Name: Coffin Sandwich Cookies: A Spooky Sweet for Halloween Fun
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 117 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Cornstarch; 1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 2 sticks Unsalted Butter (softened); 1 cup Light Brown Sugar; 0.25 cup Molasses; 2 large Large Eggs; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (spooned and leveled); 1 stick Unsalted Butter (softened); 1 cup Sifted Confectioners' Sugar; 1 tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract; 1 tablespoon Meringue Powder; 1 cup White Chocolate Candy Melts; to taste Red Food Coloring; to taste Orange Food Coloring; to taste Black Food Coloring

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As I stood in the kitchen, a cauldron of cocoa and sugar bubbling away, I couldn’t help but grin at the festive chaos surrounding me: vibrant food colors, sprinkles galore, and the unmistakable scent of baked chocolate wafting through the air. These Spooktacular Coffin Sandwich Cookies are not just treats; they’re a thrilling way to embrace the Halloween spirit! With their soft, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor, these cookies will enchant both kids and adults alike. Plus, the royal icing brings a touch of artistry, transforming them into eye-catching, spooky delights perfect for gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or looking for a fun family project, these cookies offer an easy yet impressive way to impress. So, are you ready to dive into an eerie adventure with your baking? Let’s get started!

Why Are These Cookies Perfect for Halloween?

Festively Themed: These Coffin Sandwich Cookies embody the spirit of Halloween, bringing a touch of eerie fun to your celebrations.
Rich Chocolate Flavor: With a deep cocoa essence, they satisfy sweet cravings while standing out during the festive season.
Easy to Make: Designed for bakers of all levels, the process is friendly for first-time decorators and seasoned pros alike!
Artistic Flourish: The royal icing allows you to channel your creativity, making each cookie a unique masterpiece.
Delightful Texture: Enjoy the perfect balance of soft, chewy goodness combined with a glossy finish that makes each bite a treat!
Versatile Shapes: Feel free to shape these cookies for various Halloween themes, or try a twist with Chocolate Oat Cookies for a different flavor experience!

Coffin Sandwich Cookies Ingredients

Get ready to mix up some spooky sweetness!

For the Cookie Dough

Cornstarch – Helps create a tender cookie texture that melts in your mouth.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Provides a rich chocolate flavor essential for these delectable Coffin Sandwich Cookies.
Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness, enhancing every bite of your cookies.
Unsalted Butter (2 sticks) – Adds richness and softness to the dough, making it irresistible.
Light Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and a slight caramel flavor, elevating the cookies.
Molasses – Provides deep flavor and color, creating a delightful dark hue in your cookies.
Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients together, ensuring structure in your cookie creations.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the cookie; be sure to use spooned and leveled flour for accuracy.

For the Royal Icing

Unsalted Butter (1 stick) – Adds creaminess to the buttercream frosting for smooth, perfect spreadability.
Sifted Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting, making it ideal for decorating.
Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor, making the icing just as delightful as the cookies.
Meringue Powder – Stabilizes royal icing for decorating, ensuring your spooky designs hold their shape.

For Decorating

White Chocolate Candy Melts – Perfect for decorating; they melt easily and add a sweet finish.
Red, Orange, and Black Food Coloring – Use these for vibrant decorations that scream Halloween spirit!

Gather these enchanting ingredients, and let’s make some magical Coffin Sandwich Cookies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Coffin Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cornstarch, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Add 2 sticks of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and ¼ cup of molasses. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes creamy and well-combined, taking about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Flour
Add 2 large eggs one at a time into the creamy mixture, blending well after each addition. Gradually incorporate 2 cups of all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms. This should take about 1-2 minutes of mixing. The dough will be workable but slightly sticky, perfect for shaping your Coffin Sandwich Cookies.

Step 3: Chill the Dough
Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out later. You can prepare your workspace by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while waiting for the dough to chill.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Cookies
Once chilled, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a coffin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are firm but the centers still appear slightly soft.

Step 5: Cool Cookies
After baking, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and allow them to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Ensuring they are cool before decorating will prevent the royal icing from melting and running.

Step 6: Decorate
To make the royal icing, beat together 1 cup of sifted confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon of meringue powder, and 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract until smooth and thick. Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint with red, orange, and black food coloring for festive designs. Use a piping bag to decorate the cooled Coffin Sandwich Cookies, unleashing your creativity with spooky designs.

Coffin Sandwich Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to sprinkle your own creative flair into these spooky treats! Each suggestion adds a fun twist that can elevate your Coffin Sandwich Cookies to new delicious heights.

Spice Swap: Replace cocoa powder with a blend of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a festive fall vibe. This creates a cozy, warm flavor perfect for autumn gatherings.
Nutty Addition: Incorporate finely chopped nuts into the dough, like walnuts or hazelnuts, for added texture and richness. Just remember to adjust the cookie thickness slightly if you opt for a chunky mix!
Other Shapes: Experiment with different cookie shapes, like tombstones or bats, to delight your guests and keep the Halloween spirit alive. It’s all about the fun and creativity!
Dairy-Free: Swap the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free version without sacrificing the cookies’ deliciousness. You’ll love the hint of coconut flavor that comes through!
Flavorful Fillings: Try filling the cookies with different spreads, like almond butter or chocolate hazelnut spread, for a delightful surprise in every bite. This addition transforms your cookies into a scrumptious sandwich treat.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a chocolate drizzle using melted dark or white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance. A little indulgence goes a long way—your cookies will shine!
Colorful Icing: Get creative with your royal icing colors. Experiment with neon food colorings for a vibrant, eye-catching design that will impress everyone at the party.
Chocolate Oat Variants: If you’re feeling adventurous, try a twist with Chocolate Oat Cookies for delightful texture and flavor that perfectly complements the holiday spirit!

By incorporating these variations, you’ll turn your Coffin Sandwich Cookies into unique creations to share and savor all season long!

What to Serve with Coffin Sandwich Cookies?

Create a hauntingly delightful spread with these spooky sweets as the star of your Halloween fiesta!

Pumpkin Spice Latte: The cozy aroma of spiced coffee pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate cookies, enhancing the seasonal vibe.
Candy Corn Medley: A colorful bowl of candy corn offers a sweet contrast, adding festive cheer to your dessert table.
Crispy Apple Slices: These fresh slices provide a refreshing crunch, balancing the sweetness of the cookies with a hint of tartness.
Ghoulish Fruit Punch: A vibrant, punchy drink, perhaps with floating gummy worms, creates a spooky centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is fun.
Ghostly Meringues: Light and airy, these delicate meringues make for a whimsical addition, creating delightful contrast in texture with your cookies.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The sweet and salty pairing is irresistible, providing a crunchy contrast to the soft goodness of Coffin Sandwich Cookies.
Mini Pumpkin Pies: These individual treats evoke the comforting flavors of fall, harmonizing with the rich chocolate for a festive feast.
Marshmallow Ghosts: Decorated with faces, these spooky yet cute marshmallows are a hit with kids and adults alike, adding a playful element to your spread.
Apple Cider: Whether hot or cold, this autumn favorite complements the rich flavors of chocolate while embracing the seasonal spirit.

Tips for the Best Coffin Sandwich Cookies

Chill the Dough Well: Ensure you refrigerate the dough for at least one hour; this will prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder and cocoa powder are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your Coffin Sandwich Cookies.

Let Cookies Cool Completely: Resist the urge to decorate too soon; if cookies are warm, the royal icing can melt away and ruin your designs.

Practice Piping Beforehand: If you’re unfamiliar with using a piping bag, practice on parchment paper first to build your confidence for decorating the cookies.

Get Creative with Colors: Don’t be afraid to mix your food coloring shades! A little creativity can lead to unique and festive designs that wow your guests.

Store Properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This ensures they stay fresh and delicious for your Halloween festivities!

Make Ahead Options

These Coffin Sandwich Cookies are a perfect solution for busy home cooks looking to save time during the Halloween season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first three steps—mixing, chilling, and rolling out the dough—before cutting it into coffin shapes. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Additionally, the baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days before decorating. When you’re ready to serve, just whip up the royal icing (which can be made ahead as well and refrigerated for a few days) and let your creativity shine! This way, you’ll enjoy delightfully spooky treats without the last-minute rush.

How to Store and Freeze Coffin Sandwich Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week, allowing them to maintain their soft and chewy consistency.

Fridge: If you prefer, place the container in the refrigerator where they can last up to 2 weeks, but note they may become slightly firmer.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer, using parchment paper to separate them; they can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy chilled or frozen cookies, gently warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, keeping their original texture intact for your spooky celebrations!

Coffin Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of cocoa powder should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! I recommend using high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. It provides a rich chocolatey flavor that enhances the overall taste of your Coffin Sandwich Cookies. Brands like Ghirardelli or Valrhona are excellent choices that will really make your cookies stand out!

How should I store Coffin Sandwich Cookies for freshness?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps retain their soft, chewy texture. If you wish to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, though they may become slightly firmer. Just remember to let them cool completely before sealing them up!

Can I freeze Coffin Sandwich Cookies? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze undecorated cookies to preserve their freshness! To do so, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 2 hours. Once set, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, stacking gently with parchment paper in between. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature and decorate!

Why did my royal icing not harden properly?
If your royal icing isn’t setting, it could be due to a few reasons. Make sure you’re using enough meringue powder, as this stabilizes the icing. Avoid adding any excess water which can make the icing runny. If the room is too humid, it might also affect drying time. Let the icing sit undisturbed for a few hours, and ensure your cookies are completely cool before piping!

Can I modify the recipe for dietary restrictions?
Very much so! If you’re looking for egg-free options, consider using flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) as a binder. For gluten-free cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure that your cocoa powder and other ingredients are also certified gluten-free, and you’ll be set!

What can I do with leftover cookie icing?
I often find myself with extra royal icing! You can store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, use it to decorate cupcakes, or cookies later, or even to create fun edible art projects!