Spooky Halloween Cookies have always been my favorite part of the season, and these dark chocolate M&M cookies are truly something special. I remember baking batches with my cousins when we were kids, the kitchen filling with the rich scent of cocoa and sugar, our fingers stained purple and green from the candy. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re soft, chewy, and delightfully chocolatey, perfect for your next Halloween party. If you’re looking for easy spooky Halloween cookies, you’ve found them! Let’s get baking these eerily delicious treats!
Why You’ll Love These Spooky Halloween Cookies
These treats are a must-have for your Halloween festivities:
- Incredibly soft and chewy texture
- Rich, dark chocolate flavor that everyone adores
- Vibrant green and purple M&Ms add a festive pop
- They’re incredibly easy spooky Halloween cookies to whip up
- Perfect for a Halloween party or as a class treat
- The dark cocoa makes them look extra ghoulish
- Minimal chilling time means you can bake them fast
- These are truly easy spooky Halloween cookies for any skill level
Ingredients for Spooky Halloween Cookies
Gather these goodies to create your deliciously spooky Halloween cookies. The base of these Halloween cookies spooky chocolate delights starts with pantry staples.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the structure for our cookies
- 1 cup Hershey’s dark cocoa powder – for that deep, dark, Halloween cookie chocolate flavor
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps them puff up just right
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch – for an extra tender and chewy crumb
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
- 1 cup dark brown sugar – provides moisture and a rich, caramel-like taste
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – essential for that perfect chewy texture
- 1/4 cup whole milk – adds just the right amount of moisture
- 2 drops black gel food coloring (optional) – for that truly eerie, spooky look
- 1 cup green and purple M&M candies – for festive color and fun
How to Make Spooky Halloween Cookies
Let’s dive into how to make these fantastic spooky Halloween cookies. You’ll be amazed at how simple these Halloween cookie decorating ideas spooky treats are!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 cup Hershey’s dark cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisking these dry ingredients together thoroughly ensures they’re evenly distributed for perfect cookies.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream together the 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 cup dark brown sugar, and the optional 2 drops black gel food coloring. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air, which is key for a tender cookie.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 5: Pour in the 1/4 cup whole milk and mix until a cohesive dough forms. If the dough seems too soft, you can add a touch more flour, about a tablespoon at a time.
- Step 6: Cover the cookie dough and place it in the freezer for about 5–10 minutes. This chilling step makes the dough easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Step 7: Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet using a cookie scoop or two spoons. Slightly flatten each ball of dough with the back of a spoon. This helps them bake more evenly.
- Step 8: Before baking, press a few of the 1 cup green and purple M&M candies onto the top of each cookie. This is where the fun Halloween cookie decorating ideas spooky element really comes to life!
- Step 9: Bake for 11–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. The aroma of chocolate will fill your kitchen – pure bliss!
- Step 10: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a few more M&Ms onto the tops. The residual heat will help them adhere perfectly, adding a final touch to your Halloween cookie decorating ideas spooky creations.
- Step 11: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.
Pro Tips for the Best Spooky Halloween Cookies
Want to elevate your cookie game? Here are my top tips for making these spooky Halloween cookies absolutely perfect:
- Don’t skip the chilling step! Freezing the dough for just a few minutes makes it much easier to scoop and helps prevent over-spreading, ensuring those awesome spooky Halloween cookie recipes keep their shape.
- For an extra pop of color, consider using a mix of different Halloween-colored M&Ms, or even adding a few candy eyeballs for a truly ghoulish touch. You can find great tips on Halloween cookie decorating ideas.
- Bake only one sheet at a time for the most even results. This allows the oven’s heat to circulate properly around each cookie.
What’s the secret to perfect Spooky Halloween Cookies?
The secret lies in the combination of dark cocoa powder and a slightly chilled dough. This creates a rich, fudgy texture and prevents them from spreading too much. For the best spooky Halloween cookie recipes, focus on not overmixing the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, a common issue when baking. For more on baking science, check out resources on the science of baking cookies.
Can I make Spooky Halloween Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, scoop it into balls, and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This is a great way to prepare for events, much like how you might prepare easy cinnamon rolls ahead of time.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Spooky Halloween Cookies?
A common pitfall is overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. Also, ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture. Finally, don’t overbake; the centers should still look slightly soft when you remove them. Proper ingredient preparation is key, similar to making a good homemade tomato sauce.
Best Ways to Serve Spooky Halloween Cookies
These wonderfully ghoulish Halloween cookie designs are perfect for so many occasions! Serve them up at your next Halloween party for a guaranteed hit, or package them in cute cellophane bags tied with black ribbon as party favors. They also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, or for a richer treat, try them with a hot chocolate or a Halloween-themed milkshake. Imagine a spread of these dark, delicious cookies alongside some pumpkin spice cupcakes – pure autumn magic!
Nutrition Facts for Spooky Halloween Cookies
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for these delicious spooky Halloween cookies, per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 85mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on your specific ingredients and serving size.
How to Store and Reheat Spooky Halloween Cookies
Once your delicious spooky Halloween cookies have completely cooled, it’s time to think about storing them to keep that perfect texture. For short-term enjoyment, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. I find that adding a slice of plain bread to the container works wonders for keeping these cookies soft for up to 3-4 days – it’s a simple trick for maintaining freshness! If you’re planning for future Halloween parties or just want to have these treats on hand, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bring them back to room temperature, or pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spooky Halloween Cookies
What are spooky Halloween cookies?
Spooky Halloween cookies are baked treats designed to look creepy, eerie, or generally Halloween-themed. They often feature dark colors, spooky decorations like candy eyes or spiderwebs, and flavors that complement the season, like chocolate or pumpkin spice. These cookies are a fun way to celebrate Halloween!
Can I make Spooky Halloween Cookies with kids?
Absolutely! These are fantastic cookies to make with children. Decorating them is where the real fun begins. You can let them press in the M&Ms or even add their own candy eyeballs for some truly ghoulish Halloween cookie designs. It’s a perfect activity for a family Halloween party. For more family-friendly recipes, check out our recipes section.
How do I achieve Halloween cookie ideas spooky and creepy designs?
To get those creepy designs, think beyond just the M&Ms! You can use white frosting to draw spiderwebs on the dark cookies, add candy eyeballs to make them look like monsters, or even use edible markers to draw spooky faces. A sprinkle of black sanding sugar can add a nice, eerie sparkle.
Are these cookies good for a Halloween cookie exchange?
Yes, these are an excellent choice for a cookie exchange! They’re visually striking with their dark color and bright M&Ms, and their delicious chocolate flavor is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they hold up well for transport, making them ideal for sharing your spooky Halloween cookie recipes. If you’re looking for other shareable desserts, consider our berry crumble.
Variations of Spooky Halloween Cookies You Can Try
Feeling creative? You can easily adapt these spooky Halloween cookies to suit your needs or just to try something new! These are some of my favorite ways to switch things up for even more Halloween cookie fun.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a vegan treat, swap the butter for vegan butter, use almond milk instead of whole milk, and ensure your M&Ms are dairy-free. This makes for delightful vegan spooky Halloween cookies.
- Flavor Twists: If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, you can use regular unsweetened cocoa powder for a milder flavor. You could also add a pinch of cinnamon or a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate notes, creating even more deliciously spooky Halloween cookies.
- Candy Eyeball Creations: Swap out some of the M&Ms for candy eyeballs to create fun monster Halloween cookie recipes. Press them into the dough before baking for a truly eerie Halloween cookie creation that will delight your guests with their spooky charm.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture in your gluten-free spooky Halloween cookies.
Spooky Halloween Cookies: 1 Easy Treat
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These spooky Halloween M&M cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with dark chocolate flavor, decorated with festive green and purple M&Ms for the perfect seasonal treat. They are easy to make and perfect for a Halloween party.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Hershey’s dark cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 drops black gel food coloring (optional)
- 1 cup green and purple M&M candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter with vanilla, brown sugar, and black gel food coloring until light and fluffy.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Add milk and mix until a dough forms. If too soft, add a little extra flour.
- Cover dough and freeze for 5–10 minutes.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, slightly flatten with the back of a spoon.
- Press a few M&Ms on top of each cookie before baking.
- Bake for 11–12 minutes.
- After baking, press a few more M&Ms on top for a colorful finish.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Swap M&Ms for candy eyeballs for extra spooky cookies.
- Use regular cocoa powder instead of dark cocoa for a milder flavor.
- For vegan cookies, use almond milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free chocolate candies.
- Freeze dough balls to bake fresh cookies later.
- Store with a slice of bread in the container to keep cookies soft.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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