Why Make This Recipe
Hocus Pocus Binx Cookies are a fun and festive treat that brings a little bit of magic to any occasion. They are inspired by the beloved black cat from the classic movie “Hocus Pocus.” These cookies are not only adorable but also delicious, making them perfect for Halloween gatherings, themed parties, or just a fun cooking project with family. Plus, with their rich chocolate flavor and colorful toppings, they will brighten up your dessert table!
How to Make Hocus Pocus Binx Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup black cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Sanding sugar, for rolling
- 48 sliced raw almonds
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 48 mini green M&Ms
- 24 mini brown M&Ms
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to beat granulated sugar, butter, and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg and beat until incorporated, then mix in the vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 days.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a 1 1/2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out 24 balls of dough and set aside the remaining dough. Roll the portions into 1″ balls and coat them in sanding sugar. Place them on the prepared sheets, spacing them 2″ apart. Flatten each ball to form a 2″ circle.
- Take tablespoon-sized pieces of the reserved dough and roll them into 1/2″ balls. Roll these smaller balls in sanding sugar and arrange them on top of the flattened circles, pinching the tops to form triangle shapes for ears.
- Place two sliced almonds on each flattened circle for the eyes, making sure the skinnier points face toward the center.
- Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate in the microwave in 10-second increments, stirring in between until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip or a zip-top bag with a small hole cut in the corner. Pipe a dot of chocolate onto the center of each almond and place a green M&M on top. Then, pipe another dot of chocolate under each almond and add a brown M&M for the nose. Finally, pipe two whiskers on each side of the nose. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
- Make Ahead: These cookies can be made 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
How to Serve Hocus Pocus Binx Cookies
Serve these cookies on a festive platter, perhaps alongside other Halloween treats. They can be enjoyed with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even a cup of coffee. These playful cookies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
How to Store Hocus Pocus Binx Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to a month.
Tips to Make Hocus Pocus Binx Cookies
- Make sure to soften the butter before mixing for a creamy texture.
- Chill the dough well to ensure the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Get creative with your toppings! You can use different candies or even edible eyes to give them a unique look.
Variation
For a different flavor, you can try using white cocoa powder instead of black cocoa powder. This will give the cookies a lighter color while still being delicious.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa powder?
Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder if you don’t have black cocoa powder, but the cookies will have a lighter color and a slightly different taste.
2. What can I use instead of sanding sugar?
You can use granulated sugar or any other colored sugar if you want to add more festive flair to your cookies.
3. How can I prevent the dough from sticking?
If the dough is too sticky, you can lightly dust your hands with flour when rolling the balls, or you can chill the dough a bit longer to make it easier to handle.
