Hey ghouls and goblins, Shaym here from SoolFood! Every Halloween, I try to one-up my last year’s party treats. One year it was ghost cupcakes. Another year, I made pudding dirt cups that actually scared my little cousin (oops). But the biggest crowd-pleaser by far? These Zombie Brain Cookies. They’re gross in the best possible way, cracked on top, oozing with “blood,” and freakishly fun to make with kids. Don’t worry, no real brains involved, just sugar, jam, and spooky vibes.
If you’re planning a party or just want a baking activity that screams Halloween, these cookies will be your show-stopper.
Why These Zombie Brain Cookies Are the Ultimate Halloween Treat
There’s something magical about Halloween treats that look terrifying but taste incredible. These Zombie Brain Cookies check all the boxes: they’re creepy, sweet, gooey in the middle, and shaped like little brains straight out of a haunted kitchen.
The soft sugar cookie shell cracks just enough to mimic brain folds, and the raspberry jam “blood” inside adds the perfect zombie bite. Want more spooky dessert ideas? Pair these with our Marshmallow Rice Krispies Halloween Brains or whip up a batch of Easy Halloween Party Treats for your full haunted spread.
🧁 Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Red or pink food coloring
- ½ cup raspberry or strawberry jam (for “zombie goo”)
- Optional: green or gray icing for “brain lines”
- Cooking spray or parchment paper
🧠 How to Make Zombie Brain Cookies
1. Prep the Dough:
Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and food coloring (use red or pink for a fleshy tone). Mix in flour and baking powder until a dough forms.
2. Shape the Brains:
Take a tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly, and place a small bit of jam in the center. Fold and roll into an oval shape. Score lines with a toothpick or knife to create “brain” texture.
3. Bake:
Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just golden.
4. Add Zombie Style:
Once cooled, drizzle green or gray icing in squiggles across the top to amp up the spooky factor.
5. Serve with a Scare:
Arrange on a dark platter surrounded by fake cobwebs, candy eyeballs, or plastic spiders for full effect.
🧟 Shaym’s Tips
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a fall flavor twist
- Use neon green food coloring for a more “radioactive zombie” look
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days (if they last that long)
Still got a sweet tooth? Our Halloween Brownies Recipe adds another fun and freaky dessert to the mix.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for a party, making treats with kids, or just having fun in the kitchen, Zombie Brain Cookies are the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit. They look creepy, taste amazing, and will have everyone talking,
right before they bite into “brains.”