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This easy recipe for Day of the Dead pan de muerto cookies is a fun way to bring the traditional flavors of pan de muerto to your celebration. They take the classic this Day of the Dead traditional food and turn it into bite-sized treats that everyone will love. These cookies are great for kids to help make and are a perfect addition to your celebration. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack or something to place on your ofrenda, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Making these cookies is so much fun. My kids really enjoy rolling the dough and adding the bone-shaped designs, turning the process into a fun family tradition. They’re a great Day of the Dead activities for kids at home or in the classroom.
Making this sweet Day of the Day dessert always opens up conversations about the meaning of Dia de los Muertos and about Day of the Dead traditions across Latin America. We alway talk about how the Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Mexico are different to Day of the Dead traditions in Guatemala, our home country.
Check out my article about our favorite Dia de los Muertos recipes for kids, for more ideas. I’ve also compiled lots of fun kid-friendly Dia de los Muertos projects in my Day of the Dead crafts for kids article.
The Importance of Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a deeply cherished Mexican tradition that honors loved ones who have passed away. Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, this holiday is a time for families to gather and remember their ancestors in joyful and meaningful ways. The celebration includes building altars, or ofrendas, in the home to welcome the spirits of the departed. These altars are decorated with photos, candles, marigolds, and, of course, food—because food is a way to nourish and connect with our loved ones, even in the afterlife. It’s a beautiful way to honor family members and keep their memories alive, showing that they are always a part of us.
Traditional Foods of Día de los Muertos
When it comes to Día de los Muertos, food is more than just something we eat—it’s an offering, a symbol of love, and a connection to those who came before us. One of the most iconic foods for this holiday is pan de muerto, a soft, slightly sweet bread flavored with orange blossom water or anise, depending on the family recipe. The dough is shaped to resemble bones, which symbolize the deceased. Traditionally, pan de muerto is large and is placed on the ofrenda alongside sugar skulls, fruits, tamales, and favorite drinks of the departed like horchata or spicy Mexican hot chocolate. However, with these Day of the Dead pan de muerto cookies, we take that same meaningful bread and turn it into something smaller and sweeter, a perfect treat to enjoy with loved ones.
The Role of Pan de Muerto on the Altar
Pan de muerto holds special significance in Día de los Muertos traditions. On the altar, or ofrenda, it symbolizes the cycle of life and death. The round shape of the bread represents the circle of life, while the bone-shaped decorations represent the souls of the departed. Food plays a huge role in this celebration, as it is believed to guide and comfort the spirits during their journey. Day of the Dead Pan de Muerto Cookies are a fun, modern way to bring this meaningful tradition to life in a smaller form. These cookies, sprinkled with sugar just like the traditional bread, are a sweet offering that honors the past while also adding something new to the holiday.
A Sweet Treat with Meaning
Making Day of the Dead Pan de Muerto Cookies is not just about baking—it’s about embracing the spirit of Día de los Muertos. These cookies, about 2 inches across, are shaped to resemble mini versions of pan de muerto. After they are baked, they are sprinkled with sugar, giving them that same familiar, sweet finish. I love making these cookies with my family; it’s a small way to connect with the tradition, while also creating something that feels uniquely ours. Whether you’re placing them on an ofrenda or simply enjoying them as a treat, these cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the holiday and honor the ones we’ve lost.
Day of the Dead Pan de Muerto Cookies Recipe
These Day of the Dead Pan de Muerto Cookies offer the traditional flavors of pan de muerto in a fun, bite-sized form. Perfect for sharing and celebrating Día de los Muertos, they combine cultural tradition with a delicious cookie twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon anise extract (optional)
- ¼ cup whole milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and anise extract (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Take a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball slightly to form a 2-inch round cookie. To mimic the pan de muerto design, roll small pieces of dough into thin “ropes” and cross them over the top of the cookie to create the traditional bone-like shapes.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Sprinkle with Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle them generously with granulated sugar. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooled, your Day of the Dead Pan de Muerto Cookies are ready to enjoy. They are perfect for adding to your Dia de los Muertos altar or serving as a sweet treat during celebrations.
Tips for the Best Day of the Dead Pan de Muerto Cookies
To make your Day of the Dead Pan de Muerto Cookies extra special, here are a few tips and fun you can try:
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of soft and tender ones.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling it out.
- Custom Decorations: Get creative with the bone-shaped dough on top of the cookies. You can use small pieces to create the traditional bone look, or add your own decorative touches to make them unique.
- Sprinkle Options: While granulated sugar is the traditional topping for pan de muerto, you can switch things up by using colored sugar or cinnamon-sugar for an extra layer of flavor.

Day of the Dead Pan de Muerto Cookies
Ingredients
- Day of the Dead Pan de Muerto Cookies Recipe
- These Day of the Dead Pan de Muerto Cookies offer the traditional flavors of pan de muerto in a fun, bite-sized form. Perfect for sharing and celebrating Día de los Muertos, they combine cultural tradition with a delicious cookie twist.
- Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon anise extract (optional)
- ¼ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and anise extract (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until everything is well combined.
- Step 5: Shape the Cookies: Take a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball slightly to form a 2-inch round cookie. To mimic the pan de muerto design, roll small pieces of dough into thin "ropes" and cross them over the top of the cookie to create the traditional bone-like shapes.
- Step 6: Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Step 7: Sprinkle with Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle them generously with granulated sugar. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
- Step 8: Serve and Enjoy! Once cooled, your Day of the Dead Pan de Muerto Cookies are ready to enjoy. They are perfect for adding to your Dia de los Muertos altar or serving as a sweet treat during celebrations.
Did you make this recipe?
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Variation: Marigold Infused Day of the Dead Pan de Muerto Cookies
- Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Instead of plain sugar, roll the cookies in a cinnamon-sugar mixture after they come out of the oven for a more flavorful coating.
- Marigold-Infused Pan de Muerto Cookies: Add a floral twist to your cookies by incorporating marigold extract into the dough. Marigolds, or cempasúchil, are symbolic of Día de los Muertos, and their flavor can add a unique touch to your cookies.
How to Make Marigold Extract
Adding marigold extract to your Day of the Dead Pan de Muerto Cookies gives them a fragrant and slightly floral flavor. Here’s how to make homemade marigold extract from fresh marigold petals:
Ingredients for Marigold Extract:
- 1 cup fresh or food grade dried marigold petals (make sure they are pesticide-free)
- ½ cup vodka or clear alcohol (for the extract base)
- Small jar with a lid
Instructions:
- Harvest the Petals: Collect fresh marigold petals from your garden or purchase them from a reliable source. Make sure they are thoroughly washed and free from any chemicals or pesticides.
- Combine with Alcohol: Place the fresh marigold petals in a small jar and pour the vodka or clear alcohol over them. Make sure the petals are fully submerged.
- Infuse: Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days to help the petals infuse.
- Strain: After 2-4 weeks, strain the liquid to remove the petals. You’ll be left with marigold-infused extract, which can be used in your cookie recipe for a unique floral flavor.
- Store: Keep the marigold extract in a sealed bottle or jar, and store it in a cool, dark place. The extract will last for several months.
Using Marigold Extract in Your Cookies:
- Floral Flavoring: Add ½ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of marigold extract to the cookie dough in place of vanilla or anise for a subtle floral flavor.
- Infused Sugar: For an added marigold touch, you can make marigold-infused sugar by blending dried marigold petals with granulated sugar. Sprinkle this infused sugar on top of your cookies after baking.
With these tips, variations, and the addition of homemade marigold extract, your Day of the Dead Pan de Muerto Cookies will be even more flavorful and unique, perfect for celebrating Día de los Muertos in a traditional and creative way!
More Day of the Dead Activities and Crafts For Kids
Here are some more fun Day of the Dead activities and crafts for kids that will help them celebrate the holiday while learning about its traditions. From creative crafts to festive treats, these ideas are perfect for getting everyone involved in the spirit of Día de los Muertos!
Make a Sugar Skull Quilling Project with Your Kids
This Easy Day of the Dead Craft teaches kids how to make a sugar skull using the art of paper quilling. By rolling and shaping strips of colorful paper, kids can create a fun and decorative sugar skull to celebrate Día de los Muertos. It’s an easy and creative project that helps kids learn about the holiday while making a unique decoration.
Paint Sugar Skull Pumpkins for Day of the Dead
In this Sugar Skull Pumpkins craft, kids can paint pumpkins with bright colors and sugar skull designs for a fun twist on Day of the Dead traditions. This project is easy and perfect for decorating your home for Día de los Muertos while involving children in the creative process. It’s a festive and unique way to celebrate the holiday with a fun craft.
Create a Sugar Skull Paper Garland with Your Kids
The Sugar Skull Paper Garland craft is a simple and colorful way for kids to help decorate for Día de los Muertos. Using colorful cardstock, children can cut out and decorate paper skulls to string together into a garland. This easy craft is perfect for teaching kids about the meaning of sugar skulls and adding festive flair to your celebration.
Bake Pan de Muerto with Fun Variations
This Easy Pan de Muerto Recipee teaches you how to make the traditional sweet bread used during Día de los Muertos. For a fun twist, you can make pan de muerto calaverita decorated with sugar skull designs. Another great idea is filling the pan de muerto with Mexican hot chocolate ice cream for a cool surprise. You can try this recipe for marigold cream filled pan de muerto that gives it a unique flavor. These playful variations will make your Day of the Dead celebration even more delicious and memorable.
Make Other Day of the Dead Cookies
Check out my best Day of the Dead cookie recipes here for more fun Dia de los Muertos cookie ideas. From Day of the Dead gingerbread skeleton cookies that are not just cute but easy to decorate to pretty catrina cookies. There’s even a recipe for lovely marigold sugar cookies that are easy for kids to decorate.
Cook with Marigolds: Easy Recipes for Día de los Muertos
These easy recipes using marigolds (cempasúchil) are a fun and flavorful way to celebrate Día de los Muertos. You can try delicious dishes like Marigold Flan, which adds a floral twist to a classic dessert. Another great option is Cempasúchil Cream-Filled Pan de Muerto, a sweet bread with a marigold-infused filling. For a warm drink, Marigold Atole is a perfect choice, offering a cozy way to honor the holiday. These recipes bring tradition to your table in a special and beautiful way.
Throw a Day of the Dead Themed Party
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a lively and colorful party featuring fun decorations like a sugar skull piñata garland and and let the kids make their own creative sugar skull masks. Keep the festivities sweet with kid-friendly treats like sugar skull fruit pizza (one of my favorite Day of the Dead desserts), these super easy to make white chocolate-covered strawberries, and if you really want to take your Dia de los Muertos party to the next level this festive Day of the Dead cake with buttercream frosting is a must! For a unique dessert, try making coconut pumpkin budin shaped into into a sugar skull to delight your guests! Get some more Day of the Dead party ideas and free printable here!
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
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