Halloween Cookies

These Halloween cookies are a must-try this spooky season! With their rich black velvet flavor and festive decorations, they make the perfect treat for Halloween parties or any autumn celebration. The addition of Halloween M&Ms, sprinkles, and candy eyeballs not only makes them visually appealing but also adds a fun twist to your dessert table. Everyone will love these delicious cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and does not require advanced baking skills. Perfect for bakers of all levels!
• Festive Appeal: The colorful M&Ms and candy eyeballs give these cookies a fun Halloween vibe that’s sure to impress guests.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of black cocoa powder with butter creates a deep chocolatey taste that is irresistible.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 17 cookies per batch, they are ideal for parties, gatherings, or sharing with friends and family.
• Customizable Decorations: Feel free to adjust the toppings to include your favorite seasonal candies or sprinkle options.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making these delightful Halloween cookies, gather your tools and ingredients. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie scoop (2-tablespoon capacity)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric Mixer: Saves time and effort in creaming butter and sugars together, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Rubber Spatula: Perfect for gently folding in ingredients without overmixing, which helps maintain cookie texture.
• Cookie Scoop: Guarantees uniform cookie sizes for even baking and an appealing presentation.

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 Toppings

• 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, whisk together the following:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Black cocoa powder
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Salt

This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, add:
– Softened unsalted butter
– Light brown sugar
– Granulated sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together on medium speed for about two minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, incorporate:
– Egg yolks
– Vanilla extract

Mix on medium speed for another two minutes until pale in color and fluffy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture on low speed. Mix just until combined to ensure a tender cookie dough.

Step 6: Fold in M&Ms and Sprinkles

Gently fold in:
– Halloween M&Ms
– Halloween jimmies

Use a rubber spatula to avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a cookie scoop with a capacity of two tablespoons, scoop out dough balls. Place them two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Add extra M&Ms, candy eyeballs, and sprinkles around each ball for decoration.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

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

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Let 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, swap them out with fresh ones after cooling!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your spooktacular Halloween cookies!

How to Serve Halloween Cookies

These Halloween cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any festive gathering. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your Halloween cookie experience.

Creative Platter Ideas

• Spooky Cookie Display: Arrange the cookies on a skull-shaped platter for a themed presentation.
• Witch’s Cauldron: Use a cauldron as a container to hold the cookies, adding a playful touch to your serving style.

Pair with Beverages

• Festive Punch: Serve with a non-alcoholic fruit punch that complements the chocolatey flavor of the cookies.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Pair these cookies with a warm pumpkin spice latte for a cozy fall treat.

Fun Decorations

• Candy Corn Accents: Scatter candy corn around the cookie platter for a colorful and seasonal touch.
• Mini Pumpkins: Decorate the table with small pumpkins to create an inviting Halloween atmosphere.

How to Perfect Halloween Cookies

Making the best Halloween cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.
• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality cocoa powder and butter will enhance flavor and texture, making your cookies extra special.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to avoid tough cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven; they should be soft in the center when you take them out.
• Decorate After Cooling: Wait until the cookies are completely cool before adding decorations like candy eyeballs or extra M&Ms.

Best Side Dishes for Halloween Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Halloween cookies can elevate your dessert table. Consider these delightful options that complement your spooky treats.

1. Pumpkin Soup: A warm, creamy soup that adds seasonal flavors and pairs well with sweet desserts.
2. Cheddar Cheese Platter: Offer a variety of cheeses, including sharp cheddar, which balances sweetness with savory notes.
3. Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: Crisp apple slices dipped in caramel provide a refreshing contrast to rich cookies.
4. Vegetable Crudités: Fresh veggies served with hummus add a healthy crunch alongside sweet treats.
5. Popcorn Mix: A mix of popcorn, nuts, and chocolate candies creates a fun snack that guests can munch on.
6. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Salty pretzels coated in chocolate offer an enjoyable sweet-salty combination that pairs nicely with cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Halloween cookies, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Incorrect measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little can change the texture and taste of your cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Combine until just mixed for a tender texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack is vital for proper texture. Don’t skip this!
• Not preheating the oven: Ensure your oven reaches 350 degrees before baking. This helps achieve the right rise and texture in your Halloween cookies.
• Ignoring decoration timing: Add M&Ms, sprinkles, and candy eyeballs immediately after baking when the cookies are still warm for them to stick properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Halloween cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Halloween Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to three months.

Reheating Halloween Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on medium power for about 10-15 seconds. Watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a covered skillet over low heat for about 2 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions about Halloween cookies that you may find helpful:

What makes these Halloween Cookies special?

These Halloween cookies are extra chocolatey black velvet treats decorated with festive M&Ms, sprinkles, and candy eyeballs that add a spooky touch.

Can I customize my Halloween Cookies?

Absolutely! You can swap out M&Ms for other candies or add nuts and dried fruits as desired. Get creative with your decorations!

How long do Halloween Cookies last?

If stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Are these Halloween Cookies suitable for parties?

Yes! These cookies are perfect for any Halloween party with their fun decorations and delightful flavors that guests will love.

Can I use different types of cocoa powder?

You can experiment with different cocoa powders, but using black cocoa gives these cookies their signature dark color and rich flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Halloween cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them ideal for festive gatherings. Their versatility allows you to customize decorations and flavors according to your preference. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite during spooky season!