Caramel-Filled Jack-o'-Lantern Cookies (Printable Version)

Buttery pumpkin cookies filled with caramel, perfect for sharing at Halloween parties and autumn events.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - Orange gel food coloring, optional

→ Caramel Filling

09 - 20 soft caramel candies
10 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream

→ Decoration

11 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for dusting
12 - Mini chocolate chips or black icing, for eyes and mouth, optional
13 - Green icing or melted chocolate, for stems, optional

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until evenly blended.
02 - Beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and orange gel food coloring if using.
03 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a smooth, soft dough forms.
04 - Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. For half the cookies, use a paring knife to create jack-o'-lantern faces.
07 - Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Repeat with the second disc. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
08 - Melt the caramel candies and heavy cream together in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
09 - Spread 1 teaspoon of melted caramel on the flat side of each whole pumpkin cookie without a face. Sandwich with a jack-o'-lantern face cookie and press gently.
10 - Dust finished cookies with granulated sugar. Decorate jack-o'-lantern faces and stems as desired using mini chocolate chips, icing, or melted chocolate.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses classic pantry ingredients found in most kitchens
  • Perfect for kids to help with cookie cutting and decorating
  • Irresistibly soft cookies with luscious homemade caramel filling
  • Festive and customizable for parties or gifts
02 -
  • Vegetarian friendly and fun for all ages
  • Keeps well for three days in a sealed container
  • Freezes beautifully for future parties or gifts
03 -
  • Chill your cookie cutters between batches to keep shapes crisp
  • Let caramel filling cool just slightly before spreading for easy assembly
  • Cut jack-o-lantern faces with a small paring knife and wipe between cookies for sharp definition

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