Easy Halloween cookies decorated with M&Ms for festive treats

Why Make This Recipe

Easy Halloween Cookies with M&Ms are a delightful treat perfect for the spooky season. They are fun to make and even more fun to eat! These cookies are not only delicious but also colorful and festive. You can easily customize them with your favorite M&M colors for Halloween. Plus, they are great for parties, gift bags, or just to enjoy at home. Making these cookies can be a fun activity for families and friends, bringing everyone together for some baking fun.

How to Make Easy Halloween Cookies With M&Ms

Making Easy Halloween Cookies with M&Ms is straightforward if you follow these steps. Don’t worry if you are new to baking; this recipe is designed to help you succeed and create yummy cookies. Let’s start with what you need.

Ingredients

2.5 cups All-purpose flour (Forms the foundation of your cookies.)
1 teaspoon Baking soda (Leavening agent for soft, chewy texture.)
0.5 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.)
1 cup Unsalted butter, softened (Adds richness and moisture.)
1 cup Granulated sugar (Sweetens the cookies.)
1 cup Brown sugar (Adds deeper flavor and moisture.)
2 large Eggs (Acts as a binder.)
2 teaspoons Vanilla extract (Enhances overall taste.)
1 teaspoon Almond extract (Optional, adds nutty flavor.)
1-2 cups Powdered sugar (For icing or glaze.)
Food coloring (Optional, for vibrant icing colors.)
Assorted sprinkles and edible decorations (For decorating cookies.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cookies bake evenly.
Prepare Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will stop the cookies from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside for now.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla and almond extracts until combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not over-mix or the cookies may become tough.
Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they are ready when the edges turn lightly golden.
Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare Icing: While the cookies cool, mix powdered sugar with a little water or milk until smooth to create icing. You can add food coloring if desired.
Decorate: Once the cookies are cool, decorate them with the icing and sprinkle on your favorite decorations.

How to Serve Easy Halloween Cookies With M&Ms

These cookies look great on a festive platter. You can stack them or lay them out in various colors to make a Halloween display. They can be served warm or at room temperature. Kids and adults will both love grabbing a cookie (or two!) to enjoy. You can also pack them into small bags as treats for friends or party guests.

How to Store Easy Halloween Cookies With M&Ms

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying them.

Tips to Make Easy Halloween Cookies With M&Ms

Measure Your Ingredients: Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately for best results.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to shape, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking.
Add More M&Ms: Feel free to add more M&Ms for an even more colorful cookie.
Use Halloween Colors: Look for seasonal M&Ms in fall colors to make your cookies more festive.

Variation

You can easily change these cookies by adding other ingredients. Try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for extra flavor. You can also swap the M&Ms for another candy or use themed sprinkles to match different holidays or events.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can use margarine, but it may affect the flavor and texture slightly.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute. Just ensure it’s a blend that can replace regular flour cup for cup.

Conclusion

Making Easy Halloween Cookies with M&Ms is a great way to celebrate the spooky season. They are simple to prepare and deliciously fun to eat. Whether you enjoy them at home, share with friends, or give as gifts, these cookies will bring joy to your Halloween festivities. Happy baking!