Day of the Dead Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking to make a treat that’s both festive and delicious, you’re going to love this Day of the Dead Cookies Recipe. These cookies are not just any sugar cookies—they’re soft, buttery, and come with that irresistible almond flavor thanks to almond paste. And the best part? You decorate them with vibrant, spooky candy coatings that are perfect for celebrating Día de los Muertos or any fun occasion where you want to impress your friends and family. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Day of the Dead Cookies Recipe come together to create a tender, flavorful dough that’s easy to work with and decorated to impress. I always recommend using fresh butter and good-quality almond paste because they really make a difference in taste.

• Butter: Use unsalted and softened butter for the perfect creamy texture in the dough.
• Confectioners’ sugar: This helps keep the cookies soft and smooth, much more than regular granulated sugar would.
• Almond paste: Gives that unmistakable almond flavor and moisture; try not to substitute with almond extract alone.
• Egg: Brings the dough together and adds richness; make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Milk (2%): Just a splash to keep the dough tender without making it too sticky.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and complements the almond taste beautifully.
• All-purpose flour: Creates structure; measuring it correctly is key to not ending up with dry or crumbly cookies.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
• White candy coating melts: For dipping and decorating – these melt smoothly and harden nicely.
• Optional decorations: Jumbo sprinkles, peppermint candies, candy-coated sunflower kernels, Skittles, Twizzlers Rainbow Twists, and Good & Plenty candies make your cookies pop.
• Black paste food coloring: Used to tint some of the candy coating for piping details like mouths.

Variations

One of the coolest things about this Day of the Dead Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to switch up the decorations or adapt the flavors, there’s lots of room to have fun and make it your own.

• Gluten-free version: I’ve tried swapping in a gluten-free flour blend with great success; just be mindful that texture might be a little different but still yummy!
• Spiced twist: Some cinnamon or a pinch of ground cloves in the dough adds a warm fall feel that I adore, especially around Day of the Dead celebrations.
• Vegan option: Use vegan butter and a flax egg substitute, keeping the almond paste (just check that it fits your dietary preferences).
• Chocolate dip: For a twist on decorating, try dipping half the cookie in dark chocolate melts instead of white for a striking contrast.

How to Make Day of the Dead Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Till Light and Fluffy

Start by whipping your softened butter and confectioners’ sugar together for about 3-4 minutes using a stand mixer or handheld beaters. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks pale and fluffy—this step is crucial because it gives the cookies a tender crumb. I remember the first time I skimmed this part, and the cookies felt too dense, so take your time here!

Step 2: Add Almond Paste, Egg, Milk, and Vanilla

Next, crumble in the almond paste and beat it into the butter mixture until it’s well combined—don’t worry; it might look a little chunky initially, but keep going. Then, add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Using room temperature eggs helps everything come together beautifully without lumps.

Step 3: Mix in Flour and Salt Gradually

Combine your flour and salt in a separate bowl, then add it slowly to the wet mixture. I like to add it in thirds, stirring gently each time to prevent over-mixing. Once the dough is uniform, cover it and chill in the fridge for about an hour. This rest time makes rolling easier and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough and Cut into Skulls

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Then, use a 5-inch skull cookie cutter to make the shapes. I found that dusting the cutter with flour before each cut prevents sticking and keeps the details sharp. Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet—it helps them bake evenly without spreading too much.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 7-9 minutes, until the edges feel firm but the centers are still a little soft. Let the cookies stand for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This waiting game is tough, but it prevents breakage and makes decorating much easier.

Step 6: Dip and Decorate

Melt your white candy coating melts in a shallow, microwave-safe dish according to package instructions. Dip the top side of each cookie in the candy, allowing the excess to drip off before setting them on waxed paper. While still wet, add your favorite sprinkles and candies. Tint some of the remaining white coating black with paste food coloring to pipe on mouths—this contrast really brings the sugar skulls to life!

How to Serve Day of the Dead Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love using a colorful mix of jumbo sprinkles, peppermint candies, and tiny candy-coated sunflower kernels for an authentic flair. Sometimes, I get creative with Skittles or Twizzlers Rainbow Twists to deliver both sweet bursts of flavor and vibrant visuals. It really turns your cookie platter into an eye-catching centerpiece.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of Mexican hot chocolate or your favorite spiced coffee for a cozy, festive combo. I also like serving them alongside fruit punch or fresh horchata for a refreshing twist that balances the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arranged the decorated cookies standing upright on skewers stuck into a decorated foam base, creating a festive “cookie bouquet” effect. Another fun idea is placing them on a tiered serving tray surrounded by marigold flowers and candles to honor the Day of the Dead tradition in style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking. They usually stay fresh and delicious for about 4-5 days, though the candy coating can get a little softer after a couple of days.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to make these ahead of time. I freeze the undecorated cookies on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I’m ready to decorate, I thaw them overnight in the fridge. Make sure to decorate right after thawing because the candy coating doesn’t freeze well.

Reheating

Because these are already baked cookies, reheating isn’t necessary. But if you want that fresh-baked feel, I pop them briefly in a low oven (around 300°F) for 3-4 minutes, just warm enough to soften them slightly without melting decorations.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Day of the Dead Cookies Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to celebrate with family and friends. There’s something so satisfying about baking these soft, flavorful cookies and then having a blast decorating them with colorful candies. Whether you’re honoring tradition or just want a memorable treat, I can’t recommend making these enough. So grab your skull cookie cutter, turn on some festive music, and get ready to create something truly special!

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