20 Spooky Chocolate Tombstone Biscuits You Can’t Resist
Halloween just isn’t Halloween without a little spooky fun in the kitchen, and that’s where these chocolate tombstone biscuits come in. Picture this: rich, chocolatey cookies shaped like tiny tombstones, perfect for setting the mood at your next Halloween party or just indulging in a spooky treat. I first made these years ago for my niece’s Halloween party, and let me tell you, they were a hit! The kids loved the creepy shapes, and the adults couldn’t resist the deep, chocolatey flavor. These biscuits are easy to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to bring a little ghoulish delight to your celebrations. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a Halloween tradition in your house too!
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Tombstone Biscuits
These biscuits aren’t just adorable—they’re downright irresistible! Here’s why they’ll become your new Halloween staple:
- So easy to make – No fancy techniques, just simple mixing and shaping. Even the kiddos can help!
- Perfectly spooky – Tombstone shapes? Instant Halloween vibes. Bonus points if you add icing “RIP” details.
- Rich chocolate flavor – Cocoa powder and optional chocolate chips make these intensely decadent.
- Endless fun to decorate – Get creative with icing, sprinkles, or even edible glitter for extra ghoulish charm.
Seriously, one bite and you’ll understand why these disappear faster than a ghost in the night!
Ingredients for Chocolate Tombstone Biscuits
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these spooktacular treats:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
That’s it! Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create pure Halloween magic.
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry—no fancy gadgets required! Just grab these basics:
- Mixing bowls (one for dry, one for wet)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (trust me, it’s a lifesaver)
- Tombstone-shaped cookie cutter (or get creative with a knife!)
- Whisk and spatula
That’s all it takes to bring these little chocolatey tombstones to life—er, death?
How to Make Chocolate Tombstone Biscuits
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—turning these simple ingredients into showstopping Halloween treats! Don’t let the spooky shapes fool you; this recipe is as easy as it gets. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of chocolate tombstone biscuits ready to haunt your dessert table in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first: fire up that oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, you don’t want to realize it’s not preheated when your dough is already shaped and ready to go. While it heats up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the biscuits from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. No one wants to scrape ghostly cookie remnants off the pan!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a bowl and whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything’s well combined—no one wants a bite of plain flour in their chocolatey tombstone! The cocoa powder gives these biscuits their deep, rich color, so don’t skimp on it. If you’re feeling fancy, sift the dry ingredients to avoid any lumps, but I’ll admit, I usually skip that step and they turn out just fine.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts! I use a hand mixer, but a sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease work too. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks almost like pale, creamy sand. Pro tip: If your butter isn’t soft enough, zap it in the microwave for 5-second bursts—just don’t let it melt!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything’s smooth. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the biscuits tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see any flour streaks. If you’re using chocolate chips (and you totally should), fold them in now. They’ll melt into little pockets of gooey goodness—perfect for a “rotting tombstone” effect!
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Time to bring these tombstones to life! Roll the dough into small balls, then flatten and shape them into rectangles (or use a tombstone cookie cutter if you’ve got one). Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one—they’ll spread just a bit. Pop them in the oven for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be firm, but the centers might still look a little soft. That’s okay! They’ll firm up as they cool. Let them sit on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Now, the hardest part: waiting to decorate (or devour) them!
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Tombstone Biscuits
Want your tombstone biscuits to look as good as they taste? Here are my tried-and-true tricks:
- Chill the dough – Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping. Cold dough holds those crisp tombstone edges better!
- Go easy on the icing – A simple white “RIP” or crack details make them spooky without overwhelming the chocolate flavor.
- Watch the bake time – Pull them at 10 minutes for chewy centers, 12 for crunchier edges. They firm up as they cool.
- Store smart – Keep in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for days—if they last that long!
Little touches make all the difference between “nice” and “graveyard-worthy” biscuits!
Variations and Substitutions
Don’t stress if you’re missing an ingredient or need to tweak this recipe—these biscuits are super forgiving! Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour (a 1:1 blend works best), or use dairy-free butter if you’re avoiding lactose. Craving crunch? Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a “graveyard rubble” texture. You can even skip the chocolate chips and add orange zest for a citrusy twist. The key? Have fun with it—Halloween treats should be as flexible as your imagination!
Serving and Storage
Serve these biscuits on a spooky platter with fake cobwebs or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra ghostly vibes. Store leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days—perfect for midnight snacking!
Nutritional Information
Each chocolate tombstone biscuit packs about 150 calories, with 7g fat, 20g carbs, and 2g protein. Of course, these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients—especially if you go wild with icing or extra chocolate chips!
FAQs About Chocolate Tombstone Biscuits
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then shape and bake as usual. Perfect for prepping ahead of your Halloween party!
How do I prevent spreading?
Chill the dough before baking—it helps the biscuits hold their shape. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated. If they still spread, try reducing the butter by a tablespoon or two next time.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture. They’ll taste just as spooktacular!
What’s the best way to decorate them?
I love using royal icing to pipe “RIP” or cracks on the tombstones. For a quicker option, dust them with powdered sugar for a ghostly, weathered look. Get creative—it’s Halloween, after all!
20 Spooky Chocolate Tombstone Biscuits You Can’t Resist
Chocolate tombstone biscuits are rich, chocolatey cookies shaped like tombstones, perfect for Halloween or themed parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Roll dough into tombstone shapes and place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are firm.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Decorate with icing for extra detail.
- Use a cookie cutter for uniform tombstone shapes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
