclusion
These spooktacular milk chocolate stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern cookies are a delightful way to celebrate Halloween with Halloween cookies that are as cute as they are delicious. The combination of rich milk chocolate, festive decoration, and festive spirit makes them an irresistible addition to your holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, these cookies are sure to be a hit! Happy Halloween, and happy baking!
Print
Spooktacular Milk Chocolate Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Cookies
Festive Halloween cookies with a milk chocolate filling, shaped and decorated to resemble cheerful jack-o’-lanterns, combining fun and flavor.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange and green icing for decorating
- Milk chocolate chunks or melts for filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture to form dough.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out pumpkin shapes with a cookie cutter or manually shape into small pumpkins.
- Place on baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Allow cookies to cool; fill with melted milk chocolate placed in a piping bag or spooned into the center.
- Decorate with orange and green icing to resemble jack-o’-lantern faces and vines.
Notes
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Feel free to use chocolate chips for filling, adding more for a richer center.
- Decorate cookies before baking for a more integrated look or after for precise detailing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 Kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg