Jack-o’-Lantern Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Jack-o’-Lantern Chocolate Sugar Cookies are a festive twist on the classic sugar cookie—rich, chocolatey, and shaped into spooky jack-o’-lantern faces, making them perfect for Halloween parties and fall gatherings. With their deep cocoa flavor and crisp yet tender texture, these cookies are as delicious as they are fun to decorate and share.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourunsweetened cocoa powderunsalted buttergranulated sugareggvanilla extractbaking powdersalt

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms.

Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.

Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. For half the cookies, use a knife to cut out jack-o’-lantern faces.

Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes or until set.

Cool cookies completely on a wire rack.

If desired, sandwich cookies together with orange-tinted buttercream or leave them as single decorative cookies.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 20–24 cookies.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough for a seasonal flavor boost.
Fill sandwich cookies with marshmallow fluff or Nutella instead of buttercream.
Decorate with orange icing or edible glitter for extra Halloween sparkle.
Make mini versions using smaller cookie cutters for bite-sized treats.

storage/reheating

Store Jack-o’-Lantern Chocolate Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
They can also be frozen (baked or unbaked) for up to 2 months.
To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
If filled with buttercream, store in the refrigerator and bring to room temp before eating.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa?
Yes, Dutch-processed cocoa will give the cookies a deeper color and smoother taste.

What if I don’t have a pumpkin cutter?
You can use a round cutter and carve pumpkin faces by hand.

How thick should I roll the dough?
About ¼ inch is ideal for even baking and sturdy cookies.

Do I have to sandwich the cookies?
No, they’re just as delicious on their own with or without icing.

Can I decorate them with royal icing?
Yes, royal icing works great for detailed designs and lasting decorations.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is preferred for flavor, but margarine can be substituted if needed.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading?
Chill the dough well before baking and avoid over-creaming the butter and sugar.

Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love helping cut out and decorate the spooky shapes.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales well for larger batches.

Conclusion

Jack-o’-Lantern Chocolate Sugar Cookies bring a fun, spooky spirit to your Halloween celebration with rich cocoa flavor and eye-catching shapes. Whether you enjoy them plain, decorated, or filled, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Bake a batch this fall and watch them disappear like magic!

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