WITCHES BREW THUMBPRINT COOKIES
20 MIN PREP TIME
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12 MIN BAKE TIME
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35 MIN TOTAL
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20 MIN PREP TIME 〰️ 12 MIN BAKE TIME 〰️ 35 MIN TOTAL 〰️
These Witches’ Brew Thumbprint Cookies are bubbling with Halloween magic. Each one starts with a rich, dark black cocoa cookie that’s soft in the centre and crisp on the edges. The “brew” comes from a pool of vibrant green white chocolate filling, topped with bubbling sprinkles and finished with a pretzel stick. They’re playful, spooky, and almost too enchanting to eat.
This recipe is part of my Bite Sized Halloween Treats series, where we’ll be creating spooky little snacks that are easy to make, kid-friendly, and just a little bit wicked.
Why you will love this recipe:
Strikingly spooky look | The black cookie and bright green filling create the ultimate Halloween contrast.
Easy and fun to decorate | This simple recipe can be prepared really quickly with very minimal effort. You can get kids involved in the thump print part and decorating.
Rich and chocolatey | Made with black cocoa for that deep, dramatic colour and luxurious flavour.
Ingredients:
This is a simple recipe so uses lots of ingredients that you are likely to already have in your cupboards at home, but there may be a couple of specific seasonal extras you need.
Unsalted butter | The base of the dough, adding richness and creating a soft, tender cookie.
Caster sugar | Sweetens the dough and helps the edges crisp up during baking.
Large egg yolk | Adds richness and helps bind the dough for that classic thumbprint texture.
Vanilla extract | Enhances the chocolate and rounds out the flavour.
Plain flour | Gives the cookie its structure while keeping the crumb soft.
Black cocoa powder | The star of the show! Black cocoa powder is ultra-Dutch processed, meaning it is treated with an alkaline solution to reduce its acidity. It gives the cookies their deep, inky colour and a smooth, dark chocolate taste.
Baking soda | Adds a slight lift and keeps the cookies from being too dense.
Pinch of salt | Balances sweetness and deepens the cocoa flavour.
White chocolate | Used for the filling; it melts beautifully and sets with a glossy finish.
Green gel food colouring | Transforms the melted white chocolate into a bubbling cauldron hue.
Sprinkles (pearls or mini rounds) | Create the “bubbles” on top of the witches’ brew.
Pretzel sticks | The finishing touch your edible “stirring wands.”
FAQ’s
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa?
You can, but the colour will be lighter and the flavour more traditional chocolate than rich “dark cocoa.” If you want the dark look but don’t have black cocoa you can add a few drops of black food colouring.
What’s the best way to colour white chocolate?
Always use oil or gel-based colouring. Water-based colour can make the chocolate seize.
Can I use candy melts instead of white chocolate?
Yes! Candy melts are easy to work with and already coloured, making them great for quick decorating. They just don’t taste as good as white chocolate.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No, this dough bakes perfectly without chilling, but you can chill it for 15 minutes if your kitchen is warm to help keep the shape.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 2 months. Defrost, then add the filling and decorations fresh.
Expert baking tips!
Don’t skip the black cocoa | It’s what gives these cookies their dramatic colour and deep, fudgey flavour, regular cocoa won’t have the same effect.
Use gel food colouring | Liquid colouring can thin the chocolate; gel gives strong colour without affecting texture.
Be creative with sprinkles | Use different shapes, edible eyes or metallic tones to make your brew sparkle!
Make ahead | You can bake the cookies a day before and fill them when ready to serve.
Store | Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days but they are best enjoyed within 2 days for the perfect texture.
Recipe Card:
Witches Brew Thumbprint Cookies
These Witches’ Brew Thumbprint Cookies are bubbling with Halloween magic. Each one starts with a rich, dark black cocoa cookie that’s soft in the centre and crisp on the edges. The “brew” comes from a pool of vibrant green white chocolate filling, topped with bubbling sprinkles and finished with a pretzel stick. They’re playful, spooky, and almost too enchanting to eat.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
168Fat
11 gCarbs
35 gSugar
0 gProtein
2 gDisclaimer: The information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or diagnosis. The nutritional information may vary based on the ingredients used, their freshness, and how they are prepared.
Halloween bakes you should try:
Make your own Edible Eyes
GRAVEYARD PUDDING CUPS
Peanut Butter Cookie Cake
I would love it if you tagged me @mykitchendrawer on Instagram if you make this recipe. It’s the biggest honour to see my recipes come to life in your kitchen and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to drop me a message or let’s chat in the comments. Happy baking!