Mummy Sugar Cookies: Spooky, Sweet, and Perfect for Halloween

Halloween is the perfect occasion to get creative in the kitchen, and what better way to celebrate than with Mummy Sugar Cookies? These festive cookies are fun to decorate, delicious to eat, and a hit with both kids and adults. Combining a soft, buttery sugar cookie base with sweet royal icing decorations, these mummy cookies bring the perfect mix of flavor and Halloween spirit to your baking table. With a few simple ingredients and some decorating creativity, you can transform ordinary sugar cookies into spooky mummies that are perfect for parties, classroom treats, or a festive family activity. In this article, we’ll cover all the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, decorating tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions so that even beginner bakers can create professional-looking Mummy Sugar Cookies with ease.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 cup butter at cool room temperature – this ensures a soft, workable dough that bakes into tender cookies.
• 1 cup powdered sugar – provides sweetness and contributes to a delicate texture.
• 1 large egg – binds the ingredients together while adding richness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – for a warm, classic flavor that complements the sugar cookie base.
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour – the main structure of the cookies; provides stability for decorating.
• ⅓ cup cornstarch – adds a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the cookies.
• ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

For the royal icing:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar – the base for a smooth, pipeable icing.
• 2 ¼ tablespoons warm water – helps achieve the perfect consistency for piping.
• 1 tablespoon meringue powder – stabilizes the icing so it hardens nicely.
• ¼ teaspoon clear flavor extract – optional for added flavor while keeping the icing color transparent.

Optional decorations include candy eyes, colored sugar, or edible glitter to give your mummy cookies extra personality.

Method

1. Prepare the cookie dough – In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
2. Chill the dough – Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll out and helps prevent spreading during baking.
3. Roll and cut the cookies – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter of your choice—traditional rectangle or oval shapes work well for mummy designs. Carefully transfer the cut cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake and cool – Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Fully cooled cookies are essential for decorating to prevent icing from melting or sliding.
5. Prepare the royal icing – In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, warm water, and clear flavor extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth and stiff peaks form. Adjust the consistency by adding a few drops of water if needed for piping. Fill a piping bag with the icing, using a small round tip for precise lines.
6. Decorate the mummy cookies – Pipe horizontal or diagonal lines across each cookie to create the appearance of mummy bandages. For a realistic and fun look, vary the thickness and spacing of the lines. Leave small gaps for the eyes. Once the bandages are piped, add candy eyes or use small dots of black icing for the eyes. Allow the icing to harden for at least 1–2 hours at room temperature before serving or storing.
7. Serve or store – Display your Mummy Sugar Cookies on a festive platter for parties or package them individually as Halloween gifts. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage, making sure to layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Tips for Success

• Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.
• Use a piping tip that allows for controlled lines; this helps create neat, detailed mummy bandages.
• If you prefer, you can divide the royal icing and tint some with food coloring to add variations to your mummy designs.
• Practice piping on parchment paper before decorating the cookies to gain confidence and control over the icing.
• For an extra spooky touch, sprinkle edible glitter or colored sugar over the bandages while the icing is still wet.

Variations

• Mini Mummies: Cut smaller cookies for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or trick-or-treating.
• Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist while keeping the same royal icing decorations.
• Spiced Mummies: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice into the cookie dough for a seasonal flavor.
• Layered Cookies: Stack two cookies with a thin layer of icing in between for a taller, more dramatic mummy effect.
• Creative Eyes: Use small chocolate chips, colored candy, or edible markers to create expressive eyes for each mummy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make the cookies in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them undecorated in an airtight container for several days. Decorate closer to serving for the best appearance.

Can I use store-bought sugar cookies?
Absolutely. Store-bought cookies can save time. Just ensure they are firm and cooled before decorating with royal icing.

How can I make royal icing stiffer or thinner?
For stiffer icing, add more powdered sugar gradually. For thinner icing, add a few drops of water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Can I color the royal icing?
Yes, you can divide the icing and use food coloring to create different bandage colors or fun Halloween variations.

What is the best way to store decorated mummy cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need longer storage, layer them with parchment paper and freeze for up to a month.

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Conclusion

Mummy Sugar Cookies are a delightful combination of soft, buttery cookies and fun, festive decorations that bring Halloween spirit to any gathering. They are simple enough for beginners to attempt but offer plenty of room for creative expression. With easy-to-follow instructions, helpful tips, and a few variations, you can create spooky, charming mummy cookies that are sure to impress friends, family, and party guests. Whether you’re baking with children, preparing treats for a Halloween party, or simply indulging in a fun seasonal baking activity, these mummy sugar cookies are a perfect choice. By following the method outlined above, using quality ingredients, and experimenting with decorating techniques, your Mummy Sugar Cookies will not only taste delicious but also look professionally crafted, making your Halloween celebrations both fun and memorable.