Prepare to plunge into a whimsically wicked world where childhood dreams and nightmares collide. Today, we're rolling up our sleeves and diving hand-first into the cookie jar of the macabre with Chauncey's Teatime Terror Treats, inspired by the 2024 cinematic chiller Imaginary. This chocolate cookie recipe may result in whimsically cute cookies, but don't let your guard down, once Chauncey bares his teeth, things get a little dicey!
Directed by Jeff Wadlow (Truth or Dare, Kick-Ass 2, Fantasy Island), Imaginary stitches together the fabric of our childhood fears with the thread of modern-day horror, crafting a tapestry that'll have you rethinking the innocence of your plushy pals. This cinematic delight doesn't just haunt the recesses of your mind — it turns playtime into prime-time horror.
When Jessica (DeWanda Wise) makes the nostalgic leap back to her childhood home with her family, she unpacks more than just old yearbooks and dust-covered trophies. Cue the eerie music as she's reunited with an imaginary friend who's not only real but also totally miffed about being ghosted by her when she moved away.
This isn't your typical childhood grudge — we're talking full-on supernatural spite from a pal who was supposed to be as fictional as a diet that starts "tomorrow." The plot thickens as her youngest stepdaughter, Alice (Pyper Braun), forms an unsettling bond with Chauncey, an old, dust-layered stuffed bear found in the basement. Alice and Chauncey's games morph from innocent child's play to something far more malevolent, leading Jessica to a chilling realization: Chauncey, the once-beloved teddy, harbors secrets far darker than she ever imagined. As Jessica navigates the eerie undercurrents of her reclaimed home, it becomes clear that some friendships can be hauntingly hard to shake off.
In a nod to the past, Imaginary follows in the creepy footsteps of its predecessors. Remember other films like Child's Play, Dolly Dearest, or The Pit? These classics toyed with our psyche, turning childhood comforts into the stuff of nightmares, often in the most unassuming packages — a doll, a teddy bear, or the unseen friend who swore they meant no harm. But Imaginary takes this concept a chilling step further. It plays on the notion of the "invisible friend" turned malevolent force, unlike its predecessors, which relied on the physical transformation of the familiar into the frightening.
Imaginary delves into the psychological, questioning the essence of companionship and trust, reminding us that the monsters we create often haunt us the most. In doing so, Imaginary serves up a fresh nightmare that lingers long after the credits roll, much like the aftertaste of a perfectly baked treat dances on the tongue, leaving us craving more.
And what better way to toast this terrifying tale than with Chauncey's Teatime Terror Treats? This spooky chocolate cookie recipe combines childhood whimsy with a nod to horror, perfect for a night of frightful film-watching.
Chauncey's Teatime Terror Treats — Chocolate Cookie Recipe Inspired by Imaginary
What You Need:
Cookie Dough:
- 1 Cup (226g) salted butter, softened
- 3/4 Cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 Cups (250g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 1/3 Cup (27g) unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Hershey's Special Dark)
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) hot water* (see note, step 2)
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder* (see note, step 2)
For Decorating:
- Small cookie scoop (4 oz)
- Small black sugar pearls (found in the cake decorating section of most craft stores)
- Light brown candy melt discs (I used salted caramel flavor)
- Chocolate candy melt discs
- Brown M&M's candies
- Toothpick
What To Do:
For the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
- Heat the water and mix in the espresso powder using a microwave-safe dish until completely dissolved. Set aside. *Alternatively, you may substitute 2 Tablespoons of cooled espresso or strong brewed coffee instead of hot water and espresso powder.
- Using a mixer, beat butter until creamy, then add sugar and continue to beat until smooth. Add in the egg and flavoring extracts, mixing thoroughly.
- Mix in the flour and cocoa gradually while alternating with the espresso mixture until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Chill the dough for at least 1-2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Drop the dough onto the baking sheets using a small cookie scoop, leaving at least 2-3 inches between each cookie — they will spread and flatten out while baking. Bake for 12–15 minutes, just until the edges are set.
- Reduce the heat on the oven down to 200°F (93°C)
To Create Chauncey's Face:
- Immediately remove the cookies from the oven and press two chocolate candy melt discs for the ears, one light brown candy melt disc for the muzzle, and two black sugar pearls for the eyes.
- Return the cookie sheet to the oven just until the candy melts turn glossy and slightly soften.
- Remove the cookie sheet from the oven, and immediately press one brown M&M sideways into the muzzle for the nose.
- Using a toothpick, carefully draw lines on the muzzle for the mouth, making Chauncey's face come to life.
- Allow the cookies to fully cool before removing them from the cookie sheet and enjoying.
As you sink your teeth into Chauncey's Teatime Terror Treats, let each bite transport you to a twilight zone where each ingredient in this chocolate cookie recipe — from the dark cocoa flavor to the whimsical sugar pearls and chocolate candies — embodies the juxtaposition of innocence and terror that the film explores. Here's to making the kitchen the most eerily enchanting room in your haunted home!
Join Our Ghastly Gastronomic Community
Eager to join our spooky soirée? Summon up these Imaginary-inspired confections and cast a spell over your kitchen. Document your deadly delectables, share them with us on Instagram using #homicidalhomemaker, and invite us to your terror-filled tea party. And if you're hungry for even more horror-themed cuisine, check out The Homicidal Homemaker's other creations.
