Halloween Cookies

These Halloween cookies are the ultimate festive treat! With their extra chocolatey black velvet texture, adorned with colorful Halloween M&Ms, sprinkles, and playful candy eyeballs, they are perfect for any celebration during the spooky season. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply want a fun dessert to enjoy, these cookies will steal the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously chocolatey: The black cocoa powder gives these cookies a rich flavor that is both unique and satisfying.
• Fun decorations: With Halloween M&Ms and candy eyeballs, these cookies make for an eye-catching dessert that delights both kids and adults.
• Easy to make: The straightforward instructions ensure that even novice bakers can whip up a batch of these spooky treats without hassle.
• Perfect for gatherings: These cookies are a crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for Halloween parties, school events, or cozy family nights at home.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Cookie scoop: This tool helps in measuring uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking and a professional look.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together, leading to fluffy cookie dough.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.

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 your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookies after baking.

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: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add in:
1. The egg yolks and vanilla extract.
2. Mix on medium speed for another two minutes until pale in color and fluffy.

Step 5: Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients

Gradually add:
1. The dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.
2. Mix on low speed just until combined.

Step 6: Fold in M&Ms & Sprinkles

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

Step 7: Scoop & Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop:
1. Scoop out dough into balls (about two tablespoons each).
2. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.
3. Decorate each ball with additional M&Ms, candy eyeballs, and sprinkles before baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

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

Step 9: Cool Down

After baking:
1. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes.
2. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your deliciously spooky Halloween cookies!

How to Serve Halloween Cookies

Halloween cookies can be a delightful treat at any gathering during the spooky season. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply sharing with friends and family, these cookies can be served in various fun ways.

Creative Platter Ideas

• Monster Cookie Tray: Arrange the cookies on a spooky-themed platter surrounded by small plastic spiders or fake cobwebs for a festive look.
• Cookie Bags: Place each cookie in individual clear bags tied with orange ribbon for a fun party favor.
• Decorated Plates: Serve the cookies on plates decorated with Halloween motifs like pumpkins, ghosts, or bats to enhance the festive spirit.

Pairing Beverages

• Spooky Milkshakes: Serve alongside black or orange milkshakes topped with whipped cream and sprinkles for a themed drink option.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Pair these cookies with a warm pumpkin spice latte for a cozy autumn treat.

Fun Presentation Techniques

• Cookie Stack: Stack two or three cookies and secure them with a decorative toothpick topped with candy eyeballs for a playful presentation.
• Halloween Themed Cupcakes: Serve these cookies alongside Halloween-themed cupcakes for an eye-catching dessert table.

How to Perfect Halloween Cookies

To ensure your Halloween cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Boldly Measure Ingredients: Accurately measure your ingredients, especially flour and cocoa powder, to achieve the right texture.
• Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.
• Try Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature egg yolks helps create a smoother batter that incorporates air better, leading to fluffier cookies.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate chips for variety in flavors and textures.

Best Side Dishes for Halloween Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Halloween cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Bold Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup makes an excellent fall appetizer that complements sweet treats beautifully.
2. Spooky Cheese Platter: Offer an assortment of cheeses decorated with creepy garnishes like olives as spiders or carrot sticks as broomsticks.
3. Mummy Hot Dogs: Wrap hot dogs in crescent roll dough and bake until golden brown. They resemble mummies and are perfect finger food!
4. Witch’s Brew Punch: Prepare a colorful punch using fruit juices and soda garnished with gummy worms for an enchanting drink option.
5. Ghostly Guacamole: Serve guacamole shaped into ghost figures alongside tortilla chips for a fun dip that pairs well with sweets.
6. Cauldron Chili: A hearty chili served in mini cauldrons adds warmth and satisfaction to your meal spread.
7. Creepy Veggie Platter: Create spooky shapes using vegetables like carrots and cucumbers arranged into ghostly figures, served with ranch dressing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Halloween cookies can be fun, but it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Bold Measurement Errors: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin your cookies. Always use precise measurements for flour, cocoa powder, and sugars.
• Bold Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to keep them soft.
• Bold Ignoring the Cooling Time: Skipping the cooling time before transferring cookies can result in breaking. Always let them cool slightly on the baking sheet first.
• Bold Not Decorating Properly: Forgetting to decorate with M&Ms and candy eyeballs will leave your cookies looking plain. Go wild with decorations for a festive touch!
• Bold Baking at Incorrect Temperatures: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure perfect results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Halloween Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to keep them from sticking together.

Reheating Halloween Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat for a few minutes, covered, to warm without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Halloween cookies that may help you in your baking journey.

How do I make Halloween Cookies more festive?

You can enhance your Halloween cookies by adding colorful sprinkles, themed candies, and even unique shapes using cookie cutters.

Can I use other types of chocolate in my Halloween Cookies?

Absolutely! You can substitute black cocoa powder with regular cocoa powder or chocolate chips if desired.

What is the best way to store Halloween Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer shelf life.

How long will my Halloween Cookies last?

When stored properly, they can last up to one week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.

Can I customize the decorations on my Halloween Cookies?

Yes! Feel free to use different candies, chocolates, or icing colors that fit your theme and creativity.

Are these Halloween Cookies suitable for kids?

Definitely! These spooky treats are perfect for kids’ parties and are sure to delight anyone who loves sweets.

Final Thoughts

These Halloween cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a favorite for any festive gathering. With their rich chocolatey flavor and customizable decorations, you can easily adapt this recipe according to your taste. Try making these delightful treats this spooky season!