These Halloween Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat to add a little spooky fun to your holiday. With layers of orange and black dough, these cookies not only taste delicious but also make a stunning display at any Halloween gathering. The dough is easy to prepare, with a combination of butter, sugar, and vanilla to create a classic sugar cookie flavor. For extra festivity, add Halloween-themed sprinkles to the edges before baking, and watch as these colorful cookies steal the show.
Halloween Sugar Cookies are a fun and spooky treat that’s perfect for your Halloween celebrations. With layers of orange and black dough, these cookies are both visually striking and delicious. They’re easy to make, festive, and sure to be a hit at any gathering! Let's dive into the ingredients that make these cookies a Halloween favorite.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your cookie dough, giving structure and softness.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a tender bite.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the flavors of the cookies.
- 1 cup butter (room temperature): Adds richness and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
- 1½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps the cookies develop a golden color.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the dough together and adds moisture.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cookies.
- 1 tsp orange gel food coloring (electric orange): Colors one half of the dough for a festive Halloween look.
- 1 tsp black gel food coloring (super black): Colors the other half of the dough to create contrast with the orange.
- Halloween sprinkles (optional): Adds extra spooky flair to the cookies' edges.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix well and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer.
- Step 3:
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Step 5:
- Divide the dough into two equal parts. Color one half orange and the other black using the gel food colorings. Mix each portion separately until the desired colors are achieved.
- Step 6:
- Roll each colored dough into a ball, flatten it into a rectangle, and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to firm up.
- Step 7:
- Once chilled, roll out each dough portion to about ⅛ - ¼ inch thickness. Stack the black dough on top of the orange dough, trim the edges to create a clean rectangle, and roll the stacked dough into a log.
- Step 8:
- If desired, sprinkle Halloween sprinkles along the outside of the dough log for extra decoration. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Step 9:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the chilled dough log into ¼ - ½ inch thick cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Step 10:
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are no longer shiny. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the cookies at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
- These cookies are great for Halloween parties, gift bags, or as a festive treat to share with friends and family.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To keep them fresh longer, freeze the cookie dough log before baking and slice when ready to use.
Helpful Notes
- If you want to add a fun twist, try different color combinations like purple and green for Halloween or red and green for Christmas.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into cookies, as a dull blade may squish the log and distort the shapes.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Alton Brown suggests chilling cookie dough to allow the flavors to meld and create a more uniform texture when baking.
- Chef Sally McKenney recommends using gel food coloring for brighter, more vibrant colors that won’t alter the dough’s consistency.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- These cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat, perfect for a spooky, festive atmosphere.
- The bright, contrasting colors of orange and black make them visually stunning for any Halloween gathering.
- They’re a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike, offering a classic sugar cookie taste with a fun twist.
VARIATIONS
- Use different color combinations to match any holiday or theme, such as red and pink for Valentine's Day.
- For a different flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- Try adding a drizzle of chocolate or white chocolate on top for an extra layer of sweetness.