Halloween Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

Halloween is a time for spooky fun and delicious treats, and what better way to celebrate than with Halloween cookies? These cookies are not only tasty, but they also have a fun festive flair thanks to Halloween colors and shapes. They make a perfect treat for kids and adults alike, ideal for Halloween parties, classroom celebrations, or simply enjoying at home. The combination of rich black cocoa and colorful M&M’s will delight everyone who takes a bite.

How to Make Halloween Cookies

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar together using an electric mixer for two minutes, until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg yolks and vanilla to the butter-sugar mixture and mix on medium speed for two minutes until pale and fluffy.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined.
6. Fold in the Halloween M&M’s and jimmies using a rubber spatula.
7. Scoop the dough into 17 balls using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop. Place them two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Decorate the tops with extra M&M’s, candy eyeballs, and sprinkles.
9. Bake the cookies for 10-11 minutes.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. (You may need to replace some melted eyeballs after baking. Use a large circular cookie cutter to shape cookies if needed.)

How to Serve Halloween Cookies

Serve Halloween cookies at room temperature. They are perfect for parties, or you can wrap them in plastic wrap for fun treats in lunchboxes. For a more festive touch, arrange them on a spooky-themed platter or add some Halloween decorations around them.

How to Store Halloween Cookies

To keep your Halloween cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Pack them in a freezer-safe bag or container and they can last for up to three months.

Tips to Make Halloween Cookies

• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
• For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding a bit more black cocoa powder.
• Experiment with different Halloween-themed decorations for variety.

Variation

You can mix in other types of candy pieces or chocolate chips based on your preferences. Using white chocolate chips can add a nice contrast to the dark cocoa.

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa powder?
A: Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder, but the cookies will be lighter in color and have a different flavor.

Q: Can I make this cookie dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking.

Q: Are these cookies safe for kids with nut allergies?
A: Make sure to check the labels of all ingredients, especially the M&M’s, to ensure they are nut-free.