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These playful vampire cookies are always the hit of my family’s Halloween parties — gooey marshmallow teeth peeking through neon red frosting, tucked inside chewy chocolate chip cookies. With a handful of pantry staples and just a few kid-friendly steps, they are perfect for little helpers and busy grown-ups alike. Whenever we whip up a batch, it turns into a kitchen giggle-fest, and no one ever wants to stop at just one.
I remember the first year we made these for a classroom party — the kids gasped and then demolished every last cookie. They ask for them every October now.
Ingredients
- Chocolate chip cookie dough: Opt for a high-quality refrigerated tube for chewiness and chocolate flavor
- Vanilla frosting: A fluffy white base for your bloody vampire mouths Choose a frosting with a creamy texture so it spreads easily
- Red food coloring: Pick a gel type for bold color A little goes a long way
- Mini marshmallows: These make perfect teeth Look for fresh ones that are pillowy not sticky
- Slivered almonds: Used for fangs For nut allergies try crisp pretzel ends or frosted corn flakes for a safe crunchy option
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper Roll the cookie dough into balls about one and a half inches across Arrange them a couple of inches apart on your sheets so they have room to spread Bake until they are golden and set this takes about twelve minutes Let the cookies cool completely before moving to the next step
- Color and Spread the Frosting:
- Drop a few dots of red food coloring into your vanilla frosting Stir vigorously to blend until you get a vibrant bright red Spread a thin layer of this frosting on each half of your cooled cookies
- Create the Teeth and Fangs:
- Around the curved edge of half the frosted cookie halves firmly press in mini marshmallows These line up perfectly as teeth Gently set the remaining cookie halves on top to form a sandwich
- Add the Vampire Fangs:
- Finally stick one slivered almond on each side of the marshmallows to look like sharp fangs Press them in just enough to anchor If using pretzel or cereal pieces substitute those in the same way
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My favorite part is lining up the marshmallow teeth — my son takes his time placing each one as crooked or as silly as he wants. The laughter while everyone decorates is half the fun of making them at home.
Storage tips
Store your finished vampire cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container at room temperature If stacked the marshmallows and frosting can get squished For longer freshness wait to assemble the fangs until just before serving — baked cookies and tinted frosting hold up for several days on their own
Smart ingredient swaps
No chocolate chip dough on hand Sugar cookies work beautifully and let the frosting flavor shine Oatmeal cookies bring a hearty twist For the nuts go for tiny pretzel sticks or cornflake pieces if you have allergies All types can create easy fangs
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Festive serving ideas
Arrange cookies on a big platter with plastic vampire teeth or sprinkle with spooky-themed sprinkles Pair them with a bubbling cauldron of punch or some cocoa The brighter the red icing the more dramatic your treats look
A Halloween tradition
Vampire cookies are a modern take on the playful spooky foods that make Halloween so memorable Store-bought dough and canned frosting keep things approachable so anyone can join in even on a busy weeknight This recipe has become our annual welcome to fall tradition
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → Can I use other cookie dough types?
Yes, sugar or oatmeal cookie doughs work well for these treats, each offering a unique texture and flavor balance.
- → How can I replace almonds if allergic?
Pretzel pieces or frosted corn flakes make excellent alternatives to almonds for that fang effect.
- → Is it possible to make the frosting from scratch?
Absolutely, a vanilla buttercream works beautifully and allows control over sweetness and texture.
- → What is the best way to achieve the red frosting color?
Add a few drops of red food coloring to vanilla frosting to get a vivid and spreadable coating.
- → Can kids help with this treat?
Yes, assembling these sweets is a fun, hands-on activity perfect for involving kids in the kitchen.
- → How long do these treats stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they remain soft and flavorful for up to 3 days.