Halloween sugar cookies

Halloween Sugar Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to get into the spooky spirit. These cookies are soft, buttery, and shaped into fun Halloween designs like pumpkins, ghosts, and bats. They’re decorated with simple icing and sprinkles, making them a great activity for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re planning a Halloween party or just want a festive snack, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Plus, they make for a great edible gift if you’re looking to share some Halloween cheer with friends and neighbors.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for these cookies. If you want a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. It’ll keep the texture similar without changing the taste much.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works perfectly here, but you can also use superfine sugar if you want the dough to be a bit smoother. Avoid powdered sugar, as it will change the texture.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the salt in the recipe, but you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just skip the extra salt later in the recipe.
• Eggs: Large eggs help bind the dough together. If you’re out of eggs or need a substitute, you can try using flax eggs or even a store-bought egg replacer.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds great flavor to these cookies, but you could also use almond extract or a bit of lemon zest for something different.
• Baking Powder: This gives the cookies a slight rise. If you don’t have any, baking soda can work too, though the cookies may be slightly less puffy.
• Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness, but you can leave it out if you’re using salted butter.
• Icing and Decorations: For decorating, any simple powdered sugar icing works. You can swap it out for store-bought frosting if you’re in a pinch, and feel free to use whatever Halloween-themed sprinkles or candies you like.

The Preparation Method

1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well combined.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.
3. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape when baking.
4. Roll and Cut: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use Halloween-shaped cookie cutters (like pumpkins, ghosts, or bats) to cut out the cookies, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cooled, it’s time to decorate! Prepare your icing (or use store-bought frosting) and spread or pipe it onto the cookies. Add Halloween-themed sprinkles, candy eyes, or any other decorations you like.
7. Serve or Store: Enjoy your Halloween sugar cookies right away or store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, or you can freeze them for later.

These cookies are perfect for making ahead and decorating with friends or family.

Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cooking Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 25 minutes, Kcal: 120 per cookie, Servings: 24 cookies

All-Purpose Flour

Buy Now →

Halloween Sprinkles

Buy Now →

Unsalted butter

Buy Now →

What makes cookies crunchy or soft?

The texture of cookies depends mostly on the ingredients and baking time. If you want crunchy cookies, use more sugar and butter, and bake them a little longer to get that crispy edge. On the other hand, soft cookies often have a higher moisture content, meaning you might use more brown sugar, which adds chewiness, or slightly underbake them to keep the centers soft. The type of flour can also affect the texture; all-purpose flour is great for most cookies, but cake flour can make them softer.

How to Serve

Once your Halloween sugar cookies are decorated and ready, they’re best served on a large platter or tray, especially if you’re hosting a Halloween party. Arrange them by shapes like pumpkins, ghosts, and bats to make the display more festive. If you’re offering them as part of a dessert table, consider adding a few extra Halloween-themed treats around the cookies. For individual servings, you can wrap a few cookies in small bags with festive ribbons and give them as party favors. These cookies also pair well with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a cozy treat. Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for a few days!

Print