Jack-o’-Lantern Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

These spooky Jack-o’-Lantern Chocolate Sugar Cookies are a hit with my family every Halloween! Every year, we gather around to create these fun, festive treats. The combination of rich chocolate cookies and creamy orange-tinted cream cheese frosting makes these not only delicious but also a lot of fun to decorate. The kids love getting creative with their own jack-o’-lantern faces!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Halloween: Fun, festive, and sure to impress at any Halloween gathering!
• Rich and Chocolaty: The Dutch-process cocoa gives these cookies a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
• Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a sweet, tangy balance to the chocolate cookies.
• Fun for the Family: Get the whole family involved in making and decorating these cookies.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Sugar Cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups (318 grams) all-purpose flour: Provides the base for the dough.
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) Dutch-process cocoa powder: Gives the cookies a rich, deep chocolate flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
• 1 1/2 sticks (170 grams) unsalted butter: Adds richness and structure to the cookies.
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a soft texture.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the dough together and add moisture.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese: The base for the creamy, tangy frosting.
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the frosting.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Provides a lovely flavor to balance the sweetness.
• 1 1/2 cups (188 grams) powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and creates the perfect texture.
• A few drops of orange gel food coloring: For a festive Halloween look.

Variations

• Spooky Shapes: Use different Halloween-themed cookie cutters like ghosts, bats, or cats.
• Add a Little Crunch: Sprinkle crushed Halloween candies between the cookie layers for a sweet surprise.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne to the dough for a warm, spicy twist.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Make the Cookies

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a slightly sticky dough forms.

Roll the dough between two pieces of parchment paper to a 1/4-inch thickness. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour (or 30 minutes in the freezer) until firm. Preheat your oven to 350°F, then use pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies. For half of the cookies, cut out the jack-o’-lantern faces using a paring knife.

Bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes, then let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Add orange food coloring until the frosting reaches your desired shade.

3. Assemble the Cookies

Spread a dollop of frosting on a plain pumpkin cookie (don’t frost the bottom side). Sandwich it with a jack-o’-lantern face cookie on top, pressing gently to spread the frosting evenly.

How to Serve

These cookies are perfect for Halloween parties or a cozy evening at home with family. Pair them with a hot chocolate or spiced cider for an extra cozy treat. The kids always love customizing their own jack-o’-lantern faces, so set up a decorating station for extra fun!

Make Ahead

• Dough: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Let it thaw slightly before rolling it out.
• Cookies: You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days before decorating.
• Frosting: Prepare the frosting up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before using.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How do I store leftover cookies?
Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze the cookies?
You can freeze the baked, undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw, decorate, and enjoy!

There you have it—fun, festive, and delicious Jack-o’-Lantern Chocolate Sugar Cookies! These spooky treats will be a hit with your family and friends, and they’re just as fun to make as they are to eat. Enjoy!