Halloween Cookies

These Halloween cookies are a festive delight! They’re extra chocolatey black velvet treats adorned with colorful Halloween M&Ms, sprinkles, and candy eyeballs. Perfect for Halloween parties or cozy fall gatherings, these cookies bring a spooky twist to your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking these cookies is a breeze.
• Deliciously Chocolatey: The black cocoa powder gives them a rich flavor that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Visually Fun: Colorful M&Ms and candy eyeballs make these cookies eye-catching and perfect for any Halloween celebration.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, gifts, or just indulging yourself during the spooky season.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: Involve kids in the decorating process for a fun family activity!

Tools and Preparation

To get started on your Halloween cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more 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 when creaming butter and sugars together, ensuring a light texture.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes, resulting in even baking and presentation.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easy.

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:
1. Whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

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

Step 4: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

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

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
2. Mix on low speed just until combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in M&Ms and Sprinkles

Add in the Halloween M&Ms and jimmies:
1. Gently fold them into the cookie dough using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

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

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven:
1. For about 10-11 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

1. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. If any of the candy eyeballs melt during baking, you can replace them after cooling for that perfect look!

How to Serve Halloween Cookies

Halloween cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various creative ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, here are some serving suggestions that will make your Halloween cookies even more enjoyable.

For a Spooky Dessert Table

• Arrange with Theme: Display your Halloween cookies alongside themed decorations like pumpkins, ghosts, and cobwebs for a festive look.
• Use Colorful Plates: Serve the cookies on vibrant orange or purple plates to enhance the Halloween vibe.

As Party Favors

• Individual Wrapping: Wrap each cookie in clear bags tied with black or orange ribbons to give as party favors.
• Include a Tag: Add a tag with a fun Halloween message or poem for an extra personal touch.

With Milk or Hot Cocoa

• Classic Pairing: Offer cold milk or warm hot cocoa for dipping. The creamy texture complements the chocolatey goodness of the cookies.
• Flavor Variations: Consider flavored milks, like chocolate or pumpkin spice, to match the festive season.

For Movie Night

• Cozy Setup: Serve cookies on a platter while watching classic Halloween movies.
• Themed Snacks: Combine with popcorn in spooky flavors, like caramel corn mixed with candy corn.

How to Perfect Halloween Cookies

Perfecting your Halloween cookies can take them from good to great! Here are some handy tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Bold Measurement Accuracy: Ensure all ingredients are measured accurately for consistent results.
• Bold Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let butter and eggs sit out before use; this helps achieve a better texture.
• Bold Don’t Overmix Dough: Mix just until combined to keep cookies soft and chewy.
• Bold Chill Dough if Necessary: If your dough seems too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
• Bold Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Bake just until edges are set for a chewy center; they will continue to firm up after cooling.

Best Side Dishes for Halloween Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Halloween cookies can enhance the experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Bold Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite perfectly complements the rich flavors of your cookies.
2. Bold Caramel Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices drizzled with caramel add a crunchy and sweet contrast.
3. Bold Candy Corn Mix: A colorful mix of candy corn and nuts provides a fun crunch that matches the holiday spirit.
4. Bold Spiced Hot Cider: Warm spiced cider is an excellent drink choice for dipping those delightful cookies.
5. Bold Ghostly Cupcakes: Light vanilla cupcakes decorated as ghosts make for an adorable dessert pairing.
6. Bold Savory Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses and crackers to balance out the sweetness of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Halloween cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can develop gluten, causing tough cookies. Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients.

• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Scooping directly from the bag can pack flour and yield dry cookies. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off.

• Skipping the Parchment Paper: Baking without parchment can lead to sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheets for easy removal.

• Not Cooling Cookies Properly: Transferring cookies too soon can cause them to break. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Halloween Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Halloween Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time in medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, covered, until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Halloween cookies that may help you:

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes! You can substitute black cocoa powder with regular cocoa powder if you prefer a milder flavor.

How do I make these cookies more festive?

Incorporate additional decorations like colored icing or themed sprinkles beyond Halloween M&Ms!

What variations can I try with this Halloween Cookies recipe?

You could add nuts or switch up the type of candy mix-ins based on your preference!

Are these Halloween cookies suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! Pack them in festive boxes or bags for an easy, fun gift during the spooky season.

Final Thoughts

These Halloween cookies are not just delicious but also fun and festive, perfect for any celebration. With their extra chocolatey flavor and creative toppings, they can be customized easily with your favorite candies or sprinkles. Try this recipe out at your next gathering or as a treat for yourself!