Nutter Butter Ghost Cookies

Introduction:

Celebrate Halloween with these vibrant Halloween Pinwheel Cookies! Featuring layers of colorful green and purple dough, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Perfect for adding a festive touch to your Halloween festivities.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring (green and purple recommended)

Directions

1. Make the Dough:
   • Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy.
   • Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
2. Divide and Color the Dough:
   • Divide the dough into two equal portions.
   • Add green gel food coloring to one portion and purple gel food coloring to the other. Knead each portion until the colors are evenly distributed.
   • Wrap each colored dough portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Roll the Dough:
   • On a floured surface, roll each dough portion into a rectangle.
   • Layer the green dough on top of the purple dough, then lightly roll them together with a rolling pin.
   • Trim the edges to make straight lines and carefully roll the dough into a log shape.
   • Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an additional hour.
4. Slice and Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
   • Slice the chilled dough log into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Approximately 24-30 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours (1 hour per chilling period)
• Cook Time: 13-15 minutes

Variations

• Color Themes: Swap out green and purple for other color combinations like orange and black for a different Halloween theme.
• Add-ins: Incorporate Halloween-themed sprinkles or edible glitter into the dough for added festive flair.
• Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes instead of rolling and slicing the dough for a more playful presentation.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use different colors for the dough?
   • Yes, you can use any color gel food coloring to customize the look of your cookies.
2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   • Unsalted butter is preferred to control the amount of salt in the recipe, but you can use salted butter if you adjust the added salt.
3. Why do I need to chill the dough?
   • Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
4. Can I use a different type of food coloring?
   • Gel food coloring is recommended for its vibrant color and lack of excess liquid, but liquid food coloring can be used with caution.
5. How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?
   • Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
6. What if I don’t have gel food coloring?
   • You can use liquid food coloring, but be mindful that it may affect the dough’s consistency.
7. How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
   • The edges should be set and starting to turn golden. The centers may still look slightly soft.
8. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   • Yes, you can freeze the dough log for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
9. How do I get clean slices from the dough log?
   • Use a serrated knife for cleaner cuts and chill the dough well to make slicing easier.
10. Can I make these cookies in advance?
    • Yes, you can prepare the cookies a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Conclusion

These Halloween Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful way to add a splash of color and fun to your Halloween celebrations. With their vibrant swirls and festive appearance, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Enjoy baking and sharing these spooky treats!

Print