Mustache Treats

Mustache Treats are the kind of fun dessert that instantly brightens your day. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, creating these whimsical cookies can turn an ordinary afternoon into a delightful adventure. Imagine shaping these silly mustaches and decorating them to your heart’s content! Not only do they look adorable, but they also deliver a combination of rich chocolate and buttery goodness that’s hard to resist. Making Mustache Treats is about more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories and sharing laughs with family and friends. With each bite, you’ll find yourself thinking about all the fun conversations and moments they can inspire. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get started on this playful baking journey!

Why This Recipe Works

Mustache Treats blend whimsical design with delightful flavors, ensuring a memorable experience for both the creator and the enjoyer. The balance of rich chocolate, buttery cookies, and a glossy glaze makes these treats so much more than just a festive dessert; they’re a heartfelt gift perfect for celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Mustache Treats

These Mustache Treats aren’t just for dads; they are for anyone who appreciates a fun and delicious dessert! The unique mustache shape brings a playful and light-hearted spirit to your kitchen while delivering satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon McCormick Vanilla Extract
• ½ teaspoon McCormick Almond Extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 ¼ cups (281 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (94 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon McCormick Vanilla
• 1 ounce melted milk chocolate
• Chocolate jimmies for sprinkling
• 8 ounces chopped chocolate (dark or milk based on preference)
• 2 cups heavy cream, heated to simmering
• 1 teaspoon McCormick Vanilla Extract

Create Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Preheat the Oven and Mix Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In the bowl of your mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth, which takes about 3 minutes. Next, add the McCormick Vanilla Extract, McCormick Almond Extract, and the room temperature egg. This mixture will form the rich base for your cookies.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, kosher salt, all-purpose flour, and cocoa powder. Gradually mix this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until everything is well combined. At this point, you’ll notice the dough becoming quite stiff, but that’s perfectly normal.

Roll and Cut the Cookies

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thick. Using a mustache-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cheerful cookies that will bring a smile to anyone’s face. Carefully place the cutouts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Bake and Cool the Cookies

Bake these fun mustache cookies for about 6-9 minutes. Once they are baked to perfection, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow the cookies to cool completely before you get ready to frost them.

Prepare Chocolate Glaze Frosting

Whisk Together Frosting Ingredients

In a medium bowl, prepare your frosting by combining the confectioners’ sugar, milk, McCormick Vanilla, and melted chocolate. Whisk until the mixture is fully combined. The frosting should be thick but still spreadable, which is ideal for topping off those mustache cookies.

Frost the Cookies

To frost the cookies, you can pour the mixture into a piping bag for precision, or simply use an offset spatula to spread the glaze generously over the cooled cookies. For an extra touch, consider sprinkling chocolate jimmies on top while the frosting is still wet; this will make the cookies even more appealing!

Create Chocolate Ganache

Heat the Cream

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to steam. Be careful not to let it boil, as this could change the texture of your ganache.

Combine with Chopped Chocolate

Once the cream is hot, pour it over the chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Add the McCormick Vanilla Extract and stir the mixture until it’s smooth and glossy. If there are any hard bits remaining, you can heat it briefly to melt them down.

Tips for Success

• Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing, which helps everything come together smoothly.
• Remember, baking times can vary from one oven to another, so keep a close eye on your cookies to avoid over-baking.
• You can also experiment with different toppings like nuts or sprinkles to add even more fun variety.

Variations

• For a festive twist, try adding a hint of peppermint extract to the cookie dough.
• You can substitute different extracts, such as hazelnut, to introduce unique flavors to your Mustache Treats.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your Mustache Treats alongside fresh fruit for a balanced and colorful dessert experience.
• For a little indulgence, pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast in flavors.

Storage Tips

To keep your cookies fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to save them for later, consider freezing the cookies before frosting for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy freshly decorated cookies whenever the mood strikes!

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter for the cookies?
Yes, margarine will work as a substitute, but it may slightly affect the texture of the cookies.

2. How can I make the cookies gluten-free?
You can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free flour blend.

3. Can I decorate these treats ahead of time?
Definitely! You can frost them a day in advance; just be sure to store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture.

4. What chocolates can I use for the ganache?
Feel free to use dark, milk, or even white chocolate based on what you prefer for the ganache.

5. Are there any nut-free alternatives for those with allergies?
Yes, just omit any nuts and ensure that the extracts you choose are free from nut allergens.

With mustache-shaped cookies that pack a punch of flavor, these Mustache Treats are sure to bring smiles and delight any time of the year. They’re not only a fun baking project but also carry a sentimental value to charm anyone who receives them. Bake up a batch today and spread the joy!

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