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#### Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the stuffed cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about **2 inches apart**. Use a fork or a small knife to lightly score the top of each cookie to give the appearance of pumpkin ribs.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for **10-12 minutes**, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as you want them to stay soft on the inside where the chocolate is melted.
Once done, remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about **5 minutes** before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
#### Step 6: Decorate the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to get creative with the decorations! Use **black icing** to draw jack-o-lantern faces on the cookies—either simple triangle eyes and a jagged mouth or go wild with your own spooky designs. If you prefer, you can also use **candy eyes** for an extra touch of fun. You can also drizzle more **melted chocolate** over the top for added texture and flavor.
#### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once decorated, your **Milk Chocolate Stuffed Jack-O-Lantern Cookies** are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at your Halloween party, pack them into treat bags for friends, or simply enjoy them with a glass of milk.
### Tips for Perfect Milk Chocolate Stuffed Jack-O-Lantern Cookies
1. **Chill the Dough**: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for **20-30 minutes** before shaping. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and prevents the chocolate from leaking out.
2. **Melt the Chocolate Carefully**: If you want a gooey, melted chocolate center, melt the **milk chocolate** and **heavy cream** together in the microwave or using a double boiler. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before stuffing the cookies to prevent it from being too hot and running out.
3. **Create Fun Faces**: Get creative with your jack-o-lantern faces! Use **sprinkles**, **candy**, or even a little **green icing** to add leaves to the top of your pumpkin cookies for an extra festive touch.
4. **Experiment with Fillings**: If you love dark chocolate or peanut butter, feel free to swap out the milk chocolate chips for your favorite fillings. Mini **Reese’s peanut butter cups** or **chopped Snickers** would make great alternatives.
### Why This Recipe Works
– **Milk Chocolate Center**: The gooey, melted chocolate center adds a sweet and indulgent surprise to each bite, creating a delicious contrast to the soft, buttery cookie dough.
– **Fun Pumpkin Shape**: The pumpkin-shaped cookies are not only visually appealing but also easy to make. Kids (and adults!) will love the playful design.
– **Perfect for Halloween**: With their vibrant orange color and spooky faces, these cookies are the ultimate Halloween treat, sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.
### Conclusion
**Milk Chocolate Stuffed Jack-O-Lantern Cookies** are the perfect way to add a little spooky fun to your Halloween celebrations. With their cute pumpkin shapes, chocolate-filled centers, and endless decorating possibilities, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re baking for a party, a bake sale, or just for some Halloween-inspired snacking, these cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these sweet, spooky treats!
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