Halloween Cookies

These Halloween cookies are a must-try for the spooky season! With their rich chocolatey flavor and festive decorations, they are perfect for any Halloween celebration. The combination of black velvet cookies, colorful M&Ms, sprinkles, and candy eyeballs makes them not only delicious but also visually appealing. Bake these treats to impress your guests or to enjoy with family during the Halloween festivities.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of black cocoa and sweetness creates a rich chocolate experience.
• Festive Presentation: Colorful M&Ms and candy eyeballs add a fun touch to your dessert table.
• Perfect for Parties: These cookies are an excellent addition to any Halloween gathering or celebration.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in other candies or toppings to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delightful Halloween cookies, gather the necessary tools before you begin. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

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, ensuring that your cookies cook perfectly.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, allowing you to focus on enjoying your treats.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort by quickly creaming butter and sugar for a light, fluffy texture.
• Cookie scoop: It helps you portion out uniform cookie dough balls, ensuring evenly sized cookies every time.

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 the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the following:
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, combine softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until light and fluffy, about two minutes.

Step 4: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed for about two minutes until pale in color.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 6: Fold in Candies

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

Step 7: Scoop Dough Balls

Using a cookie scoop with a capacity of two tablespoons, scoop out dough balls. Place them two inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Decorate each ball with extra M&Ms, candy eyeballs, and sprinkles.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

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

Step 9: Cool Down

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

Enjoy these delicious Halloween cookies as part of your festive celebrations!

How to Serve Halloween Cookies

These Halloween cookies are not just delicious; they are also visually stunning. Here are some fun and creative ways to serve them at your next spooky gathering.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange various Halloween cookies on a large platter.
• Decorate the platter with fake spider webs or small plastic spiders for an eerie effect.

Treat Bags

• Fill small clear treat bags with individual cookies.
• Tie them with orange and black ribbons for a festive touch, perfect for party favors.

Dessert Table

• Create a themed dessert table featuring Halloween cookies among other treats.
• Use decorative cake stands and spooky decorations to enhance the display.

Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two Halloween cookies.
• This creates a delightful and spooky dessert that guests will love.

Hot Beverage Pairing

• Serve with warm apple cider or hot cocoa.
• The warmth of the drinks complements the rich flavors of the cookies beautifully.

How to Perfect Halloween Cookies

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

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off for accurate measurements; this helps prevent dry cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking; this helps maintain shape during baking.
• Rotate Baking Sheets: Midway through baking, rotate sheets for even cooking and browning of all cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the oven; underbaking slightly can lead to softer, chewier cookies that stay fresh longer.

Best Side Dishes for Halloween Cookies

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

1. Pumpkin Soup
   A creamy pumpkin soup adds a seasonal touch and complements the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter
   Include a variety of cheeses like brie or cheddar, which balance the sweetness with savory flavors.

3. Fruit Salad
   A fresh fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to rich desserts, featuring seasonal fruits like apples and pears.

4. Spooky Veggie Tray
   Serve an assortment of colorful veggies with dip in fun shapes or arrangements to keep things festive.

5. Nut Mix
   Offer a mix of roasted nuts seasoned with pumpkin spice for a crunchy snack alongside your sweet treats.

6. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
   These sweet chips pair wonderfully with dips or on their own, providing another delicious option at your gathering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Halloween cookies can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Using cold ingredients: Always start with room temperature eggs and butter. This helps create a better dough consistency.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Combine just until the ingredients are mixed.
• Skipping chilling time: Chilling cookie dough for at least 30 minutes can prevent spreading and enhance flavor.
• Not measuring accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups. Accurate measurements ensure consistent results.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven properly. An incorrect temperature can lead to underbaked or overbaked cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Halloween cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Halloween Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months.

Reheating Halloween Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered pan over low heat for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Halloween cookies that may help you perfect your baking experience.

How do I make Halloween Cookies more festive?

You can add themed sprinkles, candy eyeballs, or colorful frosting to enhance their appearance and make them more festive.

Can I customize Halloween Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or different types of candies according to your preference.

How long do Halloween Cookies last?

When stored properly, they can last up to one week in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer.

What is the best way to decorate Halloween Cookies?

Use vibrant icing, edible glitter, and fun shapes. You can also get creative with food-safe markers for designs!

Final Thoughts

These Halloween cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any gathering during the spooky season. With their rich chocolate flavor and fun decorations, they are sure to be a hit. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite candies or toppings!