Halloween Cookies

These Halloween cookies are sure to be the star of your spooky season celebrations! With their extra chocolatey black velvet texture and festive decorations, they make a delightful treat for parties, gatherings, or simply to enjoy at home. The combination of Halloween M&Ms, sprinkles, and candy eyeballs adds a fun twist that kids and adults alike will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extra Chocolatey Flavor: The black cocoa powder gives these cookies a rich, deep chocolate taste that is irresistible.
• Fun Decorations: With Halloween M&Ms and candy eyeballs, these cookies are not only tasty but also visually appealing for any Halloween event.
• Easy to Make: The simple steps and ingredients mean you can whip up these cookies in no time!
• Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a Halloween party or just a cozy night in, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the decorations or add in your favorite treats for a personal touch!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making these delicious Halloween cookies, gather your tools. 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 or stand mixer: These tools help achieve a light and fluffy cookie dough by thoroughly mixing the butter and sugars.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and presentation.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking to the baking sheets, making 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!

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 your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the following ingredients until well combined:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Black cocoa powder
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Salt

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy; this should take about two minutes.

Step 4: Add Egg Yolks & Vanilla

Add in the egg yolks along with vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Continue mixing on medium speed for another two minutes until it appears pale in color.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined—be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in M&Ms & Sprinkles

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

Step 7: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheets

Using a cookie scoop with a 2-tablespoon capacity, scoop out the dough into balls. Place them two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. For extra flair, add additional M&Ms, candy eyeballs, and sprinkles around each dough ball.

Step 8: Bake

Place your baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10–11 minutes or until set.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If any candy eyeballs melt during baking, feel free to replace them after cooling!

Enjoy indulging in these delightful Halloween cookies that are sure to bring joy this spooky season!

How to Serve Halloween Cookies

These Halloween cookies are a delightful treat that can elevate any spooky celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy night in, here are some fun serving suggestions.

Creative Platter Ideas

• Halloween-themed platter: Arrange the cookies on a black or orange platter for an eye-catching display.
• Cookie sandwich: Use two cookies with frosting or cream in between for a delicious dessert sandwich.

Pairing Suggestions

• Milk: Classic and comforting, serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk for dipping.
• Hot chocolate: For a cozy treat, pair your cookies with warm hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

Fun Decoration Ideas

• Candy corn accents: Decorate the serving area with candy corn to enhance the Halloween theme.
• Spooky signage: Use small signs or labels to name each cookie variety for added fun and flair.

How to Perfect Halloween Cookies

Achieving the perfect Halloween cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to ensure your treats turn out great every time.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Use a cookie scoop: This ensures uniform size and shape, leading to even baking and consistent results.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should look slightly underbaked when you take them out for a chewy texture.
• Add decorations post-baking: If you want your candy eyeballs to stay intact, add them after baking when the cookies are still warm but have cooled slightly.

Best Side Dishes for Halloween Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Halloween cookies adds variety to your dessert table. Here are some delicious options that complement your spooky treats well.

1. Pumpkin pie: A classic fall dessert that balances sweetness with spices.
2. Caramel apples: Fresh apples dipped in caramel offer a crunchy contrast to soft cookies.
3. Apple cider donuts: These seasonal favorites pair perfectly with the rich flavor of chocolatey Halloween cookies.
4. Chocolate mousse: A rich and creamy dessert that enhances the chocolate notes in your cookies.
5. Roasted pumpkin seeds: Salty and crunchy, they provide a nice textural contrast.
6. Cheesecake bites: These mini desserts add creaminess and can be flavored with fall spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Halloween cookies, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little flour or cocoa powder can lead to cookies that are too dry or too soft. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you don’t chill the cookie dough, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Chilling helps maintain their shape.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing the dough too long can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature for even baking.
• Not letting cookies cool properly: Trying to move cookies right after they come out of the oven can cause them to break. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet first.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Halloween Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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 on low power.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Halloween Cookies?

Halloween Cookies are festive treats often made with chocolatey flavors and decorated with fun candies like M&Ms and sprinkles, perfect for Halloween celebrations.

How do I make my Halloween Cookies more festive?

You can add themed decorations such as candy eyeballs, seasonal sprinkles, or even shaped cookie cutters for unique designs.

Can I customize my Halloween Cookies?

Absolutely! You can substitute different types of candy or add spices like cinnamon for extra flavor, making them truly your own.

How do I store leftover Halloween Cookies?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Halloween Cookies are not only visually appealing but also deliciously rich and chocolatey. They make a wonderful addition to any spooky season gathering. Feel free to customize them with your favorite candies or decorations! Enjoy baking these delightful treats with family and friends.