Delicious Easy Halloween Cookies Your Kids Will Love
Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and gold, I find myself longing for the fun and whimsy of Halloween. Inspired by the burst of creativity that comes with this festive time, I decided it was the perfect occasion to whip up some Easy Halloween Cookies! Imagine the sweet aroma of warm cookies wafting through your kitchen, mingling with laughter and excitement as little hands help decorate with colorful M&M s and bright sprinkles.
These cookies are not only soft and chewy but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor them with your favorite candies and decorations. Whether you re throwing a spooky gathering, attending a costume party, or simply looking for a delightful treat to share with friends and family, these cookies are your go-to solution! Get ready to spread some cheer this Halloween with a sweet and simple treat that will delight both kids and adults alike. Let s dive into this enchanting baking adventure!
Why are Easy Halloween Cookies a must-bake?
Baking Easy Halloween Cookies brings joy to your kitchen! These cookies are:
- Kid-friendly fun: Perfect for involving little ones in the kitchen, making memories while decorating.
- Customizable creations: Personalize with your favorite M&M s, sprinkles, or even spooky toppings for Halloween flair.
- Quick to whip up: With straightforward steps, you ll have delicious treats ready in no time!
- Soft and chewy: Each bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ideal for any celebration.
- Perfect for sharing: They make great festive gifts or mouthwatering additions to Halloween parties!
Get ready for a baking experience filled with smiles and scrumptiousness!
Easy Halloween Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- All-purpose flour Provides the structure for the cookies.
- Cornstarch Recommended for achieving a soft, chewy texture but can be excluded.
- Baking soda Helps the cookies rise and maintain a puffy shape.
- Salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
For the Sweetness
- Unsalted butter Melted for easy mixing and a chewy consistency; substitute margarine if needed.
- Light brown sugar Adds moisture and softens the texture, making the cookies delightful.
- Granulated sugar Balances the sweetness with light brown sugar.
For Binding and Flavor
- Large egg Binds ingredients and adds moisture; a flaxseed egg can be used for a vegan option.
- Egg yolk Adds richness and deepens the overall flavor.
- Pure vanilla extract Introduces warmth and enhances the cookie dough s flavor.
For Decorations
- Halloween M&M s Bright colors and a satisfying crunch; can replace with regular M&M s for variety.
- Halloween sprinkles with candy eyes Fun decoration; consider using jimmies or confetti for non-melting options.
Embrace the Halloween spirit by gathering these ingredients and getting ready to bake your Easy Halloween Cookies!
How to Make Easy Halloween Cookies
- Whisk Together: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well mixed and then set aside to keep the dry ingredients organized.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer, beat the melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. This step helps incorporate air for soft cookies!
- Add the Egg Mixture: Mix in the large egg, egg yolk, and pure vanilla extract until everything is well combined and creamy. This adds moisture and flavor to your cookie dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure your cookies stay tender!
- Fold in Fun: Stir in the Halloween M&M s and sprinkles by hand, ensuring they re evenly distributed throughout. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and enhance the cookie edges.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the sheet. This spacing allows the cookies to spread perfectly!
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, then press additional M&M s and candy eyes on the warm cookies to create a fun look.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Easy Halloween Cookies?
Create a delightful Halloween feast that will leave everyone smiling!
- Spooky Punch: A vibrant orange or purple punch complements the festive vibe, adding a fun twist to your celebration.
- Pumpkin Muffins: Moist and spiced, these treats pair beautifully with cookies, creating a cozy, seasonal experience.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses with crackers adds a savory note, balancing the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
- Ghostly Cupcakes: Decorated with ghoulish frosting, these cupcakes turn dessert time into a festive occasion.
- Candy Corn Snack Mix: This crunchy mix of nuts, pretzels, and candy corn is a perfect sweet and salty nibble alongside your cookies.
- Hot Chocolate: Rich and creamy hot chocolate enhances the cookie experience, making it a perfect treat for a chilly Halloween evening.
Mix and match these serving ideas for a festive spread that captivates both the young and the young-at-heart!
Expert Tips for Easy Halloween Cookies
Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough for at least 2 hours is essential to achieve a chewy texture don t skip this step!
Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender and soft.
Use a Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop helps create uniform cookies that bake evenly and look great on a platter.
Prevent Spreading: Place cookie dough on a cool baking sheet to avoid unwanted spreading during baking.
Press Decoratives After Baking: For better adhesive, press extra M&M s and candy eyes onto the warm cookies right after they come out of the oven.
Enjoy baking these fun and festive Easy Halloween Cookies!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Halloween Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to deepen while chilling. Simply mix the dough as instructed and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. If you want to prep even further ahead, the dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just portion it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag. When you re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you ll have delicious and festive cookies ready to share without any last-minute stress!
Easy Halloween Cookies Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity with these delightful cookie variations!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for everyone to enjoy the festivities. Just ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a crunchy surprise and a delicious depth.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips along with M&M s for an extra chocolatey treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Fall Flavor: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm fall aroma that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
- Fruity Burst: Add dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture and a hint of fruitiness that balances the richness of the cookie.
- Spicy Kick: Include a dash of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for those adventurous eaters who enjoy a little heat to contrast the sweetness!
- Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly cookie that keeps all the festive charm.
- Decorative Madness: Use various colorful sprinkles shaped like bats or pumpkins for a spooky look that will impress your little Halloween decorators!
With these variations, your Easy Halloween Cookies will be a hit at any gathering or celebration!
How to Store and Freeze Easy Halloween Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge, where they can last for up to a week. Ensure they re well wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a resealable bag; they ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies again, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 300 °F (150 °C) for 5 minutes.
Easy Halloween Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of M&M s can I use for my Easy Halloween Cookies?
You can use Halloween-themed M&M s for that festive touch, but feel free to swap them out for regular M&M s or even Reese s Pieces if you prefer a different flavor. The more colorful options you choose, the more festive your cookies will look!
How should I store my Easy Halloween Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and chewy. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but make sure they re wrapped well to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze the cookie dough for Easy Halloween Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze the dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, then transfer the balls to a resealable bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you re ready to bake, simply pop them right into the oven from frozen just add an extra minute or two to the baking time!
What happens if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread more than expected, it s usually because the dough wasn t chilled long enough or the baking sheet was too warm. Next time, try chilling the dough for at least 2 hours and ensure your baking sheets are cool before scooping the dough onto them. A little patience goes a long way in achieving that perfect cookie shape!
Are there any dietary considerations for making Easy Halloween Cookies?
Of course! If you re baking for someone with allergies or dietary restrictions, you can substitute the large egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). This makes the recipe vegan-friendly too! Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, especially M&M s and sprinkles, are free from allergens if necessary. Always check packaging for specific allergen information!