Halloween Cookies

Fun, festive, and delicious Halloween cookies — soft, chewy, and perfect for decorating with spooky designs. Ideal for parties, trick-or-treaters, or just celebrating the season with a sweet treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, chewy cookies with perfect texture — not too hard, not too soft
• Easy to decorate with icing, sprinkles, or edible markers
• Great for Halloween parties or gifts
• Fun activity to involve kids in baking and decorating
• Makes a batch large enough to share with friends or family

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 2 ½ cups (≈ 315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (≈ 225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (≈ 200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (≈ 100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For Decorating

• Assorted colored icing or frosting
• Sprinkles, edible eyes, chocolate chips, or candy decorations
• Food coloring as needed

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prep
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
   • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
   • In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
   • Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
3. Shape & Bake
   • Scoop dough into 1–2 tablespoon-sized balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
   • Flatten slightly if desired.
   • Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
   • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Decorate
   • Once cookies are cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or candy as desired.
   • Use different colors to create pumpkins, ghosts, bats, or other Halloween designs.

You Must Know

• Don’t overbake — cookies will firm up as they cool, keeping a soft center.
• Softened butter is key for proper texture — not melted.
• Chill dough briefly if too sticky to handle for easier shaping.

Pro Tips

• For extra flavor, add ½ tsp cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough.
• Use piping bags or squeeze bottles for more precise icing designs.
• Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for 2–3 days before decorating.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Butter: Use margarine or coconut oil, but texture may vary slightly.
• Flour: Gluten-free flour blend can be used for a gluten-free version.
• Decorations: Use any edible decorations you have on hand — chocolate chips, candies, or crushed cookies.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with milk, hot cocoa, or cider for a seasonal treat.
• Package in small bags for party favors or trick-or-treat giveaways.
• Pair with other Halloween-themed desserts for a spooky dessert table.

Storage Tips

• Store cooled, decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough for up to 1 month, then bake fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes — bake and store cookies or freeze unbaked dough to bake fresh later.

→ How do I keep cookies soft?
Don’t overbake and store in an airtight container once cooled. Adding brown sugar helps maintain softness.

→ Can kids decorate these cookies?
Absolutely — fun and safe activity with supervision, perfect for Halloween.

Enjoy your Halloween Cookies — spooky, fun, and delicious treats for the season! 🎃👻

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