Halloween Cookies

These Halloween cookies are a delightful treat that will enchant guests at your Halloween party! With their extra chocolatey black velvet base and colorful Halloween M&Ms, sprinkles, and candy eyeballs, they are perfect for celebrating the spooky season. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to enjoy a festive dessert, these cookies will surely impress with their fun appearance and rich flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive Appearance: The colorful toppings make these cookies visually appealing, adding to the Halloween spirit.
• Rich Flavor: The black cocoa powder gives these cookies a unique chocolatey taste that stands out.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to swap out decorations based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 17 cookies per batch, they’re great to share with friends and family during the holiday.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie scoop (2-tablespoon size)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric Mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together for that light and fluffy texture.
• Rubber Spatula: Perfect for gently folding in ingredients without deflating the dough, ensuring even distribution of M&Ms and sprinkles.

Ingredients

These are the best Halloween cookies! They’re extra chocolatey black velvet cookies, with Halloween M&Ms, sprinkles, and candy eyeballs! They’re a spooky treat perfect for spooky season and any Halloween party!

For the Cookies

• 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 5 tbsp (35 g) black cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration

• 3/4 cup (170 g) Halloween M&Ms
• 3 tbsp (36 g) Halloween jimmies
• Candy eyeballs for decoration
• Extra Halloween M&Ms and jimmies for decoration

How to Make Halloween Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Black cocoa powder
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Salt

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl:
1. Add softened unsalted butter.
2. Incorporate light brown sugar and granulated sugar.
3. Use an electric mixer to cream together for about two minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract:
1. Mix on medium speed for another two minutes until pale in color and fluffy.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add dry mixture to the wet ingredients:
1. Mix on low speed just until combined.

Step 6: Fold in M&Ms and Sprinkles

Gently fold in:
1. Halloween M&Ms
2. Halloween jimmies
Use a rubber spatula for this step.

Step 7: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Using a cookie scoop:
1. Scoop dough into balls (approximately 2 tablespoons each).
2. Place them two inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
3. Add extra M&Ms, candy eyeballs, and sprinkles on top of the dough balls.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for 10-11 minutes until set but soft.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let cool on baking sheets for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If some candy eyeballs melt during baking, feel free to replace them after cooling!

Enjoy these delightful Halloween cookies as part of your festivities!

How to Serve Halloween Cookies

These Halloween cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether for a party or a cozy night at home, serving them with thoughtful accompaniments can elevate the experience.

With Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that complements the chocolatey flavor.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a spooky-themed platter. Add some decorative elements like small pumpkins or cobwebs to enhance the Halloween spirit.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear bags and tie them with festive ribbons. These make great take-home treats for guests at your Halloween gathering.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies alongside scoops of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream for a delicious dessert duo that is sure to impress.

Hot Chocolate Bar

• Create a hot chocolate station where guests can enjoy their cookies with personalized toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or sprinkles.

Decorated Cookie Display

• Display your Halloween cookies alongside decorated sugar cookies or themed treats to create an eye-catching dessert table.

How to Perfect Halloween Cookies

To ensure your Halloween cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips. They will help you achieve the best texture and flavor for this spooky treat.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg yolks are at room temperature for easier mixing and better incorporation into the dough.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until they are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Chill the Dough: For even better texture, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when they are slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.

• Decorate Creatively: Use different types of sprinkles and candy eyeballs to make each cookie unique. Let your creativity shine!

Best Side Dishes for Halloween Cookies

These side dishes pair wonderfully with your Halloween cookies, adding variety and fun to your dessert table. Here are some suggestions:

1. Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Fluffy muffins infused with warm spices make a perfect seasonal companion.

2. Caramel Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices dipped in caramel sauce provide a sweet and crunchy contrast.

3. Spooky Cheese Platter: Include various cheeses shaped like ghosts or pumpkins along with crackers for savory balance.

4. Creepy Crawly Jello Cups: Layered jello cups made with fruit juice and filled with gummy worms will thrill guests.

5. Ghostly Fruit Skewers: Assemble fruit skewers using grapes, bananas, and mini marshmallows for easy-to-eat bites.

6. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Sweet-and-salty pretzels coated in chocolate make an addictive snack alongside your treats.

7. Mini Pumpkin Pies: Bite-sized pumpkin pies add a traditional touch that complements the flavors of Halloween cookies.

8. Witch’s Brew Punch: A refreshing non-alcoholic punch made from fruit juices and garnished with floating fruit adds festivity to any gathering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Halloween cookies, avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Skipping Ingredient Measurements: Always measure ingredients accurately. This ensures the right texture and flavor in your cookies.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Not Chilling the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Using Expired Ingredients: Check your baking powder and cocoa powder for freshness. Expired ingredients can affect the rise and taste of your cookies.
• Ignoring Baking Times: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, while underbaking may result in a gooey center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked Halloween cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Halloween Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Halloween Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Reheat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, or they may become tough.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat for a few minutes in a skillet with a lid, ensuring they don’t dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Halloween Cookies?

Halloween cookies are festive treats typically made with fun shapes, colors, and spooky decorations perfect for celebrating the holiday.

How do I customize my Halloween Cookies?

You can customize your Halloween cookies by adding different mix-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or various types of chocolate chips.

Can I make these Halloween Cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use flax eggs instead of egg yolks for a vegan version.

How should I decorate my Halloween Cookies?

Use colorful icing, sprinkles, and candy eyeballs to create fun designs that fit the spooky theme of Halloween.

How long do Halloween Cookies last?

When stored properly, these Halloween cookies can last up to a week at room temperature or up to three months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

These Halloween cookies are not only delicious but also a delightful addition to any spooky celebration. You can customize them with various decorations and flavors to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try for a fun baking experience this Halloween!