Cocoa Calaveritas Cookies

Cocoa Skull Cookies Recipe

The cocoa skull cookies are a traditional dessert perfect for the festivities of Day of the Dead. These cookies combine the intense flavor of chocolate with the creativity of the typical decorations of this tradition. They are ideal for sharing with family and keeping this very Mexican custom alive, besides being delicious and suitable for everyone!

Preparation time

Find out the time needed to have these cookies ready and enjoy the celebration.

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: does not require traditional baking
• Total: 45 minutes including cooling
• Servings: 16 to 18 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the cocoa cookies

• 36 sandwich-type chocolate cookies
• 100 g of cream cheese

For decorating

• Sprinkles of white chocolate
• Melting candies in black, pink/red, and yellow
• Mini heart-shaped candies (Optional)

If you can't find chocolate sandwich cookies, you can use well-crushed homemade cocoa cookies mixed with a little butter to form the base and the right texture.

Utensils we will use

• Skull mold, preferably silicone
• Mixing bowl
• Mixer or fork to combine
• Microwave-safe container
• Wax paper
• Toothpicks for decoration details
• Tray for chilling

Preparation

1. Prepare the cookie mixture

• Remove the cream: Carefully separate the cream from the chocolate cookies to focus the flavor on the dough.
• Grind the cookies: Place the cream-less cookies in a blender or food processor and crush until a flour-like texture is obtained.
• Beat the cream cheese: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with a mixer or a fork until smooth.
• Mix: Add the crushed cookies to the creamy cheese and mix well until a homogeneous and malleable dough is formed.

2. Form the skull shapes with the mold

• Fill the mold: Press the skull-shaped mixture into the mold, making sure to fill all the details so they are well formed.
• Unmold: Carefully remove the figures and place them on a tray with parchment paper.
• Refrigerate: Place the tray in the freezer or refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes so the little skulls firm up.

3. Melt the chocolate for decoration

• Heat the chips: Put the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Melt carefully: Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring each time to prevent burning.

4. Cover and decorate the little skulls

• Cover with white chocolate: Take the little skulls out of the cold, carefully cover them with the melted white chocolate, making sure there is an even layer and removing any excess.
• Decorate the details: Melt the black candies to outline eyes, nose, and mouth on the little skulls, using a wooden toothpick.
• Add colors: Use pink/red and yellow colors to make dots and lines on the skulls, especially on the forehead, eyes, and cheeks.
• Add optional mini candies: Place small heart-shaped candies on the forehead of the skulls for a special detail.

To finish and serve

Once decorated, let the calaveritas dry completely outside the refrigerator so that the chocolate hardens without moisture. Serve these cocoa cookies on your altar or as a sweet accompaniment after dinner. They are ideal for sharing with children and adults, in addition to being a delicious twist on traditional sugar skulls.

Approximate nutritional information per serving

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Proteins: 2 g
• Fats: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g

These values are approximations based on the ingredients used and an average serving.

5 keys for perfect cocoa skull cookies

To achieve exceptional results with your cocoa skull cookies, consider these experience-based recommendations:

1. Proper dough consistency: Make sure the mixture is pliable, neither too dry nor sticky; the cream cheese should be at room temperature to facilitate mixing and prevent lumps.
2. Use of silicone mold: This material is flexible and helps cookies with complex details unmold without breaking, maintaining their shape.
3. Chocolate layers for decoration: Melt a little white chocolate at a time to apply it with control, avoiding exceeding the amount and making the decoration too heavy or cloying.
4. Care when melting colored candies: Heat in short periods and stir constantly to prevent the chocolate from burning and altering its flavor.
5. Patience when decorating: Take your time to precisely draw the facial features and colorful patterns of the skulls; this will make them look more attractive and true to tradition.

When is it ideal to enjoy cocoa skull cookies?

These cookies are ideal for accompanying the celebrations of Day of the Dead, where they are part of offerings and altars, but they are also excellent for enjoying at family gatherings and school events. Their flavor and presentation encourage younger children to engage with traditions, making the experience sweet and memorable. Furthermore, they are perfect for autumn and cool days when chocolate desserts are most appreciated.

Comparative table of traditional cookies and similar alternatives

Do you want to try something different for your Day of the Dead?

These delicious cocoa cookies invite you to innovate on a date full of meaning. Additionally, if you are looking for variations with other ingredients or more dessert options for the season, you can explore fascinating recipes such as pumpkin cheesecake with chai spices or the refreshing pasta salad with roasted zucchini. Also, for those who enjoy a tropical touch, the cold coconut and lemon tart is a wonderful option.

Experimenting with homemade recipes like these strengthens the bond with our traditions, in addition to delighting the palate with well-balanced flavors and textures that manage to replicate the affection with which these delicacies are prepared.

For those who prefer to prepare their own dough from scratch, we invite you to review specific recipes and techniques that will help you perfect the texture and flavor of these typical cookies, ensuring that your altar or celebration has a very special and authentic touch.