Chocolate Cinnamon Skeleton Cookies (Print version)

Spooky chocolate cinnamon cookies shaped like skeletons with sweet icing decoration

# Ingredient List:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Royal Icing

10 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 1 large egg white
12 - 2-3 tablespoons water

# How To Make It:

01 - Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
02 - Beat butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
03 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture.
04 - Divide dough in half and flatten into disks. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm enough to roll.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - Roll out chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out skeleton or gingerbread man shapes with cookie cutter.
07 - Place cutouts on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set. Transfer to wire rack and cool completely.
08 - Beat egg white with powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons water until smooth and pipeable. Add additional water if needed to reach proper consistency.
09 - Transfer icing to piping bag fitted with fine tip. Pipe skeleton designs onto cooled cookies. Allow icing to dry completely before storing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The chocolate-cinnamon combination feels sophisticated but still screams fun and festive
  • The dough is incredibly forgiving—perfect for letting kids help with the cutting
  • Royal icing decorations let you get as creative or simple as you want
02 -
  • Chilling the dough is non-negotiable—warm dough spreads and you'll lose those crisp skeleton details
  • The royal icing consistency changes as you work, so keep a little water nearby to adjust if it gets too thick
  • These cookies actually taste better on day two when the flavors have had time to meld
03 -
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper in the dough adds a subtle heat that makes people wonder what's different
  • White chocolate chips pressed into the dough before baking create spooky skeleton eyes without any extra work

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