Halloween is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen and whip up some spooky treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make three Halloween-themed treats that are sure to delight your family and friends. From creepy-crawly spider cookies to eerie graveyard pudding cups, these treats are guaranteed to add a touch of spooky fun to your Halloween celebrations. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Spooky Halloween Treats
For the Spider Cookies:
- 1 batch of your favorite cookie dough (sugar cookie or chocolate chip works well)
- 24 small chocolate candies (such as M&M’s)
- 48 small pretzel sticks
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or candy melts, melted
For the Ghostly Marshmallow Pops:
- 12 large marshmallows
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or candy melts, melted
- 24 mini chocolate chips
For the Graveyard Pudding Cups:
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos)
- 6-8 Milano cookies
- 1/4 cup white decorating gel or frosting
- Optional: gummy worms or other Halloween candies for decoration
How to Make Spooky Halloween Treats
Spider Cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your cookie dough recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Prepare the cookie dough according to your recipe or package instructions.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies according to your recipe or package instructions, until they are set but not overly browned. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
Step 5: Assemble the Spiders
Once the cookies are cool, use the melted chocolate to attach two chocolate candies to each cookie for eyes. Break the pretzel sticks in half and stick 4 halves into each side of the cookie to create legs.
Ghostly Marshmallow Pops:
Step 1: Skewer the Marshmallows
Skewer each marshmallow with a lollipop stick or wooden skewer.
Step 2: Dip in White Chocolate
Dip each marshmallow into the melted white chocolate, coating it completely. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
Step 3: Add Eyes
Place two mini chocolate chips on each marshmallow for eyes, pressing gently to adhere them to the chocolate.
Step 4: Let Them Set
Place the marshmallow pops on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to set until the chocolate hardens.
Graveyard Pudding Cups:
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding
In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Refrigerate for about 5 minutes to allow the pudding to set.
Step 2: Assemble the Cups
In small cups or glasses, layer the crushed cookies and pudding, starting with a layer of crushed cookies, then pudding, and repeating until the cups are filled.
Step 3: Decorate the Graves
Use the decorating gel or frosting to write “RIP” on the Milano cookies to resemble gravestones. Insert the cookies into the pudding cups, pressing them into the pudding slightly.
Step 4: Add Final Touches
Optional: Decorate the graveyard with gummy worms or other Halloween candies to create a spooky scene.
About the Main Ingredients
Cookie Dough
Cookie dough serves as the base for the spider cookies, providing a delicious and chewy texture. You can use store-bought cookie dough for convenience or make your own from scratch. Sugar cookie dough works well for creating round spider bodies, while chocolate chip cookie dough adds extra flavor and texture.
Chocolate Candies
Chocolate candies, such as M&M’s, are used for the spider eyes. They add a pop of color and a sweet chocolatey flavor to the cookies. You can use any small round chocolate candy for this purpose.
Pretzel Sticks
Pretzel sticks are used to create the spider legs. Their crunchy texture and salty flavor complement the sweetness of the cookie and chocolate candies. Break them in half to create eight legs for each spider.
Marshmallows
Large marshmallows are the base for the ghostly marshmallow pops. They provide a soft and fluffy texture, perfect for coating in white chocolate to create the ghostly appearance.
White Chocolate Chips
White chocolate chips are melted and used to coat the marshmallows, giving them a smooth and creamy texture. They also add a sweet and vanilla flavor that complements the marshmallows.
Milano Cookies
Milano cookies are used as gravestones in the graveyard pudding cups. Their rectangular shape and flat surface make them perfect for decorating with “RIP” using decorating gel or frosting.
Chocolate Pudding Mix
Chocolate pudding mix is used to create the pudding layer in the graveyard pudding cups. It provides a rich and creamy chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the crushed cookies.