George A. Romero's Gruesome Ghoul Cookies

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Divide the cookie dough into two equal portions. Set one portion aside.

Step 7: Add red food coloring to the other portion of cookie dough, a few drops at a time, until the desired gruesome color is achieved. Mix until the color is evenly distributed.

Step 8: To create the cookies, take a small amount of the plain cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it slightly and place it on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 9: Take a small amount of the red-colored dough and shape it into a rough, irregular shape resembling a blood-soaked ghoul or zombie. Place it on top of the plain cookie dough, pressing gently to adhere them together.

Step 10: Repeat the process with the remaining dough, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.

Step 12: While the cookies are baking, prepare the edible blood splatters. In a small bowl, mix together the corn syrup, red food coloring, and cocoa powder until well combined.

Step 13: Once the cookies are baked and cooled for a few minutes, use a spoon or a pastry brush to splatter the edible blood mixture onto the cookies, creating gruesome splatters and drips.

Step 14: Immediately press edible candy eyeballs or gummy eyeballs onto the cookies to complete the ghoulish look.

Step 15: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Step 16: Serve George A. Romero's Gruesome Ghoul Cookies and immerse yourself in the horror-themed delight of these eerie treats. They're perfect for horror movie marathons or Halloween gatherings!