Quick Orange Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more polished look, consider using a toothpick to gently nudge the candy coating around the edges of the pretzel stem after placement. This helps to create a seamless transition between the stem and the pumpkin.

If you prefer a more rustic appearance, you can leave the coating as is, which adds to the handmade charm of these delightful seasonal treats.

If you find that the candy is setting too quickly, try keeping the bowl of melted candy in a larger bowl of warm water.

This gentle heat will keep the candy at the perfect consistency for a longer period, allowing you to work at a more relaxed pace. Just be extremely careful that no water splashes into the candy, as this will cause it to seize instantly.

Variations

• Spooky Faces: Use a small amount of melted black candy to draw jack-o'-lantern faces on the orange-coated cookies once they have set. This adds a fun, spooky element perfect for themed parties.
• Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of coarse sea salt over the wet candy coating before it sets. This enhances the sweetness of the orange candy and balances the chocolate cookie base.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if your kitchen is particularly warm.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the moisture can cause the candy coating to bloom and the cookies to lose their crisp texture.

Store the finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this may cause the candy coating to soften or melt. When stored properly, these cookies will maintain their texture and flavor for up to one week, making them a great option for advance preparation.

These cookies are an excellent candidate for making ahead. Assemble them up to three days before your event and store them in a cool, dry spot. Their durability makes them easy to transport if you are bringing them to a gathering, as the hardened candy shell protects the cookie base and keeps the pretzel stem securely in place during transit.

Serving ideas

Present these cookies on a decorative platter or a tiered stand to showcase their festive design. They look particularly lovely when arranged in rows or circles, mimicking a pumpkin patch.

Because they are individual portions, they are perfect for grab-and-go snacking, allowing guests to enjoy them without the need for additional serving utensils or plates.

Pair these treats with a warm beverage like cider or coffee to complement the chocolate and candy flavors. The contrast of the salty pretzel with the sweet coating makes them a versatile addition to any dessert spread.

Ensure they are served at room temperature for the best texture, as the candy coating can become quite firm if kept in a cold environment.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Quick Orange Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies

Prep 10 minCook 5 minRest 15 minTotal 30 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 12 chocolate sandwich cookies, store-bought or made ahead
• 1 cup orange candy melts
• 12 mini pretzel twists, broken into small stems

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Break the mini pretzel twists into small, manageable pieces to serve as the stems for your pumpkin cookies.
2. Place the orange candy melts in a small microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Using a fork, dip each chocolate sandwich cookie into the melted orange candy until fully coated, letting the excess drip off before placing onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Immediately place a small pretzel piece at the top of each coated cookie to create the pumpkin stem. Allow the cookies to rest until the candy coating has completely hardened.

Contains: gluten, milk, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

160

Protein

1.5 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

8 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

15 g

Sodium

95 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.