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Haunted House Cookies

These spooky, crooked cookies are made by shaping a simple buttery dough into quirky, uneven haunted houses. Baked until golden with cracked edges, they have a charmingly rustic appearance and a crisp yet tender texture, perfect for seasonal treats or Halloween festivities. Decorate with candies or icing to add extra spooky flair.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • candy, marshmallows, or icing decorative add-ins for spooky details

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, about 3 minutes. You’ll notice it turns a pale shade and feels smooth to the touch.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, blending until well combined and fragrant.
  4. One at a time, beat in the large egg until fully incorporated, which will make the mixture shiny and slightly thicker.
  5. Gradually add the flour, about half at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will start to come together and feel firm but still pliable.
  6. Scoop portions of dough and shape them into uneven, crooked little houses using your hands. Place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Watch for golden edges and cracked surfaces, which give these cookies their spooky charm.
  8. Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They should feel firm yet still slightly soft in the center, perfect for decorating.
  9. Decorate your haunted houses with candies, marshmallows, or icing to add spooky details like windows, doors, or crooked rooftops.
  10. Enjoy your charming, crooked haunted house cookies, perfect for Halloween or any dark, cozy night!

Notes

Ensure butter is softened for easy mixing. Watch edges closely to prevent overbaking. Use decorative candies or icing to enhance the spooky effect.