Halloween Cookies

Introduction:

Celebrate the spooky season with these fun and festive Halloween cookies. Rich with black cocoa powder for a dark twist, and studded with Halloween M&Ms and sprinkles, these cookies are perfect for any Halloween gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 5 tbsp (35 g) black cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 egg yolks (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup (170 g) Halloween M&Ms
• 3 tbsp (36 g) Halloween jimmies
• Candy eyeballs for decoration
• Extra Halloween M&Ms and jimmies for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
6. Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the Halloween M&Ms and sprinkles using a spatula.
7. Form and Decorate Cookies: Scoop the dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Decorate each dough ball with extra M&Ms, candy eyeballs, and sprinkles.
8. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies.
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes (including cooling)

Variations

• Cookie Base: Substitute regular cocoa powder for the black cocoa powder for a more traditional chocolate flavor.
• Decorations: Use different Halloween-themed candies or colored sprinkles to match your party theme.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To enjoy cookies warm, microwave them for 10-15 seconds. For a fresh-baked texture, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of candy in place of Halloween M&Ms? Yes, you can use any type of chocolate candies or chips.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Butter provides the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute.
3. How can I make these cookies more festive? Add additional Halloween-themed decorations, like candy corn or mini marshmallows.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. What if I don’t have black cocoa powder? You can substitute with regular cocoa powder, though the cookies will be lighter in color.
6. How should I store leftover cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.
7. Can I use whole eggs instead of just yolks? Using only yolks helps create a richer, softer cookie, but whole eggs can be used if necessary.
8. Can these cookies be made gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
9. How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking and avoid overmixing the dough.
10. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins? Yes, you can add chopped nuts or other candies if desired.

Conclusion

These Halloween Cookies are a delightful treat for any spooky celebration, combining rich chocolate flavor with festive decorations. Easy to make and fun to customize, they’re sure to be a hit at your Halloween festivities. Enjoy baking and sharing these festive delights!

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