Chocolate Stuffed Jack-O'-Lantern Cookies (Print)

Pumpkin-shaped cookies filled with chocolate ganache and decorated for festive autumn celebrations.

# Components:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon orange gel food coloring

→ Chocolate Ganache Filling

09 - 3.5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
10 - 1/3 cup heavy cream
11 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

→ Decoration

12 - Black writing gel or melted dark chocolate
13 - Green and brown colored fondant (optional, for stems and leaves)

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until evenly blended.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, then blend in orange gel food coloring for an even hue.
03 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet base, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
04 - Divide dough into two portions, shape into disks, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
05 - Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to make cookies. Carve Jack-O'-Lantern faces from half the cookies using a small knife or carving tool.
07 - Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden. Cool cookies completely on wire racks.
08 - Heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped semi-sweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Allow mixture to sit for 2 minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth. Cool to room temperature.
09 - Spread roughly 1 teaspoon of ganache over the flat side of each un-carved cookie. Top with a face-carved cookie, pressing gently to secure.
10 - Apply black writing gel or melted dark chocolate for facial details. Attach fondant stems and leaves if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to shape and decorate together as a family
  • Packed with a creamy chocolate center but stays sturdy for gifting or a cookie platter
  • Kid favorite for both eating and helping in the kitchen
  • Holiday showstopper that doubles as edible party decor
02 -
  • Loaded with rich chocolate in every bite
  • Stays fresh for several days after making perfect for advance prep
  • Fun Halloween project for bakers of every age
03 -
  • Roll the dough evenly to ensure the cookies bake at the same rate and keep their shapes
  • If your kitchen is hot chill the cut cookies on the tray for ten minutes before baking to help them keep sharp edges Leftover ganache makes a perfect drizzle for ice cream or pancakes

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