These Halloween cookies are the perfect treat for spooky season! With their extra chocolatey black velvet base and festive additions like Halloween M&Ms, sprinkles, and candy eyeballs, they’re sure to impress at any Halloween party or gathering. Delightfully rich and fun, these cookies will be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make it simple for bakers of all levels.
- Festive Appearance: Vibrant colors and fun decorations make these cookies a standout.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of black cocoa and sweet toppings creates a unique taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share at parties, school events, or family gatherings.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite add-ins or decorations.
Tools and Preparation
To bake these Halloween cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Cookie scoop
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These are crucial for mixing your ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Electric mixer or stand mixer: Using an electric mixer saves time and ensures a fluffy cookie dough.
- Cookie scoop: A scoop gives you uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking.
- Parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier.
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 Dough
- 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 the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare them for the cookie dough.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Black cocoa powder
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Salt
Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, add softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together for about two minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed for another two minutes until it becomes pale in color and fluffy.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Add Festive Ingredients
Gently fold in the Halloween M&Ms and jimmies using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop Dough Balls
Using a 2-tablespoon capacity cookie scoop, portion out the dough into balls—aim for about 17 balls total. Place them two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Decorate each ball with extra M&Ms, candy eyeballs, and sprinkles before baking.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-11 minutes until set but still soft in the center.
Step 9: Cool Down
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If any candy eyeballs melted during baking, feel free to replace them after cooling!
Now you have delicious Halloween cookies ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Halloween Cookies
These Halloween cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your guests.
Fun Cookie Platter
- Create a vibrant platter by arranging the cookies with different colored candies and sprinkles. This adds a festive touch to your Halloween party.
Pair with Milk
- Serve the cookies alongside chilled milk in fun Halloween-themed glasses. The classic combination of cookies and milk is always a hit, especially for kids.
Use Festive Bags
- Package individual cookies in themed bags tied with orange or black ribbons. This makes for a sweet treat that guests can take home after the party.
Add Decorative Plates
- Present the cookies on decorative plates featuring Halloween designs. This enhances the spooky theme and makes the cookies stand out even more.
Include a Dip
- Offer a side of chocolate or caramel dip for guests who want an extra layer of flavor. It’s a fun twist that complements the chocolatey goodness of the cookies.
How to Perfect Halloween Cookies
To ensure your Halloween cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies; too much flour can lead to dryness.
- Chill the Dough: If time permits, chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and creates thicker cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on baking time; remove cookies when they’re slightly underdone for a soft texture.
- Add Extra Toppings After Baking: Place additional M&Ms or sprinkles on warm cookies right after they come out of the oven for added decoration.
- Experiment with Shapes: Use cookie cutters in spooky shapes like pumpkins or ghosts to make them even more festive!
Best Side Dishes for Halloween Cookies
These side dishes pair wonderfully with Halloween cookies and enhance your dessert spread.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: A comforting beverage that complements the flavors of your Halloween treats perfectly.
- Apple Cider: Serve warm apple cider as a seasonal drink option that pairs well with sweet treats.
- Cheese Platter: Offer an assortment of cheeses that provide savory contrast to your sweet cookies.
- Caramel Popcorn: A crunchy, sweet snack that adds variety to your dessert table.
- Fruity Salad: A fresh fruit salad can lighten up the dessert spread while adding vibrant colors.
- Chocolate-Dipped Fruits: Strawberries or bananas dipped in chocolate offer a delightful pairing with rich Halloween cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Halloween cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you bake perfectly festive treats.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling your dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better shape and texture.
- Using stale ingredients: Old baking powder or cocoa can ruin your cookies. Check expiration dates before starting, and use fresh ingredients for the best results.
- Overbaking: Leaving cookies in the oven too long can make them hard. Watch them closely and take them out when they’re just set but still soft in the center.
- Not measuring accurately: Measuring flour by scooping directly from the bag can lead to dense cookies. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different, and yours might run hot or cold. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure the correct baking temperature for your Halloween cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Halloween cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Halloween Cookies
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Halloween Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: If you prefer, use a skillet over low heat. Warm each cookie for about 1-2 minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Halloween cookies that might help you in your baking journey.
Can I use dark cocoa instead of black cocoa?
Yes, you can substitute dark cocoa powder, but it may change the color slightly. Black cocoa gives that striking dark hue typical of Halloween cookies.
How do I make my Halloween Cookies more festive?
Adding themed sprinkles or using cookie cutters in spooky shapes can enhance the festive appeal of your Halloween cookies!
How should I store leftover Halloween Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is overly sticky, add small amounts of flour gradually until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Final Thoughts
These Halloween cookies are not only delicious but also visually striking with their black velvet base and festive decorations. They are perfect for any Halloween party or gathering. Feel free to customize with different candies or toppings according to your taste!
Halloween Cookies
Get ready to celebrate the spooky season with these delightful Halloween Cookies! Bursting with an extra chocolatey black velvet flavor and topped with festive Halloween M&Ms, colorful sprinkles, and playful candy eyeballs, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they combine rich taste with a fun appearance, making them ideal for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re planning a Halloween party or simply looking for a sweet treat, these cookies will add a touch of festive cheer to your festivities!
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 17 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
- 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&Ms
- 3 tbsp (36 g) Halloween jimmies
- Candy eyeballs for decoration
- Extra Halloween M&Ms and jimmies for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter with light brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg yolks and vanilla until pale in color.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture; mix on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in Halloween M&Ms and jimmies gently using a rubber spatula.
- Scoop dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place on prepared sheets. Decorate with extra candies before baking.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes; let cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing. Chill the dough for 30 minutes if time allows for thicker cookies. Experiment with different candies or shapes for even more festive flair!