These sPoOKy (or not) Witch's Cauldron Cookies are a fun and easy cookie for Halloween time. Or leave out the decorations and you have some tasty chocolate caramel cup cookies.
I saw these in a cookbook I scored at a thrift store years ago. I thought they would be fun and easy to make.
Who knew the hardest part would be finding the licorice laces for the pot handle. I tried at least three stores and struggled to even find black licorice! Red vines and Twizzlers galore, but no skinny black laces.
What's the matter with these kids today, don't they like the flavor of licorice?!
Ugh! I had no choice but to cut down some black licorice sticks.
I was about to grab a pack when I spied the "chocolate" flavored ones and I noticed my husband's eyes light up as he ogled them, so I grabbed those instead. Truthfully I think it was a far better flavor choice than if I'd use licorice, but they were not quite as cute as if I'd found the whips.
The candy eyes are readily available a number of places and I happened to have a few packs on hand. And I was THRILLED to find bone and bat candies (like these) with the Halloween baking supplies at Target (not a sponsor of the post, just telling you where I found the goods.)
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ cups butter (salted)
- ¾ cups sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package caramel candies (about 14 ounces (unwrapped))
- 1 tablespoon milk
- candies for decorations (eyes, bones, bats, mini M&Ms, etc.)
- black licorice laces
Instructions
- Combine flour and cocoa powder in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl cream flour and sugar until light and creamy. Add egg and vanilla and beat until mixed.
- Add flour mixture and blend on low until just combined. Chill dough for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Place a ball of about 1 tablespoon dough into each hole of a mini muffin pan. Press down in the bottom and up the sides. Chill for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 325° while dough is chilling.
- Bake cookies for 8-9 minutes until puffy. Remove from oven, press down in the center and return to the oven for 1 minute.
- Cool cookies in the muffin tin for 5 minutes then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While cookies are cooling. Melt the caramels and milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
- Pour caramel into the center of the cookies, add a piece of licorice whip for the pot handle, and a few candy ingredients in the pot.
Notes
More Halloween Recipes
Until next time, spooky eating!
~Audrey
Cynthia L
These are the cutest things ever! I would almost (note I said almost) hate to eat them they are so cute. I think you did good with the chocolate licorice! I have to agree with you, what is up with kids today - I love black licorice. Oh well, more for use!
Audrey@That Recipe
The licorice whips would have been cuter, but the chocolate tasted better with these cookies.
Cindys Recipes and Writings
What a cool Halloween treat! I love the caramel witch's brew on top!
Audrey@That Recipe
I have been craving caramel since I started thinking about what I was going to make this month.
Joanne/WineLady Cooks
This is a terrific Halloween treat. My grandson would love helping me to make these. Your recipe sounds easy enough to make. If we have a chance this fall I'm going to give them a try.
Audrey
Thanks, Joanne. They are quite easy to make and I always encourage people to cook with kids.
Sarah Eliza @ devastateboredom
SO CUTE! They look like something I would buy at a bakery.... And yea, I think nobody really likes licorice any more... so sorry... 😛
Audrey
Sigh, I guess I am a dinosaur taste-wise.... 😉
Kris ~Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies
Wow, but these are PERFECT for Halloween! I love all the toppings you find, and the melted caramel for the cauldron? LOVE it!
Audrey
I was thrilled to find the bones and bats sprinkles.
Julie S.
These are super adorable 🙂 Sounds like quite a bit of work, but so festive and cute!
Audrey
Actually they are pretty easy, especially if you have the licorice whips
Carlee
What a great idea!!! They turned out so cute! Pinning so I can give them a spin!
Audrey
Thanks, Carlee.
Marlys (This and That)
I love these... so cute for Halloween. I just bought some eyes so I could make these.. yes. and I am a big fan of black licorice.
Audrey@That Recipe
Thanks, Marlys.
Cristina @ I Say Nomato
These are so cute! Love this idea 🙂 Thanks for sharing with the Wednesday Showcase!
Sahana
Looks cute ,Audrey 🙂 I love anything Caramel. I will just gobble it if these cookies were near me 😉 Another great week with you at #HomeMattersParty .
Audrey
Caramel is definitely my weakness this year too.
Alayna @AlaynasCreations
Cute! I think the kids would love to help with this recipe. And how crazy that you couldn't find any thin black licorice.
I'm enjoying co-hosting the #HomeMattersParty with you!
Audrey
I love having my son help in the kitchen. Someday soon, I am hoping he will take over for me so I can blog and he can cook (and clean?)
Chelsea @ The Johnsons Plus Dog
These are so cute! I've never heard of chocolate licorice before! Having fun co-hosting with you at the #HomeMattersParty
Audrey
Chocolate licorice was new to me too, but the look on my husband's face told me we HAD to buy them, ha ha.
Denise
Love seeing your posts every week, so much fun co-hosting with you #HomeMattersParty
Audrey
Thanks, Denise!
Jamie
Those are adorable!! My son would love them. Pinned them to try and get some time to make some for my family!! #HomeMattersParty
Audrey
Thanks for stopping by. I hope he likes them.
recycling
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