By Bertie Baker
Looking for a spooky, fun, and simple way to delight your guests this Halloween? Baking Halloween-themed cookies is the perfect treat to add to your party! In this easy-to-follow recipe,
I’ll show you how to bake and decorate ghoulishly delicious cookies that will stand out on any Halloween table. Whether you're hosting a party or handing out treats, these Halloween cookies are sure to impress!
Why Halloween Cookies Are a Must-Have for Your Party
Not only are Halloween cookies a crowd-pleaser, but they also provide an opportunity to showcase your creativity. With endless decorating options—from spooky ghosts to wicked pumpkins—these cookies will be the highlight of your Halloween event. Plus, baking them at home gives you the chance to experiment with flavours and colours that scream Halloween!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cookie dough:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
For the royal icing:
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons meringue powder
4–5 tablespoons water
Food colouring (orange, black, green, and purple)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Halloween Cookies
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to firm up.
2. Cut and Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
Use Halloween-themed cookie cutters (pumpkins, ghosts, bats) to cut out shapes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking tray.
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating.
3. Make the Royal Icing
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, mix the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add water gradually until the mixture reaches a pipeable consistency.
Divide the icing into separate bowls and add your chosen food colouring (orange, black, green, and purple).
4. Decorate Your Cookies
Fill piping bags with the coloured icing and use them to outline and fill your cookies with spooky designs.
Get creative: make ghostly eyes, jack-o-lantern smiles, and spiderwebs!
Tip: Allow the icing to dry completely before serving or storing the cookies.
Tips for Perfect Halloween Cookies
Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough ensures that your cookies hold their shape during baking.
Piping Bags: If you don’t have piping bags, use zip-lock bags and cut a small hole in one corner.
Creative Designs: Don’t stop at pumpkins and ghosts! Try making black cats, skeletons, or even witches’ hats.
Serving Suggestions
Display your spooky cookies on a Halloween-themed tray, and pair them with other Halloween party foods like caramel apples or monster cupcakes. Your guests will love these frightful treats!
FAQs
Q: How long do these Halloween cookies last? A: Stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to a week—if they aren’t eaten first!
Q: Can I freeze the dough ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.
Q: Can I use different cookie cutters? A: Yes, feel free to get creative with your cookie shapes! You can even make custom designs with a knife if you're feeling adventurous.
Conclusion
These easy Halloween cookies will be the life of your party, and they're fun to make, too! So, whether you're baking with kids or friends, get creative and enjoy the process. With this simple recipe, you’ll create the most spooktacular Halloween treats ever!
Happy Halloween and Happy Baking!
Comments