Vickys Halloween Poopy Cookies GF DF EF SF NF

Whisk the flour, xanthan gum if using, sugar, cocoa and baking powder together in a large bowl

Cut in the butter with a fork or pastry knife until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs

Add the milk and vanilla and mix to form a soft dough. Add only enough liquid to bring it together. If you add too much milk, add some more flour in. Fold in the choc chips if using

Wrap in clingfilm and refrigerate for 1 hour. At this point you can divide the dough and freeze half for another time

Divide the dough into balls around the size of a golfball, then roll each ball into an 8 inch long ‘snake’

Form the poop shapes on the baking sheet by winding the snakes around to form a snail out of half of their length. Don’t leave a huge hole in the middle like shown (first batch mistake lol) or the cookies will sink down into it when baking. Coil them like snails then build on top

Continue to wind on top to fill in the gap. Pinch the tops to form the points (gross lol). Chill another 30 minutes

Preheat the oven to gas 6 / 200C / 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (This recipe makes 2 batches so if your oven is big enough, line 2 sheets)

Bake for 9 – 12 minutes until set

Let stand on the tray for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

When cooled, use a dab of piping icing for eyes or to stick eyes on if you want to