Halloween Cookies

These Halloween cookies are a delightful treat for the spooky season! With their extra chocolatey black velvet texture and festive decorations, they are perfect for any Halloween gathering. The combination of Halloween M&Ms, sprinkles, and candy eyeballs makes these cookies not only delicious but also visually striking. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a fun baking project, these cookies will surely impress both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extra Chocolatey Flavor: The black cocoa powder gives these cookies a rich, deep chocolate flavor that is irresistible.
• Fun Decorations: With Halloween M&Ms and candy eyeballs, these cookies become a festive centerpiece for your dessert table.
• Easy to Make: The simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels, ensuring anyone can enjoy the process of creating spooky treats.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 17 servings, these cookies are great for parties, school events, or just sharing with family and friends.
• Customizable Options: You can easily swap out decorations or add your favorite candies to make them uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools and ensure you’re prepared. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer or stand mixer: These tools save time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together to achieve a fluffy texture.
• Cookie scoop: This ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and perfect presentation.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup 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!

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&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 prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl:
1. Add the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
2. Cream together using an electric mixer on medium speed for about two minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the two egg yolks and the vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed for two minutes until pale in color and fluffy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture:
1. Mix on low speed just until combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Decorations

Gently fold in the Halloween M&Ms and Halloween jimmies using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a cookie scoop:
1. Portion out dough into balls (about two tablespoons each).
2. Arrange them two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
3. Press extra M&Ms, candy eyeballs, and sprinkles into each dough ball for added decoration.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10–11 minutes until set but still soft in the center.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Allow the 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, replace them with fresh ones after removing from the oven. For perfectly shaped cookies, use a large circular cookie cutter around them immediately after they come out of the oven.

How to Serve Halloween Cookies

These Halloween cookies are a festive treat that can be enjoyed in various fun and creative ways. Whether for a party or just a cozy night at home, here are some delightful serving ideas.

For Trick-or-Treaters

• Offer them in colorful bags to hand out during trick-or-treating. Adding a little note will make it even more special!

Halloween Dessert Table

• Arrange the cookies on a spooky-themed dessert table alongside other treats like cupcakes and candies. Use decorative plates or stands to elevate the presentation.

Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with orange ribbon. This makes for a great party favor that guests can take home!

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a decorating station where guests can add their own candies or sprinkles to the cookies. Provide extra Halloween M&Ms and candy eyeballs for fun customization!

Hot Beverage Pairing

• Serve with warm drinks like hot chocolate or apple cider. The rich flavors of the cookies pair perfectly with these seasonal beverages.

How to Perfect Halloween Cookies

To ensure your Halloween cookies come out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps achieve a creamy texture when mixing butter and sugars, resulting in a light and fluffy dough.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cookies caused by too much flour.

• Don’t overmix: After adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle with your dough!

• Chill the dough if needed: If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.

• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should look soft but set; they will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Best Side Dishes for Halloween Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Halloween cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tasty suggestions.

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte: A warm, spiced beverage that complements the rich chocolate flavor of the cookies beautifully.

2. Caramel Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices drizzled with caramel create a sweet contrast to the decadent cookies.

3. Chocolate Milkshake: A creamy chocolate milkshake makes for an indulgent pairing that will delight cookie lovers.

4. Spooky Fruit Salad: Combine seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and grapes for a refreshing side that balances out the sweetness of the cookies.

5. Cheese Platter: Include an assortment of cheeses and crackers for a savory option that pairs well with sweet treats.

6. Popcorn Mix: Create a festive popcorn mix using caramel popcorn, candy corn, and nuts for a crunchy side dish that’s easy to snack on!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Halloween cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Sifting: Not sifting your flour and cocoa can lead to clumps in your dough. Always sift dry ingredients for a smoother texture.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long after adding dry ingredients can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for soft and chewy cookies.
• Not Chilling the Dough: Failing to chill the dough can cause cookies to spread too much during baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes before scooping.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when they’re just set, even if that’s a couple of minutes earlier than suggested.
• Using Old Ingredients: Expired baking powder or stale M&Ms can ruin your cookies. Check freshness before starting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Halloween Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• Keep frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.

Reheating Halloween Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Halloween cookies that many bakers have.

Can I substitute the black cocoa powder?

You can use regular cocoa powder, but the color and flavor will differ. Black cocoa gives these Halloween cookies their signature dark hue.

How do I make my Halloween cookies more festive?

Add more colorful sprinkles or themed candies like pumpkin-shaped chocolates. You can also use food coloring in icing if you decorate them!

What toppings work well with Halloween Cookies?

Try using different types of sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even mini marshmallows for added fun and texture.

How should I store my Halloween Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want them fresh longer.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends that are designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

These Halloween cookies are not only extra chocolatey but also incredibly versatile! You can customize them with various toppings or decorations to suit any spooky celebration. Try this fun recipe today!