For the Cookies:
1 package (18 oz.) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
For the Decorations:
assorted color hard candies
powdered egg white (eqv. to 2 fresh egg whites)
2 Cups confectioners' sugar
assorted color sugar crystals
white nonpareils
black food coloring paste
Special Aids:
large and small Halloween themed cookie cutters
drinking straw
large resealable plastic bags
meat mallet
pastry bag fitted with small plain writing tips
ribbon
Baking the Cookies:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with aluminum foil. Kneed flour and pumpkin pie spice into cookie dough until smooth. Roll dough to a 1/4" thickness.
2. Using large cookie cutters, cut dough into desired shapes; transfer to prepared baking sheets. Using small cookie cutters, cut out centers. Reroll scraps for additional cookies.
3. Using a drinking straw make a whole about 1/4" from top of the shapes. Bake cookies until golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Transfer baking sheets to wire rack to cool.
Filling the Cookies:
1. Place each color candy in separate resealable plastic bags; seal bags. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, break candies into small pieces.
2. Spoon candy pieces into center of cookie cutouts, filling the space completely. Brush off any candy crumbs from the cookie surface.
3. Return cookies to the oven. Bake until candy pieces are just melted and smooth, about 2 minutes. Transfer to wire racks; cool completely. Peel cookies from foil, set aside.
Decorating the cookies:
1. Prepare powdered egg white as package directs. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer set on medium speed, beat confectioners' sugar and prepared egg whites until thickened, about 5 minutes.
2. Place half of the frosting in a pastry bag fitted with a small plain writing tip. Tint remaining frosting black; place in separate pastry bag with writing tip.
3. Pipe designs around inner and outer edges of the cookies and decorate with colored sugars and nonpareils, as desired. Let cookies stand until decorations are set, about 30 minutes. Thread ribbon through small hole; tie to secure.