One crisp autumn afternoon, a craving for something festive and sweet hit. These Halloween cookies, with their delightful mix of chewy texture, colorful M&M’s, and spooky candy eyes, were the perfect answer!
This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for a Halloween party. It’s a fun baking project to do with kids, and the result is a batch of cookies that are both delicious and adorable.
Why You’ll Love It
These Halloween cookies aren’t just cute – they’re packed with deliciousness! The combination of chewy texture and colorful M&M’s creates a perfectly balanced treat. Plus, the simple recipe makes them easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find these cookies a breeze to make. And the best part? They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any Halloween gathering.
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Halloween Cookies
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
## Better-Than-Grandma Tips
Freezing the Dough: Want to bake these later? You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight container. When ready to bake, thaw a bit first, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time. For other make-ahead ideas, try these breakfast recipes.
Storing: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container on the counter or freezer. A slice of bread can keep them soft.
M&M Magic: Get creative! Use a mix of regular and Halloween M&M’s for pops of color.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups Halloween M&M’s, about half chopped, half whole
- Sprinkles
- Candy eyes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the sugars, softened butter, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped Halloween M&M’s.
- Scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Add a few whole M&M’s and sprinkles to the top of each dough ball.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, add candy eyes.
Notes
## That’s a Wrap
These Halloween cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone, from the adorable candy eyes to the festive sprinkles. They’re perfect for parties, classroom treats, or a spooky night in. And the best part? They’re as fun to make as they are to eat! So gather your little monsters, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of ghoulishly delightful memories. Don’t forget to check out our delicious dessert recipes for more sweet inspiration. Share your spooky creations on Facebook and Pinterest and tag us – we can’t wait to see your Halloween cookie masterpieces!
Happy baking!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
What You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients. These Halloween cookies call for pantry staples you probably already have on hand, plus a few fun additions to make them extra festive. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup (115g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Halloween M&M’s, chopped
- Additional M&M’s, candy eyes, and sprinkles for decorating
From Start to Finish
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your mixing bowls and measuring spoons – it’s time to get started!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugars, softened butter, and vegetable oil. Beat in the eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Step 4: Fold in the M&M’s
Gently fold in the chopped Halloween M&M’s. Feel free to add a bit more or less depending on your preference.
Step 5: Scoop and Decorate
Scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie. Add a few whole M&M’s and sprinkles to the top of each dough ball.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, add your candy eyes to give them that perfect spooky look!
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- Freezing the Dough: Want to bake these later? You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight container. When ready to bake, thaw a bit first, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time. For other make-ahead ideas, try these breakfast recipes.
- Storing: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container on the counter or freezer. A slice of bread can keep them soft.
- M&M Magic: Get creative! Use a mix of regular and Halloween M&M’s for pops of color.
Try These Variations
Want to get even more creative with your Halloween cookies? Here are a few fun variations:
- Spiderweb Cookies: Dip the baked cookies in melted white chocolate and drizzle with melted dark chocolate in a spiderweb pattern.
- Monster Mash: Add chopped nuts, pretzels, or other candies to the dough for a textural twist. See our tips for lunch recipes for more ideas on combining textures and flavors!
- Spooky Sprinkles: Use a variety of Halloween-themed sprinkles, like ghosts, bats, and pumpkins, to decorate your cookies.
How do I store these cookies?
You can store baked Halloween cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Can I add other ingredients to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can add white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even mini pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.
How long do these cookies last?
These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days of baking, but they can be frozen for later. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Can I freeze the dough?
The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months! Scoop onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw slightly before baking, and add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
How to Serve
These Halloween cookies are delightful on their own, but you can make them even more special with a few simple additions. A tall glass of cold milk is a classic pairing, of course. For a festive twist, serve them with warm apple cider or a spooky Halloween punch. You could also arrange them on a platter with other Halloween treats for a truly impressive spread. And don’t forget, these cookies also make a fantastic edible gift! Pack them in cute Halloween-themed bags or boxes and share the spooky sweetness with friends and neighbors. Looking for other party-perfect recipes? Check out our dinner ideas!
That’s a Wrap
These Halloween cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone, from the adorable candy eyes to the festive sprinkles. They’re perfect for parties, classroom treats, or a spooky night in. And the best part? They’re as fun to make as they are to eat! So gather your little monsters, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of ghoulishly delightful memories. Don’t forget to check out our delicious dessert recipes for more sweet inspiration. Share your spooky creations on Facebook and Pinterest and tag us – we can’t wait to see your Halloween cookie masterpieces!
Happy baking!
