Hocus Pocus Halloween Cookies filled with “witches brew” frosting

Introduction:

These Hocus Pocus Halloween Cookies are an enchanting treat perfect for Halloween. With a rich cocoa cookie base and a surprise “witches brew” green frosting injected inside, these cookies are both visually striking and deliciously fun.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 16 oz white frosting
• 3-5 drops neon green gel food coloring
• M&Ms (green, orange, and purple)

Directions

1. Preheat & Prep:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick silicone mat. Sort the M&Ms by color into separate bowls.
2. Mix the Dough:
   • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   • In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Stir in half of the M&Ms.
5. Form the Cookies:
   • Roll the dough into 2-inch balls and press a few M&Ms into the top of each cookie. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake:
   • Bake for 9-11 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Witches Brew Frosting:
   • Microwave the white frosting for 10-15 seconds to soften it. Stir in the neon green gel food coloring until the frosting turns a vibrant green.
8. Inject the Frosting:
   • Using a flavor injector, fill it with the green frosting. Carefully poke the side of each cookie and inject just enough frosting until it begins to crack slightly and ooze.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
• Total Time: About 40 minutes (including cooling and frosting)

Variations

• Flavor Variations: Try adding chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
• Color Variations: Use different food colorings for the frosting to match various holiday themes.
• Frosting: For a different twist, use flavored frosting or cream cheese frosting.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
   • It’s best to use creamy peanut butter that is not natural to ensure the right texture in the cookies.
2. Can I use other colors for the frosting?
   • Yes, feel free to use different food coloring for various festive looks.
3. How can I make sure my cookies stay soft?
   • Avoid overbaking. The cookies should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
4. What if I don’t have a flavor injector?
   • You can use a small piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with a small cut in the corner.
5. Can I use store-bought cookie dough for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use store-bought dough and just add the frosting step.
6. How do I prevent the frosting from leaking out?
   • Don’t overfill the cookies with frosting; inject just enough to create a slight crack.
7. Can I use a different type of candy for the eyes?
   • Yes, you can use any small candy or candy eyes available.
8. Can I freeze the baked cookies?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw before eating.
9. How long should I chill the dough?
   • The dough does not need chilling, but it helps if it feels too soft to handle.
10. What should I do if my frosting isn’t smooth enough?
    • Microwave it a bit longer or stir vigorously to smooth it out.

Conclusion

These Hocus Pocus Halloween Cookies are sure to be a hit at your Halloween gathering. With their rich cocoa flavor and spooky “witches brew” frosting, they offer a delightful and fun twist on classic cookies. Enjoy baking and sharing these magical treats with family and friends!

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