Halloween Cookies

These Halloween cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the spooky season! With their extra chocolatey black velvet flavor, colorful Halloween M&Ms, and fun candy eyeballs, they make a perfect treat for any Halloween party or gathering. Whether you’re hosting a spooky soirée or just looking to enjoy some festive baking, these cookies will surely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Festive Appearance: The vibrant colors from the decorations add a fun touch to your dessert table.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of black cocoa powder and chocolate creates a deep, rich taste.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed at Halloween parties, school events, or as an everyday snack.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite candies or sprinkles for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Halloween cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: These provide a flat surface for even baking and help prevent cookies from spreading too much.
• Electric mixer: Using this tool saves time and ensures that your butter and sugar are creamed perfectly for fluffy cookies.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding ingredients together without overmixing, helping maintain the cookie’s tender texture.

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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, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Black cocoa powder
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Salt

This mixture will give your cookies structure while enhancing their chocolate flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

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

Step 4: Incorporate Egg Yolks and Vanilla

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

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
1. Mix on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies tender.

Step 6: Add Candies and Sprinkles

Fold in:
1. Halloween M&Ms
2. Halloween jimmies

Use a rubber spatula gently so as not to break up the candies.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Scoop out dough using a 2-tablespoon capacity cookie scoop:
1. Place them two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
2. Add extra M&Ms, candy eyeballs, and sprinkles on top of each dough ball as desired.

Step 8: Bake

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

Step 9: Cool Down

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Replace any melted candy eyeballs if necessary!

Enjoy your delicious Halloween cookies!

How to Serve Halloween Cookies

Halloween cookies are a fun and festive treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a spooky party or just looking for a delightful snack, these cookies are sure to impress.

For a Spooky Dessert Table

• Arrange on a platter: Place the cookies on a decorative platter for an eye-catching display at your Halloween gathering.
• Add themed decorations: Surround the cookies with faux spider webs or mini pumpkins to enhance the Halloween vibe.

As Party Favors

• Pack in treat bags: Put individual cookies in clear treat bags tied with orange ribbons for guests to take home.
• Include a personalized note: Attach a small card with a spooky message to make it extra special.

With Hot Beverages

• Pair with hot cocoa: The rich chocolate flavor of the cookies complements warm cocoa perfectly, making for a cozy treat.
• Serve with spiced cider: The sweetness of the cookies balances well with the tartness of spiced apple cider.

For Kids’ Halloween Parties

• Create cookie decorating stations: Set up an area where kids can decorate their own cookies with frosting and extra sprinkles.
• Use cookie-themed games: Incorporate cookie-themed games or challenges to keep the little ones entertained.

How to Perfect Halloween Cookies

Making the perfect Halloween cookies requires attention to detail and a few handy tips. Following these simple suggestions will ensure every batch is delicious and festive.

• Boldly measure ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor in your cookies.
• Boldly chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Boldly use quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate M&Ms for richer flavor and better texture in your cookies.
• Boldly check oven temperature: Always preheat your oven properly; an accurate temperature ensures even baking.
• Boldly add decorations after baking: Place candy eyeballs and additional sprinkles on cooled cookies to maintain their shape and appearance.

Best Side Dishes for Halloween Cookies

Serving side dishes alongside your Halloween cookies can elevate your dessert table. Here are some excellent options that pair well:

1. Bold Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes: Moist cupcakes flavored with pumpkin and warm spices, topped with cream cheese frosting.
2. Bold Caramel Apples: Crisp apples dipped in sweet caramel make for a classic fall treat that complements the richness of cookies.
3. Bold Ghostly Marshmallow Treats: Rice cereal treats shaped like ghosts, adding a playful touch to your dessert spread.
4. Bold Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Salty pretzels coated in chocolate provide a delightful contrast to sweet cookies.
5. Bold Apple Cider Donuts: Soft, spiced donuts that echo autumn flavors, perfect alongside your Halloween cookie selection.
6. Bold Candy Corn Mix: A colorful mix of candy corn, nuts, and chocolates offers crunchy bites alongside soft cookie textures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Halloween cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

• Skipping ingredient measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. This ensures that your cookies have the right texture and taste.
• Not chilling the dough: If your dough is too warm, cookies can spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better results.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can affect baking time. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy before baking.
• Neglecting decoration timing: Add decorations like M&Ms and candy eyeballs before baking, not after, so they stick well.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Halloween Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; label the bags with the date.

Reheating Halloween Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Halloween cookies:

What makes these Halloween Cookies special?

These Halloween cookies stand out due to their unique black velvet flavor and festive decorations. They are perfect for any spooky celebration!

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes! You can mix in milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of using M&Ms if you prefer.

How should I store leftover Halloween Cookies?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I customize the decorations on my Halloween Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to use different candies or sprinkles based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

How do I know when my Halloween Cookies are done?

The cookies should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

These Halloween cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their colorful decorations. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, they offer versatility through customization options such as different candies or flavorings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a spooky treat that everyone will love!