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Skeleton Thumbprint Cookies

Halloween Skeleton Thumbprint Cookies

These skeleton thumbprint cookies combine buttery cookie dough, sweet jam-filled eyes, and chocolate skeleton faces in one easy Halloween treat. The no-chill dough makes preparation simple, while the chocolate decoration creates a spooky finish without advanced piping skills. Serve these Halloween cookies on a dessert platter, pack them in treat bags, or pair them with hot chocolate, coffee, or milk for a creepy-cute homemade snack.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 31 minutes
Servings: 18
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch salt
  • 1/4 cup jam

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer
  • Piping bag
  • Small zip-top bag
  • Small rounded tool

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Oven:
    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough:
    In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, then mix until fully combined. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until everything is incorporated and a soft dough forms.
  3. Shape the Cookies:
    Scoop the dough into small, even portions and roll each portion into a ball. Roll the dough balls in sugar to lightly coat the outside. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie, and gently flatten them.
  4. Create the Eyes:
    Use the end of a small utensil or your fingertip to make two small indentations in each cookie for the eyes. Fill each indentation with about 1/4 teaspoon of jam, being careful not to overfill.
  5. Bake the Cookies:
    Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies are set and lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Prepare the Chocolate:
    Place the chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until completely melted and smooth.
  7. Decorate:
    Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag. Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe a skeleton-style smile and other details onto each cookie. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.