Mummy Shortbread Cookies – Easy and Spooky Halloween Treat

Halloween is hands-down one of my favorite holidays to bake for. Between the candy overload and the cozy autumn vibes, there’s just something so satisfying about whipping up spooky treats in the kitchen. And let me tell you, these Mummy Shortbread Cookies are absolutely boo-tiful! Not only are they easy to make, but they’re buttery, warmly spiced, and adorable enough to steal the show at any Halloween party.

Whether you’re baking for your kids’ classroom, hosting a fall gathering, or just looking for something fun to do on a weekend afternoon, these cookies are perfect for all skill levels. They’re playful, festive, and totally delicious—what more could you ask for?

Why You’ll Love These Mummy Shortbread Cookies

• Buttery and melt-in-your-mouth
• Subtly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg
• Easy to decorate with kids
• No fancy tools needed
• Make-ahead friendly!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk pantry staples. You likely already have everything on hand:

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp milk

For Decorating:

• 1 cup bright white candy melts
• 24 candy eyes

How to Make Mummy Shortbread Cookies

These are incredibly beginner-friendly. Here’s how I do it:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat softened butter on high for about 2 minutes—until light and fluffy.
2. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix on low just until combined.
3. Alternate adding half the flour, then half the milk, and repeat. Let the mixer keep going until the dough forms a ball around the paddle.

Tip: Don’t overmix—just enough to form that dreamy dough ball.

4. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Roll and Bake

5. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Once chilled, roll dough out to about 1/4” thick on a floured surface.
7. Using a 2″ round cookie cutter, cut out 12 circles. Place them 1” apart on your baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges just start to brown.

Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before decorating.

Time to Decorate!

9. Melt candy melts in the microwave (30-second intervals, stirring each time).
10. Dip the tops of your cookies into the melted chocolate. Use a spatula to smooth if needed.
11. While the chocolate is still soft, press on two candy eyes.
12. Scoop some of the remaining melted chocolate into a plastic bag. Snip off a small corner and drizzle back and forth to create “mummy wraps.”
13. Let set until chocolate is firm. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Tips for Success

• Use softened butter – Cold butter won’t cream properly.
• Chill your dough – This helps the cookies hold their shape.
• Don’t skip the spices – They give a subtle autumn flavor that pairs perfectly with the white chocolate.

Make It a Party!

These cookies make a perfect addition to:

• Kids’ Halloween parties
• Trick-or-treat night dessert trays
• Spooky movie marathons

Pair them with:

• Hot apple cider
• Pumpkin spice lattes
• Halloween-themed cake pops

FAQs About Mummy Shortbread Cookies

What makes shortbread different from sugar cookies?
Shortbread is butter-based, crumbly, and tender. Sugar cookies are usually a bit sweeter and chewier.

Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
You can, but the spiced homemade version is totally worth it!

How long do these keep?
Up to 2 days at room temp in an airtight container. After that, they lose their snap.

Related Recipes You’ll Love:

• Earl Grey Cookies
• Strawberry Kiss Cookies
• Top 10 Best Cookies

Pin It for Later!

Find more festive bakes on our Pinterest page and pin this recipe to your Halloween board!

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