Jack Skellington Cookies Recipe

Posted on October 21, 2024

These spooky and fun Jack Skellington Cookies are perfect for Halloween or any time you’re in the mood for a “Nightmare Before Christmas” treat! These sugar cookies are decorated to look like Jack Skellington’s face, making them a fun and creative dessert project for both kids and adults. They’re buttery, delicious, and surprisingly simple to make!

Why You’ll Love These Jack Skellington Cookies

Fun and Festive: Perfect for Halloween or movie-themed parties.
Simple to Decorate: With basic icing techniques, you can create Jack’s iconic face.
Delicious: The classic sugar cookie base is buttery and sweet, perfect with the royal icing decorations.

Ingredients for Jack Skellington Cookies

For the Sugar Cookies:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Royal Icing:

2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons meringue powder
3-4 tablespoons water
Black food coloring (gel works best)

How to Make Jack Skellington Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Divide the dough into two portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Roll Out and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
Use a round cookie cutter (around 3 inches) to cut out circles, which will become Jack’s face.
Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Royal Icing

In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 3 tablespoons of water. Add more water if needed, a little at a time, until the icing reaches a pipeable but firm consistency.
Set aside a portion of the icing for the base and leave it white.
In another bowl, tint the remaining icing black using gel food coloring for Jack’s facial details.

Step 4: Decorate the Cookies

Using a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small round tip, outline and flood each cookie with the white icing. Let it dry for about 1 hour, or until set.
Once the white icing is dry, use the black icing to draw Jack’s face:
- Two large oval eyes
- Two small slits for the nostrils
- A stitched, wide grin for his mouth
Allow the decorated cookies to dry completely before serving or packaging.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies at a Halloween party, movie night, or themed birthday event.
Pair them with a cup of hot chocolate or pumpkin spice latte for an extra festive treat!

Tips for the Best Jack Skellington Cookies

Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling it out to make it easier to handle and prevent spreading while baking.
Royal Icing Consistency: For smooth icing, make sure it’s not too thick or too runny. Test it by lifting the spoon—if the icing holds its shape but still flows, it’s ready.
Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel coloring gives a more vibrant black without thinning out the icing.

Storage Instructions

Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Decorate after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cookies ahead and store them in an airtight container. Decorate them the day before serving for the freshest look.

Q2: How do I keep my royal icing from spreading?
A: Be sure to let the first layer of icing (the white base) dry completely before adding the black details. This helps prevent smudging.

Q3: Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought sugar cookie dough works well. Just roll it out and cut circles for decorating.

Conclusion: A Fun and Spooky Treat! These Jack Skellington Cookies are not only delicious but also a great way to add some Halloween fun to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy decoration steps, you’ll have a batch of spooky cookies ready to impress your guests in no time. Try them out and share the spooky fun!

Nutritional Information (per cookie)