Name: Halloween Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg (at room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; orange and black gel food coloring; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk

What Makes Halloween Cookies So Special

Halloween Cookies that brings out the kid in all of us. Maybe it’s the vibrant orange and black colors, or the way they make even the simplest kitchen feel like a spooky bakery. I remember helping my mama bake these cookies when I was little, and now, it’s a tradition I love sharing with my own family. They’re not just cookies—they’re a little piece of Halloween magic, perfect for parties, school treats, or just a cozy night in with a scary movie.

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Halloween Cookies with orange and black glaze

One of my favorite things about these cookies is how easy they are to make. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can whip up a batch in no time. And the best part? You can get creative with the colors and decorations. I like to drizzle a simple glaze over mine for a festive touch, but you could also add sprinkles or even use cookie cutters for fun shapes. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my oatmeal cookie recipes for more ideas.

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Ingredients for Halloween Cookies

For the cookies

All-purpose flour – Plain and simple, this is the base you need for perfectly tender cookies.
Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

Baking powder – This is what gives the cookies that delightful rise.
Unsalted butter – Make sure it’s softened so it creams beautifully with the sugar.

Granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create that soft texture.
Egg – Room temperature is key here for even mixing.
Vanilla extract – A little splash goes a long way for that classic cookie flavor.

Orange and black gel food coloring – Gel works best for vibrant, Halloween-worthy hues.

For the glaze

Powdered sugar – This creates the smoothest, most drizzle-able glaze.
Milk – Just a splash to bring the glaze together—adjust for your desired consistency.

Cook Time for Halloween Cookies

These Halloween Cookies are as quick to make as they are fun to decorate. You’ll need just 20 minutes to prep the dough and get those vibrant colors mixed in. Once they’re in the oven, they bake for about 12 minutes—just enough time to clean up and get your glaze ready. In total, you’re looking at around 32 minutes from start to finish. If you’re short on time, you can always prep the dough ahead and bake them fresh when you’re ready. For more quick and easy recipes, check out my healthy baking recipes.

How to Make Halloween Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Ensure the parchment paper lies flat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder until the dry ingredients are evenly combined and no lumps remain.

Mixing dry ingredients for Halloween Cookies

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and mix on low speed until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Combining wet and dry ingredients for Halloween Cookies

Step 5: Add Color

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add orange gel food coloring to one portion and black gel food coloring to the other, mixing each portion until the color is evenly distributed and vibrant.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Roll each portion of dough into small 1-inch balls, then lightly press one orange and one black ball together to create two-toned cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Step: Add Glaze

While the cookies cool, whisk together 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag for a decorative finish.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Here are a few of my favorite tips to make these Halloween Cookies even more special. Whether you’re looking to switch up the flavors or make them a little healthier, these tweaks are sure to inspire.

Flavor Swap: Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough for a cozy fall twist. It pairs perfectly with the orange and black theme.
Diet Tweak: For a healthier version, swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour and use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Check out my healthy Thanksgiving desserts for more ideas.
Prep Fix: If your dough feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before rolling. This makes it easier to handle and shape.

Storage Tip: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to a month. Just thaw and add the glaze before serving.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

While Halloween Cookies are a treat, they can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each cookie provides a small dose of energy, thanks to the combination of flour, sugar, and butter. The egg adds a bit of protein, and the vanilla extract brings a touch of natural flavor without extra calories. If you’re looking for ways to make your baking healthier, try swapping out some of the sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. For more ideas on healthier baking, check out my healthy baking recipes.

If you’re curious about the nutritional breakdown, here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find in one cookie:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120
Carbohydrates	15g
Protein	2g
Fat	6g

For more inspiration on healthier treats, explore these creative Halloween cookie recipes from Food Network.

A Lighter Version of Halloween Cookies

If you’re looking to lighten up your Halloween Cookies, there are plenty of simple swaps you can make. For a lower-sugar option, try using a natural sweetener like stevia or xylitol. You can also replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Another trick is to use unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the butter—it keeps the cookies moist while reducing the fat content. For more ideas on healthier baking, check out my healthy muffin recipes.

Here’s a quick list of substitutions to try:

Flour: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat or almond flour.

Sugar: Use stevia, xylitol, or a mix of honey and applesauce.
Butter: Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana.

Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets

If you’re sugar-conscious or following a special diet, you can still enjoy Halloween Cookies with a few thoughtful tweaks. For a diabetic-friendly version, try using a low-glycemic sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. These alternatives won’t spike your blood sugar and still give you that sweet taste you’re craving. You can also reduce the portion size to keep things in check—sometimes, a small treat is all you need to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Here are a couple of tips to make these cookies work for your dietary needs:

Low-Sugar Option: Use a natural sweetener like stevia or xylitol instead of granulated sugar.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make these cookies gluten-friendly.

For more ideas on sugar-free treats, check out my healthy no-bake desserts.

How to Serve Halloween Cookies

Halloween Cookies are perfect for any spooky gathering, but they’re also great for a cozy night in. I love serving them with a warm cup of apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall treat. If you’re hosting a party, arrange them on a platter with other Halloween-themed snacks like popcorn balls or caramel apples. For a fun twist, pair them with my snickerdoodle protein shake for a balanced snack.

Halloween Cookies served on a festive platter

One of my favorite memories is serving these cookies at my daughter’s Halloween party. The kids loved the vibrant colors, and the adults couldn’t resist sneaking a few for themselves. Whether you’re sharing them with family or bringing them to a party, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest Halloween Cookies can go wrong if you’re not careful. One common mistake I’ve seen (and made myself!) is overmixing the dough. When you work it too much, the cookies turn out tough instead of tender. Mix just until the ingredients come together—it makes all the difference. Another pitfall? Baking at the wrong temperature. If your oven runs hot, those cute pumpkin-shaped cookies might turn into little charcoal briquettes. I keep an oven thermometer handy to avoid this, and I recommend you do too.

Here are a few other missteps to watch for:

Using cold butter: It won’t cream properly with the sugar. Let it soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes first.
Overcrowding the pan: Give your cookies space to spread, or they’ll bake unevenly and stick together.

Skipping the chill time: If your dough feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes. This prevents flat, spread-out cookies.

I learned some of these lessons the hard way—like the year I brought melty, misshapen ghost cookies to my son’s school party. Now I always make a test batch first! For more foolproof cookie tips, check out my snickerdoodle recipe or these expert-approved Halloween cookie ideas.

How to Store Halloween Cookies

Nothing beats the smell of fresh Halloween Cookies cooling on the counter, but what do you do with the leftovers? (If you have any!) I like to store mine in an old cookie tin lined with parchment—it reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen. For short-term storage, an airtight container at room temperature keeps them fresh for up to 5 days. Just separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

If you want to keep them longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Here’s how I do it:

Let cookies cool completely
Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet
Freeze for 1 hour (this prevents clumping)
Transfer to freezer bags with parchment between layers

They’ll keep for up to 3 months this way. When my kids were little, I’d stash away Halloween Cookies to surprise them in their lunchboxes all through November. For more make-ahead treats, try my cookie dough overnight oats or this snickerdoodle banana bread—both freeze wonderfully too.

Try This Halloween Cookies Yourself

There’s something magical about baking Halloween Cookies that brings out the kid in all of us. I’ll never forget the year my daughter insisted we make “zombie” cookies with green icing and candy eyes—they were horrifyingly delicious! Whether you’re baking with little ones or treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal tradition.

The best part? You probably have everything you need already in your pantry. So preheat that oven, put on some spooky tunes, and let’s make some memories. And when you pull that first batch of golden cookies from the oven, take a moment to savor that warm vanilla scent—that’s the smell of Halloween joy.

Looking for more festive baking inspiration? You might love these recipes too:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 10 most popular homemade cookies?

While chocolate chip tops most lists, Halloween Cookies like these rank high during fall. Other favorites include snickerdoodles, peanut butter blossoms, and oatmeal raisin. For classic recipes, try my oatmeal cookie collection.

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Absolutely! For egg-free Halloween Cookies, substitute each egg with 1/4 cup applesauce or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes works wonders. Also check your butter isn’t too soft—it should leave a slight indent when pressed, not feel greasy. For more tips, see the mistakes section above.

What are three ingredient retro cookies?

The simplest vintage cookie uses just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. For a Halloween twist, shape them into ghosts before baking and add chocolate chip eyes. My cake mix peanut butter cookies are another easy shortcut.

Don’t Miss This Fan Favorite

Every October, my kitchen becomes a Halloween cookie factory, and this recipe always steals the show. There’s just something about biting into a buttery, just-sweet-enough cookie shaped like a witch’s hat or grinning jack-o’-lantern that makes the season feel complete. I hope these cookies bring as much joy to your home as they have to mine.

If you loved this recipe, you might enjoy these other treats:

Halloween Cookies