Owl Face Cookies
Owl Face Cookies are playful, chocolate-filled treats with crunchy peanut butter dough, perfect for kids and parties, offering a delightful combination of sweet and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together shortening and brown sugar.
- Add egg, vanilla, and peanut butter; mix thoroughly.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add to creamed mixture; blend well.
- Stir in oats.
- Divide dough in half to form a roll 8 inches long.
- Melt semi-sweet chocolate and add to one half of the dough.
- Roll out the chocolate dough on wax paper to form an 8-inch square.
- Place the plain dough roll on top of the chocolate square.
- Wrap the chocolate dough around the plain dough.
- Pinch seams together to seal.
- Wrap in wax paper.
- Chill at least 1 hour.
- If dough is refrigerated several hours, allow to stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, make sure the shortening is softened before creaming with the brown sugar. If you want a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunbutter or a similar alternative. You can also use almond flour instead of regular flour for a gluten-free option. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor profile, giving it a warm, cozy touch.
Serving Suggestions
These owl face cookies are perfect for festive gatherings and can be paired with milk or hot cocoa for a delightful treat. Consider serving them alongside Pumpkin Bars And Frosting for a seasonal dessert table. For a fun twist, decorate the cookies with colorful icing or candy eyes to enhance their owl appearance, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until slightly toasted.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Owl Face Cookies contains roughly 1101 calories, with 18g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2392mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing to make it easier to handle.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you're looking for a substitute for shortening, you can use unsalted butter or coconut oil in equal amounts. Keep in mind that butter will add a richer flavor, while coconut oil will give a slight coconut taste.
Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to maintain the original proportions of the main ingredients for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).