Halloween Cookies

Sorry I am a couple weeks late at posting these cookies.  October and November have been overwhelming in the school and family department.  I did have time to make one halloween treat to pass out to labmates and friends this year.  Its funny that such a simple recipe was such a big hit.  I had a lot of fun making them.

Chocolate Skeleton Cookie Cutouts

Recipe Modified from here.

5 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. cocoa powder (dutch-process or natural works)
2 c (4 sticks) regular salted butter
2 c. sugar
2 egg
2 tsp. vanilla

Instructions:
Cream together the butter and sugar until light an fluffy (1-2 full minutes). Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.

Whisk flour and cocoa powder together and then slowly add to the butter mixture by spoonfuls with mixer at low speed. Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl as needed.

Form dough into a disk and cover with plastic wrap. Chill for 30min.


Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheets with parchment or a silicone baking mat if you have either of those.

Lightly dust rolling surface with coco powder. Roll dough about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out shapes and place on baking sheets. Pop into the freezer for 3-5 min, then put directly in the oven. This helps hold the shape.


 Bake for 8-10 minutes, until set.  Sometimes it’s hard to tell with chocolate cookies when they are done, so just watch for the dough to not look “wet” anymore and the edges should be holding their shape nicely


Royal Icing (i use this recipe because I have Meringue powder laying around and it is easier and less waist of egg yolk, but the next recipe works just as well)

    * 3 tablespoons Meringue Powder Easy-Add Meringue Powder
    * 4 cups (about 1 lb.) confectioners' sugar
    * 1/4c  warm water, plus more to thin it out
OR

    * 3 ounces pasteurized egg whites
    * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    * 4 cups confectioners' sugar
    * couple tables spoons of water for thinning 


Happy Therapy!!!