Jack o lantern cookies

Introduction

History

The tradition of making Jack o lantern cookies dates back to the early 20th century, when Halloween became a popular holiday in the United States. The idea of carving pumpkins into Jack o lanterns originated from an Irish myth about a man named Stingy Jack, who tricked the devil and was doomed to roam the earth with only a burning coal inside a carved turnip to light his way. Over time, the turnip was replaced with a pumpkin, and the tradition of carving Jack o lanterns was born. The cookies are a fun and tasty way to celebrate this spooky holiday.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to spread a thin layer of peanut butter on the cookies to help the almond bark stick.

- Use tongs to dip the cookies in the melted almond bark to avoid getting your hands messy.

- Allow the cookies to cool completely before removing them from the wire rack to prevent them from sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Jack o lantern cookies as a fun and spooky dessert at a Halloween party or as a treat for kids.

Cooking Techniques

Use tongs to dip the cookies in the melted almond bark for easy coating.

- Allow the cookies to cool completely before removing them from the wire rack to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter as a substitute for peanut butter for those with allergies.

- Use white chocolate or dark chocolate instead of almond bark for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a platter with Halloween decorations for a festive display. - Serve the cookies with a glass of milk or hot chocolate for a delicious treat.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Jack o lantern cookies with a cup of hot apple cider for a warm and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

- To reheat, place the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the almond bark.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Jack o lantern cookies contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Jack o lantern cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Jack o lantern cookies contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Jack o lantern cookies contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Jack o lantern cookies do not contain significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

Jack o lantern cookies contain peanuts and may contain traces of tree nuts.

Summary

Jack o lantern cookies are a delicious treat that are high in carbohydrates and fats, but low in protein. They are a fun and festive dessert to enjoy during the Halloween season.

Summary

Jack o lantern cookies are a fun and delicious treat to make during the Halloween season. With a chocolate wafer cookie base, smooth peanut butter filling, and almond bark coating, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any Halloween party. Enjoy these spooky treats with friends and family for a festive and tasty dessert.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly tea and gossip session. As we chatted away, Margaret suddenly excused herself to check on something in the oven. Curious, I followed her into the kitchen and was greeted with the most delightful sight – rows of cookies shaped like jack o' lanterns, complete with intricate faces carved into their dough.

"Margaret, what on earth are these adorable cookies?" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement.

"Why, these are my famous jack o' lantern cookies, dear!" Margaret replied with a twinkle in her eye. "I make them every Halloween to delight the children in the neighborhood. Would you like to learn how to make them?"

Of course, I jumped at the opportunity. Margaret was a master baker, and I knew I would learn a thing or two from her. She patiently guided me through the recipe, explaining each step in detail and sharing tips and tricks she had picked up over the years. As I mixed the dough, cut out the shapes, and meticulously carved the faces, I felt a sense of joy and accomplishment wash over me. This was more than just a recipe – it was a tradition in the making.

Over the years, I have made these jack o' lantern cookies countless times, each batch better than the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition just as Margaret did for me. And now, I am delighted to share it with you, dear reader. So grab your apron and join me in the kitchen as we bake up a batch of spooky and delicious jack o' lantern cookies.

To make these delightful treats, you will need the following ingredients:

- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1 egg

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Orange food coloring

- Black decorating icing

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Divide the dough in half, and add a few drops of orange food coloring to one half, kneading until the color is evenly distributed. Roll out each half of the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.

Using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use a knife or small cookie cutter to cut out faces on the orange dough, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cookies are completely cool, use the black decorating icing to pipe faces onto the jack o' lanterns. Get creative with your designs – the scarier, the better!

And there you have it – a batch of delicious and festive jack o' lantern cookies that are sure to delight both young and old alike. I hope you enjoy making these cookies as much as I do, and that they become a beloved tradition in your home just as they have in mine.

Happy baking, dear reader, and may your Halloween be filled with spooky treats and sweet delights.

Categories

| Almond Recipes | Chocolate Recipes | Kid-friendly Recipes |

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