Description
Sweet autumn memories dance through these candy corn shortbread cookies, bringing nostalgic Halloween charm to classic cookie perfection. Crisp buttery edges meet festive seasonal sweetness, inviting you to savor delightful moments of homemade magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Coloring Ingredients:
- Orange food coloring
- Yellow food coloring
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and airy, ensuring the mixture becomes fluffy and pale.
- Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Gradually fold in flour and baking powder, mixing gently until a cohesive soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Separate the dough into three distinct color sections: leave one portion white, transform another portion into vibrant orange, and color the largest section sunny yellow.
- Prepare a clean work surface with parchment paper, then methodically layer the colored doughs. Spread the yellow dough first as the base, carefully position the orange layer, and top with the white section.
- Skillfully shape the layered dough into two symmetrical triangular logs, mimicking the iconic candy corn silhouette.
- Tightly wrap each log in parchment paper, sealing the edges to maintain the shape and prevent drying.
- Refrigerate the wrapped logs for a minimum of two hours, allowing the dough to firm and develop robust flavors.
- Heat the oven to 350°F, ensuring proper temperature for even baking.
- Remove logs from refrigerator and slice into precise ¼-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
- Arrange cookie slices on a lined baking sheet, maintaining consistent spacing between each piece.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a set texture without browning the edges.
- Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to completely cool and solidify their delicate structure.
Notes
- Chill the dough thoroughly to maintain the distinct color layers and prevent spreading during baking.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant, concentrated colors that won’t affect the dough’s consistency.
- For precise layering, roll each colored dough between parchment paper to create even, clean edges.
- Substitute gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version of these festive cookies, ensuring the same tender texture.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 152
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 19 mg