Description
These Easy Halloween Cookies are delightful, colorful sugar cookies perfect for spooky celebrations. Soft, buttery, and decorated with festive sprinkles and candy eyes, they are simple to make and sure to please guests of all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Decorations
- Orange, purple, and black gel food coloring
- Halloween sprinkles
- Candy eyes
- Optional: royal icing or melted chocolate for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, setting the base for richer flavor and proper dough consistency.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute leavening agents and seasoning.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Color the Dough: Divide the dough into 2 to 3 portions and tint each with your choice of gel food coloring: orange, purple, or black, for a festive look.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the colored dough into 1-inch balls, place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets, and slightly press down each ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass to flatten.
- Add Decorations: Press Halloween sprinkles or candy eyes gently onto each cookie to add spooky charm before baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, optionally decorate with royal icing or melted chocolate for extra flair.
Notes
- You can roll out the dough and use Halloween-themed cookie cutters for more festive shapes.
- Dough can be made ahead of time and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it convenient for party prep.
- Try adding flavored extracts such as almond or pumpkin spice to the dough for a seasonal twist and enhanced flavor.
