Spooky Sweet Chocolate Jack Lantern (Printable Version)
Buttery pumpkin-shaped cookies with smooth milk chocolate filling, ideal for festive fall celebrations.
# Everything You’ll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 -
2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
02 -
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 -
3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
05 -
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
06 -
1 large egg
07 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 -
Orange gel food coloring, a few drops
→ Filling
09 -
6 oz (170 g) milk chocolate, chopped or chips
10 -
2 tablespoons heavy cream
→ Optional Decoration
11 -
Green icing or candy for pumpkin stems
# Steps to Cook:
01 -
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
02 -
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in orange gel food coloring until evenly distributed.
03 -
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
04 -
Divide the dough into two disks, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to facilitate rolling.
05 -
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
06 -
On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disk to 1/4 inch thickness. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes. Arrange half the cookies on baking sheets. On remaining cookies, carve jack lantern faces using a small sharp knife or specialized cutters.
07 -
Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until set and lightly golden at edges. Cool on baking sheets briefly, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
08 -
Melt chopped milk chocolate and heavy cream in 30-second intervals in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring after each until smooth and creamy.
09 -
Spread melted chocolate onto flat sides of solid pumpkin cookies. Top with face-cut cookies and press gently to sandwich.
10 -
If desired, apply green icing or candy to represent pumpkin stems for finishing touches.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Chilling the dough ensures easier handling and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
02 -
Use gel food coloring for vibrant coloration without altering dough consistency.
03 -
Melt chocolate just before assembling to maintain a smooth, spreadable texture.