Pumpkins for Halloween

Delicious Halloween Squash - A Magical Holiday Recipe

Halloween is a celebration full of mystery and magic, and Halloween squash are desserts that transform any meal into a festive and fun experience. These pumpkin-shaped cookies are not only a sweet treat but also a true visual gem that will impress both adults and children. Whether you serve them at a themed party or enjoy them with family, these delicious squashes will bring a smile to your face.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 cookies

Ingredients:

- 80 g butter (at room temperature for a fine texture)
- 180 g sugar (you can use brown sugar for a richer taste)
- 3 eggs (make sure they are fresh)
- 150 g flour 000 (pastry flour for a fluffy cake)
- 1/2 packet of yeast (to help the dough rise)
- Zest of one orange (for flavor and a touch of freshness)
- A few tablespoons of milk (to adjust the dough consistency)
- Quince jam (for filling and decoration)
- Small chocolate candies (for eyes and mouth)

A bit of history

Halloween squashes have become a tradition in many cultures, symbolizing not only the joy of the holiday but also the abundance of autumn. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for bringing a touch of creativity to the kitchen. In the past, squashes were used to represent the spirit of autumn, and now they are transformed into sweet delights that delight the taste buds.

Step by step: Preparing Halloween Squashes

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by carefully measuring all the ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft, which will help it combine more easily with the sugar.

2. Beat the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, add the butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes a light and fluffy cream. It is important to incorporate air into this mixture to obtain a light texture.

3. Add the eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully combined before adding the next. This step is essential to avoid lumps.

4. Incorporate the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the yeast. Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl with the butter and eggs, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon. You can also add the orange zest for a fresh taste.

5. Adjust the consistency: If the dough is too thick, add a few tablespoons of milk, mixing well until you achieve a smooth consistency, but slightly denser than regular cake batter.

6. Prepare the mold: Use a special silicone mold shaped like a pumpkin to shape your desserts. If you don’t have such a mold, you can use muffin tins, but the result will be different.

7. Fill the mold: Using a spoon, fill each cavity of the mold with dough, being careful not to fill them completely to allow for expansion during baking.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the mold in the oven and bake the squashes for about 20 minutes, or until they turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

9. Cooling: Once baked, let the squashes cool for a few minutes in the mold, then carefully remove them onto a rack to cool completely.

10. Decoration: Once the squashes have cooled, decorate them with quince jam on top. Then, use small chocolate candies to create eyes and a mouth, giving them a playful face.

Serving suggestions

Halloween squashes can be served warm or cold, depending on your preferences. You can accompany them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot chocolate for an unforgettable experience. You can also serve them with caramel sauce or whipped cream, adding an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional information

This dessert has approximately 150 calories per serving, depending on the size of the squashes and the amount of jam used. The squashes are a good source of carbohydrates, and the quince jam adds extra fiber and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other jams? Of course! You can experiment with different jams like plum or raspberry for a different taste.

2. How can I make the recipe healthier? You can replace some of the sugar with honey or natural sweeteners and use whole wheat flour to increase fiber intake.

3. How long can I keep the squashes? These delicious squashes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

4. Can I make the dough a day in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator, but make sure you let it come to room temperature before baking.

Possible variations

- Chocolate squashes: Add chocolate chips to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Nutty squashes: Incorporate chopped nuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Flavored squashes: Try adding a splash of vanilla extract or cinnamon for a more complex taste.

These Halloween squashes are not just a dessert, but a way to bring joy and creativity into the kitchen. Whether you prepare them for a party or simply to treat yourself, this recipe will surely become a tradition in your family. Don't forget to have fun while cooking and make each step a pleasant memory!