Halloween Cookies

These easy Halloween cookies are a fudgy chocolate treat topped with spooky Halloween sprinkles, making them a fun addition to any party.

Halloween is almost here, and what better way to celebrate than with some fun and festive cookies? Halloween cookies are a hit whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a sweet treat. They’re super easy to make, delicious, and let you get as creative as you want with decorations!

You don’t need to be a pro baker to pull these off. Even beginners can whip up a batch of Halloween cookies without any stress. This Halloween, let your cookies steal the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Chances are, you’ve already got most of the ingredients in your kitchen. No need for a special shopping trip.
• Customizable: Throw on your favorite toppings like M&Ms, chocolate chips, or Halloween sprinkles to make each cookie unique.
• Soft & Chewy: If you love soft, chewy cookies, this recipe gives you that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
• Perfect for Parties: These cookies look awesome on a dessert table and taste even better!
• Beginner-Friendly: You don’t have to be an expert baker to nail this recipe—it’s super easy to follow.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the dough ahead of time and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw, bake, and enjoy.
• Kids Love Them: With all the fun colors and decorations, these cookies are always a big hit with kids.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture.
• Light brown sugar: For sweetness and that chewy texture we all love.
• Sugar: Helps balance flavors and gives the cookies a nice golden color.
• Large eggs: To bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough.
• Cocoa powder: For that rich, chocolatey taste.
• Baking powder & baking soda: To help the cookies rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
• Halloween chocolate candies & sprinkles: For fun pops of color and crunch!

How to Make Halloween Cookies

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Follow along to see how to make Halloween cookies. You’ll whip these up in no time flat!

• Step One: Add the butter to a large mixing bowl and cream with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) for about 1 minute, until softened.
• Step Two: Add the brown sugar, sugar and cream together with the mixer for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Step Three: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing with the mixer in between each addition.
• Step Four: Add the vanilla extract and mix together.
• Step Five: In another large mixing bowl, add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt and whisk to combine.
• Step Six: Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until just mixed.
• Step Seven: Add the chocolate candies and sprinkles and mix until evenly distributed. Be careful to not overmix.
• Step Eight: Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
• Step Nine: Preheat the oven to 375℉. Prepare a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• Step Ten: Scoop the batter onto the prepared sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes for a regular-sized cookie or 12 to 14 minutes for a large-sized cookie.
• Step Eleven: Remove the cookies from the oven and add any extra candies to the top if you like.
• Step Twelve: Let cool on a baking rack before enjoying.

What to Serve with These Cookies

• Hot Chocolate: Warm cocoa pairs perfectly with sweet cookies. For a fun twist, add marshmallows or whipped cream.
• Milk: The classic combo—nothing beats cookies and a glass of milk.
• Candy Apples: Stick with the Halloween theme! The crunchy apples and soft cookies are a great contrast.
• Popcorn: Add a salty snack like popcorn, and maybe even toss in some Halloween sprinkles for a festive touch.
• Spooky Punch: A bright orange punch (made with juice and soda) adds a fun, Halloween vibe.
• Fruit Skewers: For a lighter option, serve up some fruit skewers with grapes, pineapple, and strawberries.
• Mini Sandwiches: If you want something more filling, make mini sandwiches using Halloween cookie cutters for spooky shapes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap Flours: Try whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, or go gluten-free with almond or oat flour.
• Vary the Sweeteners: Use brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
• Different Chocolate: For a sweet, creamy contrast, swap out milk chocolate for dark chocolate or use white chocolate.
• Add Nuts or Dried Fruit: For a little crunch, mix in some almonds or pecans, or add dried cranberries for a tart kick.
• Try New Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for that cozy fall flavor.

Storage Tips

• Airtight Containers: Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them from drying out. If they have different flavors, use separate containers.
• Keep them Fresh: Pop a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.
• Room Temperature: Most cookies can stay fresh at room temp for up to a week. Just keep them out of direct sunlight.
• Refrigerate if Needed: If you need to keep them longer, refrigerating them is a good option—just let them come to room temperature before eating.
• Freeze for Later: Want to save some for later? Wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in a freezer bag. Don’t forget to label them with the date! When you’re ready, just thaw at room temp.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and eggs sit out for a bit before you start. It makes everything blend smoothly.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Don’t Overbake: Pull the cookies out when the centers still look a little underdone—they’ll finish cooking as they cool, keeping them soft.
• Decorate with Candy: Get creative with candy corn, chocolate chips, or whatever you have on hand for fun, festive decorations.
• Add Some Spooky Fun: Use melted chocolate to pipe on spooky faces or designs. It’s an easy way to make your cookies look extra Halloween-y.
• Store Properly: To keep cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread—it really works!

Cocoa Powder Tips

The type of cocoa powder you use can make a big difference in both flavor and color for your Halloween cookies.

• Natural Cocoa Powder: This has a rich, classic chocolate flavor. It’s a little more acidic, which helps with rising when paired with baking soda.
• Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: This one’s a bit darker and less acidic, which makes it perfect if you want your cookies to have that deep, spooky look for Halloween!

Both are great options—go with what you have, or experiment to see which you like best!

Halloween Recipes

• Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups
• Halloween Punch
• Halloween Ice Cream Floats
• Candy Corn Pie

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