Get ready to impress your Halloween guests with these adorable and delicious Milk Chocolate Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Cookies! These soft and buttery pumpkin-shaped cookies are filled with melted milk chocolate, making them the perfect festive treat for this spooky season. Easy to make and even more fun to decorate, these cookies are sure to become a Halloween favorite.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
6 oz milk chocolate, chopped (or milk chocolate chips)
Orange food coloring
Black decorating gel or melted dark chocolate (for the jack-o’-lantern faces)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add a few drops of orange food coloring to the dough, mixing until it’s evenly colored.
Shape and Cut the Cookies:
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of cookies. On half of the cookies, use a sharp knife to cut out jack-o’-lantern faces.
Add the Chocolate Filling:
Place the non-cutout cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Put a small amount of chopped milk chocolate (or chocolate chips) in the center of each cookie. Top with the jack-o’-lantern face cookies, gently pressing the edges to seal.
Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate the Faces (Optional):
For an extra festive touch, use black decorating gel or melted dark chocolate to outline or enhance the jack-o’-lantern faces.
Serve:
Enjoy these cute and delicious chocolate-stuffed cookies at your next Halloween party or gathering!
Serving Tips:
Presentation:
Arrange the cookies on a festive Halloween-themed platter or tray to enhance their visual appeal. Adding some spooky decorations like faux spider webs or small Halloween figurines can make the presentation even more fun.
Pairing:
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, a warm cup of hot cocoa, or a pumpkin-spice latte. They also make a delightful addition to a Halloween dessert table or party spread.
Serving Temperature:
Serve the cookies at room temperature to ensure the milk chocolate filling is deliciously melty and gooey. If they have been stored in the refrigerator, let them sit out for a few minutes before serving to soften the chocolate.
Storage Tips:
Short-Term Storage:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will keep them soft and fresh, allowing the chocolate filling to stay nice and melted.
Long-Term Storage:
For longer storage, place the cookies in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To keep the cookies from sticking together, you can layer them between sheets of parchment paper.
Freezing:
If you need to store them for an extended period, these cookies freeze well. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
Reheating:
If the cookies have been refrigerated or frozen and you prefer them warm, you can reheat them in the oven. Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chocolate is softened.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute the milk chocolate with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips if you prefer. Just make sure to chop or melt the chocolate as needed to ensure it melts smoothly inside the cookies.
How can I make the cookies less sweet?
If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the filling. Additionally, you can slightly reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the cookie dough, but be cautious not to alter the texture too much.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and freeze it before baking. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply bake the frozen dough balls for an extra 2-3 minutes.
How do I prevent the chocolate filling from oozing out during baking?
To prevent the chocolate filling from oozing out, ensure the cookie dough is well-sealed around the chocolate. Press the edges of the top and bottom cookies together firmly before baking. If you notice any gaps, you can seal them by gently pinching the dough edges together.
Conclusion:
These Milk Chocolate Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight. Their vibrant orange color and playful jack-o’-lantern faces make them a perfect addition to any Halloween celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a fun baking project, these cookies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe:
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Milk Chocolate Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate Halloween treat with Milk Chocolate Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Cookies. These soft, buttery pumpkin-shaped cookies are filled with gooey milk chocolate and decorated with playful jack-o’-lantern faces. Perfect for Halloween parties and gatherings, these cookies are both festive and delicious. Easy to make and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
6 oz milk chocolate, chopped (or milk chocolate chips)
Orange food coloring
Black decorating gel or melted dark chocolate (for the jack-o’-lantern faces)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. - Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms. Add orange food coloring to achieve a vibrant pumpkin color. - Shape and Cut the Cookies:
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. On half of the cookies, cut out jack-o’-lantern faces using a sharp knife. - Add the Chocolate Filling:
Place the non-cutout cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Put a small amount of chopped milk chocolate (or chocolate chips) in the center of each cookie. Top with the jack-o’-lantern face cookies, pressing the edges to seal. - Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Decorate the Faces (Optional):
Use black decorating gel or melted dark chocolate to outline or enhance the jack-o’-lantern faces if desired.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, decorate the jack-o’-lantern faces with additional details using black gel or dark chocolate.
If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies, Halloween Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 18 cookies
- Calories: 180 kcal per cookie
