Halloween is here! Easy Raspberry Skull Cookie Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with baking paper

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.

3. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft but not sticky.

5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (about a tablespoon of dough per cookie). Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, and lightly flatten them with the bottom of a glass. Make sure they are approx. 3cm in height.

6. Using your finger or the back of a teaspoon, press two small indentations (approx. 1.5 - 2cm deep) next to one another at the top of each cookie. Make sure you leave at least half a centre meter between the indentation and the edge of the cookie.

7. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam into each indentation.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

*Tip: Check on the cookies when they are halfway through baking. The indentations can sometimes rise as the cookies cook, causing the jam to spill over. If this happens, use a teaspoon to define the indentations again. Top with more jam if needed before placing back in the oven to finish cooking.

9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. While the cookies are cooling, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave using a microwave safe bowl. Once melted, spoon the mixture in to a small piping bag. Pipe two small lines in the centre of the cookie for the nose. For the mouth, pipe a semi-circle to start. Then go back over the mouth with small vertical lines to achieve a Skull-like effect!

*Tip: To assist with piping for kids, we like to use a small ziplock bag instead of a piping bag. This way you can seal off the bag to avoid melted chocolate spilling out. Just use a pair of scissors to create a small hole in one corner of the bag!

11. Slip into your Ghostly Nights Pjs, turn on your favourite Halloween movie and indulge in your fresh cookies!