Mini Jack-o'-Lantern Sandwiches (Printable)

Soft pumpkin cookies and vanilla ice cream make sweet, festive sandwiches for fun Halloween celebrations.

# Components:

→ Pumpkin Cookie Dough

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Ice Cream Filling

14 - 1 pint premium vanilla ice cream, slightly softened

→ Decoration

15 - Black decorating gel or melted chocolate

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
02 - Using an electric mixer in a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Add egg, pumpkin purée, and vanilla; blend until smooth.
04 - Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until the dough is just combined.
05 - Cover mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for easier shaping.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Dust the work surface lightly with flour, then roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch round or pumpkin shapes using cookie cutters.
07 - Transfer cookies to parchment-lined baking sheets. Use a small paring knife to carve faces into half the cookies.
08 - Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, just until set but still soft. Cool completely on a wire rack.
09 - Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the bottom of a plain cookie. Cap with a Jack-o'-Lantern face cookie, pressing gently to adhere.
10 - Arrange sandwiches on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
11 - Before serving, accentuate faces with black decorating gel or melted chocolate if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Cute and whimsical Halloween dessert
  • Uses real pumpkin for seasonal flavor
  • Ready in under two hours with easy steps
  • Perfect for parties or after-school treats
02 -
  • Vegetarian friendly and kid approved
  • Can be made ahead and stored for a week
  • No artificial flavors if you use pure pumpkin and real vanilla
  • Low effort high wow factor for gatherings
03 -
  • Always chill the dough it makes it easier to roll and prevents sticky messes
  • Keep cookies uniform in size so sandwiches stack neatly and freeze well
  • Use a sharp clean knife for cutting the faces so details pop after baking
  • Soften your ice cream just slightly so it spreads without melting

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