Page 216 - A Literary Holiday Cookbook

Masque of the Red Death Skeleton

Cookies

Makes 12–18 cookies

“And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all.”
—“The Masque of the Red Death”

Gingerbread men aren’t just for Christmas! You can change up the flavors and icing
decorations for all seasons. These sweet skeletons are red velvet cookies with cream
cheese frosting.

INGREDIENTS

For the Cookies

1¼ cups flour

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup butter
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

¾ cup sugar

1 egg
2 tablespoons milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ teaspoons red gel food coloring

For the Frosting
¼ cup butter

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1½ cups powdered sugar
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract