Name: Delicious Day of the Dead Cookies to Brighten Your Celebration
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour (Provides structure); 1 teaspoon baking powder (Helps cookies rise); 0.5 teaspoon salt (Enhances flavor); 1 cup unsalted butter (Softened for easy mixing); 1 cup sugar (Sweetens dough); 1 large egg (Acts as a binder); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Infuses flavor); 2 cups confectioner’s sugar (For royal icing); 2-4 tablespoons milk or water (To adjust icing consistency); gel food coloring (For vibrant colors)

As I stood in my kitchen, the vibrant colors of sugar skull decorations filled my thoughts, whisking me away to the lively streets of Mexico during Día de los Muertos. These Day of the Dead Cookies are not just making a sweet appearance—they are a canvas for creativity that even the littlest hands can enjoy. With a buttery softness and a crisp, sugary icing, these festive treats lend a delightful charm to any gathering. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to decorate, making them a perfect weekend project with family or friends. Not to mention, you can whip up a batch ahead of time and toss them in the freezer, ensuring you’re always ready for celebrations. Are you ready to create your own sweet masterpiece? Let’s dive into the fun of cookie decorating!

Why are these cookies a must-try?

Unforgettable Flavors: Each cookie bursts with buttery goodness, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the icing. Creative Decoration: The sugar skull designs are not only festive but also an artistic endeavor for kids and adults alike. Family-Friendly Fun: A perfect weekend activity to engage everyone, from the youngest bakers to the seasoned chefs. Make Ahead & Freeze: Enjoy the convenience of preparing these cookies in advance, keeping your celebrations stress-free. If you love vibrant cookies, you might also enjoy our Thumbprint Cookies Melt for a different twist!

Day of the Dead Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to bring some festive flair to your baking!

For the Cookie Dough

All-purpose flour – Provides structure and ensures the cookies hold their shape after baking.
Baking powder – This essential leavening agent helps the cookies rise for a soft texture.
Salt – Enhances the flavor and balances out the sweetness of the sugar.
Unsalted butter – Adds a rich, creamy base; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps achieve those delightful crispy edges; brown sugar can add depth.
Egg – Acts as a binder, ensuring a cohesive dough that holds together beautifully.
Vanilla extract – Infuses the cookies with a warm, inviting flavor; orange blossom water offers a lovely traditional twist.

For the Icing

Confectioner’s sugar – Creates a sweet and smooth royal icing that sets perfectly for decoration.
Milk or water – Used to achieve the desired spreadable consistency for the icing.
Gel food coloring – Vibrant colors that elevate your cookie designs without thinning the icing.

Embrace the festive spirit with these Day of the Dead Cookies, and let your creativity shine as you decorate!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Day of the Dead Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until combined. This mixture will provide the structure for your Day of the Dead Cookies, ensuring they rise properly and maintain a sturdy shape. Set this aside to focus on your wet ingredients next.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Next, incorporate 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. This creamy mixture forms the base of your delicious cookies.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Gradually blend the dry flour mixture into the wet butter and sugar mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the ingredients together until a cohesive dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky yet manageable; if it’s too dry, you can add a teaspoon of milk. Aim for a uniform consistency to create perfect Day of the Dead Cookies.

Step 4: Chill Dough
Divide the cookie dough into two halves, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and shapes the cookies effectively. The dough should firm up and be less sticky after chilling, making the decorating process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 5: Preheat Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This cleaning step saves time later and ensures your Day of the Dead Cookies slide off easily after baking.

Step 6: Roll Dough
Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut out skull shapes using a cookie cutter, placing them on the prepared baking sheets with ample spacing between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking; you want soft, tender cookies with a slight crisp that the Day of the Dead Cookies are known for. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare Icing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of confectioner’s sugar with 2-4 tablespoons of milk or water until the mixture is smooth and spreadable. Adjust the consistency by adding more liquid as needed. This royal icing will be perfect for decorating your cookies in vibrant colors for Day of the Dead celebrations.

Step 9: Decorate
Once the cookies have completely cooled, start decorating by applying a base layer of icing on each cookie. Allow this layer to set for a few minutes before using a piping bag to pipe intricate skull designs. Let your creativity flow as you decorate the Day of the Dead Cookies with colorful patterns and details.

Step 10: Set Icing
Allow the decorated cookies to sit at room temperature for several hours until the icing has fully set. Ideally, letting them dry overnight will yield the best results for beautifully decorated Day of the Dead Cookies, ready to be enjoyed or shared at your festive gatherings.

Day of the Dead Cookies Variations

Feel free to experiment and make these cookies your own—let your creativity shine through every bite!

Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil for a delightful vegan twist that keeps the cookies rich and tender.
Flavored Extracts: Try using almond or hazelnut extract instead of vanilla for a unique flavor that adds depth and interest.
Add Zest: Include the zest of an orange or lemon in the dough for a refreshing citrus punch that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Textured Icing: Mix in small, colorful candies right before your icing sets to create a delightful crunch and surprise in every bite.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the dough for those who enjoy a little heat mixed in with their sweet treats.
Chocolate Drizzle: After icing, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a luxurious and decadent touch that elevates the cookie.
Decorative Themes: Use themed cookie cutters and colors to celebrate other occasions; try hearts for Valentine’s Day or pumpkins for Halloween.
Colorful Sprinkles: Finish off your designs with edible confetti or sprinkles to add an extra layer of fun and celebration to these beautiful cookies.

Whether you choose to stick to tradition or add your own twists, these Day of the Dead Cookies are destined to bring joy to any celebration. And if you’re looking for more festive bakes, you might enjoy our Luscious Lemon Cookies or try something different with Orange Creamsicle Cookies. Happy baking!

How to Store and Freeze Day of the Dead Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Use wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.

Fridge: Store decorated cookies in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Ensure they’re in an airtight container to protect the icing from moisture and odors.

Freezer: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Once baked and cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Thaw before decorating.

Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, gently reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-8 minutes to restore that fresh-baked warmth. Enjoy your festive Day of the Dead Cookies anytime!

Make Ahead Options

These Day of the Dead Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and chilling it in the refrigerator. If you want even more flexibility, roll out the dough and cut the skull shapes ahead of time, then refrigerate those formed cookies for about 3 days before baking; just ensure they are well wrapped to maintain moisture. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely, and you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the cookies and decorate with icing, and they’ll be just as delicious and festive as fresh-baked treats!

What to Serve with Day of the Dead Cookies

Delight your senses with a thoughtful balance of flavors and textures to create a celebration bursting with joy and warmth.

Rich Hot Chocolate: This creamy, indulgent drink enhances the sweetness of the cookies while adding cozy warmth. A sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the experience even further.
As you sip, imagine yourself beside a vibrant bonfire, surrounded by loved ones.
Churros: Crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, churros dusted with cinnamon sugar create a delightful textural contrast. Dip them in chocolate sauce for an extra treat!
The crunch combined with the softness of your cookies will leave everyone wanting more.
Fruit Salsa: Fresh fruits like mango, pineapple, and strawberries mixed with a hint of lime brighten your dessert table, adding a refreshing zing.
This tropical flair complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully, bringing a lively contrast to your spread.
Mexican Wedding Cookies: Buttery, nutty, and dusted with powdered sugar, these melt-in-your-mouth treats offer a lovely contrast in flavor.
Plus, their delicate richness pairs seamlessly with the fun, vibrant Day of the Dead Cookies.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced cider adds warmth and comforting aroma to your festive spread. The spices perfectly complement the cookies’ sweetness.
Imagine the aroma wafting through your home, inviting everyone to gather around.
Traditional Pan de Muerto: This soft, sweet bread shaped like a skull, infused with orange and anise flavors, is a darling addition to complement the cookies.
It’s a beautiful way to link tradition and sweetness on your celebration table.
Coconut Flan: Creamy, caramel-laden flan adds a luscious, velvety finish that contrasts with the crisp sugar cookies.
Its richness combined with the playful decorations of the cookies creates a truly festive atmosphere.
Sparkling Water with Lime: For a refreshing, bubbly option, serve sparkling water with a wedge of lime. It’s a light and vibrant pairing that balances the sweetness.
This drink brightens your gathering, giving a zesty touch to each bite of your delightful cookies.

Expert Tips for Day of the Dead Cookies

Measure Accurately: Precision is key! Use the spoon and level method for flour to prevent dense cookies that lack the soft texture you’re aiming for.
Flavor Boost: Don’t hesitate to add a pinch of cinnamon or a bit of orange zest to your dough for a warm, festive flavor twist that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Design with Confidence: Stick to gel food colors for the icing; they create vibrant designs without altering the icing’s consistency, ensuring your Day of the Dead Cookies look stunning.
Set Icing Properly: Allow your decorated cookies to sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight to ensure the icing dries completely and maintains its shape.
Freezer Friendly: For convenience, freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and decorate when you’re ready to enjoy or share them!

Day of the Dead Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right ingredients for my cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. Look for all-purpose flour that’s free of dark spots, soft unsalted butter that’s at room temperature for easy creaming, and vibrant gel food coloring for your icing. Using fresh eggs and pure vanilla extract can significantly enhance the flavor of your Day of the Dead Cookies.

What is the best way to store these cookies?
Very! Store your Day of the Dead Cookies in an airtight container with layers of wax paper in between to prevent them from sticking together. They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them even longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Can I freeze the Day of the Dead Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze undecorated cookies, let them cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to decorate, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Oh no! If you notice that your cookies spread excessively, this is often due to warm butter or not chilling the dough long enough. To prevent this, make sure your butter is just softened, and always chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling it out. If they still spread, try adding a little more flour to the dough next time.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of for these cookies?
Great question! If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Always check the labels of your extracts and food coloring for potential allergens, as some may contain ingredients like gluten or nuts. If allergies are a concern, consider making a small batch first to ensure safety.

How can I ensure my icing sets properly?
For beautifully decorated cookies with icing that holds its shape, allow your cookies to dry completely at room temperature for several hours or ideally overnight. If your icing remains soft, this may be due to too much liquid; you can add more confectioner’s sugar to thicken it before decorating.