Mini Jack-o'-Lantern Sandwiches (Printable Version)

Pumpkin cookies and vanilla ice cream combine for festive, spooky sandwiches ideal for Halloween and fall celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until evenly distributed.
02 - In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, pumpkin purée, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
03 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture, mixing at low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
04 - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier shaping.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup.
06 - On a lightly floured work surface, roll chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out cookies using a 2-inch round or pumpkin-shaped cutter. Reroll dough scraps as needed.
07 - Transfer shaped cookies to prepared baking sheets. Using a small paring knife, cut Jack-o'-Lantern faces into half of the cookies for sandwich tops.
08 - Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until set but still soft. Cool completely on a wire rack to prevent melting.
09 - For each sandwich, place a scoop of slightly softened vanilla ice cream onto the flat side of a plain cookie. Gently press a cookie with a Jack-o'-Lantern face on top to form a sandwich.
10 - Arrange assembled sandwiches on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to set the filling.
11 - Before serving, use black decorating gel or melted chocolate to accentuate the Jack-o'-Lantern features if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Each sandwich is treat-sized which makes them ideal for sharing
  • Uses classic pantry spices and real pumpkin purée for authentic fall flavor
  • Perfect make-ahead dessert for parties or family time
  • The cookie dough chills to make it easy to cut shapes and faces
  • Stays soft even after freezing no rock-hard cookies here
02 -
  • High in warming spices that boost seasonal flavor
  • Kid-friendly yet festive enough for adults
  • Freezes beautifully so you can prep ahead for a party
  • Vegetarian and adaptable to gluten-free
03 -
  • Let ice cream soften a bit but do not let it melt runny ice cream makes assembly messy
  • Roll cookie dough evenly thinner cookies freeze better for sandwiches and cut clean shapes
  • Decorate faces only after cookies are baked and cooled otherwise chocolate or gel might smear

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