Halloween Cookies

These Halloween Cookies are the perfect spooky treat for your Halloween celebrations! With their extra chocolatey black velvet texture, colorful M&Ms, and fun candy eyeballs, these cookies are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. They’re ideal for Halloween parties, school events, or simply enjoying at home during the festive season. Their unique appearance and rich flavor make them a standout dessert that captures the spirit of Halloween.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute baking.
• Rich Flavor: The black cocoa powder gives these cookies a deep chocolate flavor that is hard to resist.
• Festive Appeal: With vibrant Halloween M&Ms and sprinkles, these cookies look as delightful as they taste.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, trick-or-treaters, or a cozy night in with family.
• Fun Decorating Options: Kids will love helping to decorate these cookies with candy eyeballs and sprinkles.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Halloween Cookies, gather a few essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric Mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for a fluffy texture.
• Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy; no need to grease the baking sheets.

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 Cookie Base

• 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 prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

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

Step 4: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

1. Incorporate the egg yolks and vanilla extract into the butter mixture.
2. Mix on medium speed for another two minutes until pale in color.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
2. Mix on low speed just until combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Fold in M&Ms and Sprinkles

1. Gently fold in Halloween M&Ms and sprinkles using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Scoop Dough Balls

Using a 2-tablespoon capacity cookie scoop:
1. Scoop dough into balls (about 17 total).
2. Place them two inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
3. Decorate each with extra M&Ms, candy eyeballs, and sprinkles before baking.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for 10-11 minutes or until set.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If any candy eyeballs have melted during baking, swap them out with fresh ones after cooling!

Enjoy your spooky creations!

How to Serve Halloween Cookies

Halloween cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten up any festive gathering. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make your spooky treats even more special.

Creative Platter Ideas

• Cookie Tower: Stack the cookies in a tiered cake stand for an impressive display.
• Themed Plates: Use Halloween-themed plates or platters to enhance the spooky vibes.
• Mixed Treats: Serve alongside other Halloween treats like cupcakes or candy corn for variety.

Fun Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for dipping.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Fruit Pairings: Serve with slices of seasonal fruits like apples or pears for a refreshing contrast.

Beverages to Accompany

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: A warm pumpkin spice latte pairs perfectly with chocolatey cookies.
• Apple Cider: Serve hot or cold apple cider as a festive drink option.

How to Perfect Halloween Cookies

Making perfect Halloween cookies is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Bold Cocoa Choice: Use high-quality black cocoa powder for deeper flavor and color.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg yolks are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Do Not Overmix: Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies; overmixing can ruin texture.
• Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the oven; remove cookies when they are slightly underbaked for a chewy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Halloween Cookies

Pairing your Halloween cookies with complementary side dishes can enhance the overall dessert experience. Here are some great options.

1. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup adds a savory touch before dessert.
2. Caramel Apples: Crunchy apples coated in caramel make a classic fall treat that pairs well with sweets.
3. Chocolate Pudding Cups: Rich chocolate pudding cups provide a deliciously creamy contrast.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses balances out the sweetness with savory flavors.
5. Spooky Cheese Quesadillas: Cut quesadillas into ghost shapes for playful, themed snacks.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits complements the richness of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Halloween cookies can be fun, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect treats. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using too much or too little of an ingredient can affect the texture and flavor. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can make cookies tough. Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until they are incorporated for the best texture.
• Skipping the chilling step – Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies spreading too much during baking. If your recipe calls for it, always chill your dough for a better shape.
• Ignoring oven temperatures – Ovens can vary in temperature. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure your cookies bake evenly and correctly.
• Not using parchment paper – Baking cookies directly on a baking sheet can result in sticking. Parchment paper helps prevent this and makes cleanup easier.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Halloween Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating Halloween Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for freshness.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to Halloween cookies that you might find helpful.

What are Halloween Cookies?

Halloween cookies are festive treats made with seasonal flavors and decorations, perfect for celebrating the spooky season.

How do I make my Halloween Cookies more colorful?

Use vibrant food coloring in your frosting or cookie dough, and add colorful sprinkles or candy pieces for extra flair!

Can I customize my Halloween Cookies?

Absolutely! You can swap out M&Ms for other candies, use different types of sprinkles, or even add flavored extracts to change things up.

How long will my Halloween Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

What’s the best way to decorate Halloween Cookies?

Use royal icing or melted chocolate as a base, then add candy eyeballs, sprinkles, and colored icing designs to create spooky faces!

Final Thoughts

These Halloween cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any Halloween gathering. Their rich chocolate flavor combined with fun decorations allows room for creativity! Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite treats—these spooky delights will surely impress family and friends alike!