Chocolate Spider Web Cookies

If you're cookie decorating challenged then Chocolate Spider Web Cookies will make you look like a Halloween cookie expert. The spider webs on these cookies are the easiest decoration I know of.

Another easy Halloween treat is popcorn balls. Check out the Popcorn Ball Recipes page for popcorn balls.

Chocolate Spider Web Cookies Recipe

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg white
Cooking spray
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
3 tablespoons 2% reduced-fat milk

Preheat oven to 350º.

Lightly spoon the flour into a one cup dry measuring cup and level with a knife.

Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt, stirring well with a whisk.

Place the shortening in a large mixing bowl and beat with a heavy-duty mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy.

Gradually add the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until well blended. Add the vanilla and the egg white and beat well. Add the flour mixture and beat until well blended.

Turn the chocolate spider web cookies dough out onto wax paper and shape into a 6-inch log. Wrap the log in wax paper. Freeze 2 hours or until very firm.

Cut the log into 24 (1/4-inch) slices, and place chocolate spider web cookies slices 1 inch apart on baking sheets coated with cooking spray.

Bake at 350º for 10 minutes or until set. Remove from the pans and cool completely on wire racks.

Combine the powdered sugar and the milk in a medium bowl and stir well with a whisk until smooth. Spoon the mixture into a small zip-top plastic bag and seal.

Snip a tiny hole in 1 corner of the bag. Working with 1 cookie at a time, pipe 3 concentric circles onto each cookie. Starting at the center circle, pull a wooden pick through other the circles at regular intervals to create a "web".

Pretty easy huh? Give Chocolate Spider Web Cookies a try this Halloween!