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These Halloween Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun and simple way to transform classic chocolate chip cookies into a festive treat. With just 10 minutes of prep time, they are perfect for Halloween parties, bake sales, or an easy seasonal snack. I first made these with my kids and we all loved decorating them with candy eyes and sprinkles. Now they are a Halloween tradition in our house.
I love how quickly these cookies come together. The kids get so excited adding the candy eyes and it makes our Halloween celebrations extra special
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: for structure and a tender crumb
- Granulated sugar: for sweetness
- Light brown sugar: for moisture and caramel flavor
- Unsalted butter: for richness and softness
- Egg: for binding and structure
- Vanilla extract: for flavor depth
- Baking soda: for gentle leavening
- Salt: to enhance flavors
- Chocolate chips: of your choice for sweet chocolate pockets
- Halloween sprinkles: for fun seasonal decoration
- Candy eyes: for a spooky and playful look
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make Cookie Dough:
- Mix Butter and Sugar Combine melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth and well blended
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gently mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep cookies tender
- Add Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles:
- Fold in chocolate chips and Halloween sprinkles with a spatula until evenly distributed
- Chill Dough:
- Pre-scoop Dough Form two tablespoon balls of dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet using an ice cream scoop
- Cover and Chill:
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1.5 to 2 hours or up to 24 hours to prevent spreading
- Bake Cookies:
- Preheat Oven Set oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Bake:
- Place dough balls 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet and bake for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are golden
- Add Candy Eyes:
- Immediately press candy eyes into hot cookies and let cool before serving
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I love using candy eyes because it instantly makes the cookies festive and brings so much joy when the kids see them on the first bite
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Freeze baked cookies for two to three months. Unbaked dough can be refrigerated up to 24 hours or frozen for one to two months
Ingredient Substitutions
Dark brown sugar can replace light brown sugar for a richer flavor Salted butter can replace unsalted butter if reducing added salt to a quarter teaspoon Chocolate bars or Halloween M&Ms can replace chocolate chips for variety
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Serving Suggestions
Serve with a cold glass of milk or hot chocolate for a cozy Halloween treat Arrange on a festive platter for parties or bake sales Package in small treat bags for gifting to friends and neighbors
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Why did my cookies spread or turn out greasy?
Because this uses melted butter, chilling the dough is crucial. If the dough isn't cold enough (1.5-2 hours minimum), cookies will spread too much and may become greasy, though they'll still taste delicious.
- → Can I use a different cookie base for Halloween decorating?
Absolutely! You can transform any cookie into Halloween treats by adding Halloween sprinkles and candy eyes. Try oatmeal chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, or pumpkin chocolate chip bases.
- → When should I add the candy eyes to the cookies?
Add candy eyes immediately after removing cookies from the oven while they're still hot. If you wait too long, the eyes won't adhere properly to the cooled cookies.
- → How long can I store these Halloween cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. You can also freeze baked or unbaked cookies for 2-3 months for longer storage.
- → Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made and chilled up to 24 hours in advance. You can also freeze individual dough balls for 1-2 months and bake directly from frozen with extra baking time.
- → What types of chocolate chips work best for these cookies?
Any chocolate chips work well - semi-sweet, dark, milk, or white chocolate. You can also use chopped chocolate bars, chocolate chunks, or even Halloween M&Ms for extra festive flair.