Halloween Sugar Cookies :

Introduction:

Halloween is the perfect time to indulge in festive baking, and these Halloween Sugar Cookies are sure to delight! With their bright orange and black sanding sugar coating, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually striking, making them an ideal treat for any Halloween celebration.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp almond extract
• Orange and black sanding sugar (for rolling)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar together for about 1 minute, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or using a spatula until fully combined.
6. Place ¼ cup of orange sanding sugar and ¼ cup of black sanding sugar into two separate bowls. Scoop the dough with a cookie scoop and form into balls. Roll each ball in one of the sanding sugars.
7. Arrange the coated cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. The total preparation time is around 20 minutes, with a baking time of 12-14 minutes per batch.

Variations

• Frosted Cookies: After baking and cooling, decorate with your favorite royal icing or buttercream frosting for added flair.
• Spooky Shapes: Use Halloween-themed cookie cutters to cut the dough into fun shapes like bats, ghosts, or pumpkins before baking.
• Flavored Sugar: Experiment with different sanding sugar flavors or colors to match your Halloween theme.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   • Yes, but using butter will give you a richer flavor and a better texture.
2. Can I use different colored sanding sugars?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to use any colors you like for a custom look.
3. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
   • Chilling the dough is not necessary, but if you find the dough too soft to handle, chilling it for 30 minutes can help.
4. How do I make the cookies more festive?
   • Add Halloween-themed sprinkles or edible decorations before baking.
5. What if I don’t have sanding sugar?
   • You can use regular granulated sugar, but it won’t have the same sparkle and texture.
6. Can I use gluten-free flour?
   • Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
7. Can I double the recipe?
   • Yes, you can double the recipe to make more cookies. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets.
8. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
   • Make sure your butter is not too warm and avoid overmixing the dough.
9. Can I use a different extract?
   • Yes, you can experiment with other extracts like lemon or orange for a different flavor profile.
10. What should I do if my dough is too dry?
    • If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water to help bring it together.

Conclusion

These Halloween Sugar Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday festivities, offering both a tasty treat and a fun way to celebrate the season. With their festive sanding sugar coating and simple preparation, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy baking and sharing these spooky delights!

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