Get ready to dive into a deliciously macabre culinary adventure that celebrates the vibrant Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos! These stunning Cherry Skull Cookies are more than just a treat – they're an edible work of art that combines the rich cultural heritage of Mexico with a mouthwatering blend of sweet cherry and buttery cookie goodness. Whether you're looking to honor loved ones or simply impress your guests with a show-stopping dessert, these skull-shaped cookies are guaranteed to be the star of any celebration.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 32 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cherry jam
- Royal icing for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients and equipment. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, which will make it easier to roll and shape.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a skull-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookie shapes.
- Transfer the skull-shaped cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Using a small spoon or piping bag, create a small well in the center of each skull cookie for the cherry jam.
- Fill each well with a small amount of cherry jam, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate the skull cookies with royal icing, creating traditional Day of the Dead sugar skull designs in vibrant colors.
- Allow the royal icing to set completely before serving or storing the cookies in an airtight container.
Tips
- Chill Out: Don't skip the dough chilling step! Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and ensures crisp, clean skull shapes.
- Jam Session: When adding cherry jam, use a small spoon or piping bag to create a neat well in the center of each cookie. Less is more – you don't want jam overflowing.
- Decorating Secrets: For authentic sugar skull designs, invest in some fine-tipped piping bags and food-safe decorating brushes. Vibrant colors like pink, blue, and orange are traditional for Day of the Dead designs.
- Make Ahead Magic: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days, making them perfect for party prep or gifting.
- Precision Matters: Use a skull-shaped cookie cutter for the most authentic look. If you don't have one, you can find specialty cutters online or at baking supply stores.Pro tip: Let your creativity shine! Each sugar skull cookie is a unique tribute, so don't be afraid to experiment with different decorating techniques and color combinations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg
