Sugar Halloween Cookies

Name: Sugar Halloween Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon Torani pumpkin spice syrup; 1 large egg; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; Orange food coloring gel; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; Lime green food coloring gel; Purple food coloring gel; Black food coloring gel

By:

Sarah

Published:

October 17, 2025

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These festive Sugar Halloween Cookies are a fantastic way to bring some spooky fun into your kitchen. As autumn rolls in, and Halloween draws near, there’s something magical about baking cookies that capture the spirit of the season. The soft, sweet dough combined with vibrant frosting is not only a treat to eat but also a joy to create. You can gather your family or friends for a day of cookie-making filled with laughter and creativity. Imagine the delight on your loved ones’ faces when they see your colorful, spooky creations! Whether you’re preparing for a Halloween party or just want to enjoy a cozy night in, these Sugar Halloween Cookies will certainly set the mood.

Why This Recipe Works

This Sugar Halloween Cookies recipe balances vibrant flavors and delightful textures, making it a great way to celebrate the spookiest season. The combination of soft cookie dough and creamy frosting creates a treat that’s both fun to make and delicious to eat. The addition of pumpkin spice adds a festive touch that will remind you of cozy autumn evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Sugar Halloween Cookies

These Sugar Halloween Cookies are not just tasty; they’re also visually stunning. With colorful frosting and fun Halloween shapes, they’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in with your family. Plus, they’re easy to customize, making them a hit with kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon Torani pumpkin spice syrup
1 large egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
Orange food coloring gel
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
Lime green food coloring gel
Purple food coloring gel
Black food coloring gel

Preparing the Cookie Dough

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice syrup, and the egg. Use the whisk attachment and blend until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial; it helps to incorporate air, giving your cookies that lovely soft texture.

Incorporating the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder, stirring well to mix. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed after each addition until fully blended. You want to ensure all the dry ingredients are moistened without over-mixing.

Forming the Cookie Dough

Switch to the paddle attachment and continue mixing until a smooth ball of cookie dough forms. Add several drops of orange food coloring gel, blending until you achieve the desired shade. Scrape down the bowl as necessary to make sure everything is evenly colored.

Baking the Cookies

Shaping the Cookies

Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared sheets. You can also use your favorite cookie cutters to make festive shapes—think ghosts and pumpkins!

Baking Time

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown. Halfway through baking, gently smush the cookies with a sugar-dipped flat-bottomed glass to create a crinkle look. This also helps them spread out a bit more.

Cooling the Cookies

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here; they need to cool before frosting!

Making the Frosting

Mixing the Frosting

In a stand mixer, blend the softened butter and cream cheese until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Taste it; it should be sweet and creamy, the perfect complement to your cookies.

Adding Color

Divide the frosting into three bowls. In the first, mix in lime green food coloring gel; in the second, add purple food coloring gel; and in the third, mix in black food coloring gel. Adjust the consistency with powdered sugar if needed. You want it to be thick enough to hold its shape when you pipe it.

Decorating the Cookies

Preparing the Pastry Bag

Use plastic wrap to create a piping bag. Lay the colored frostings in a line down the center of the wrap, roll it up to secure the colors, and snip one end. This DIY piping bag is easy and gets the job done!

Frosting the Cookies

Using a large star tip attached to the pastry bag, swirl and pipe frosting onto each cooled cookie, creating fun, festive designs. Let your imagination run wild! You could make swirls, zig-zags, or even monster faces.

Serving Suggestions

These Sugar Halloween Cookies are perfect for Halloween parties, school events, or as a sweet treat to surprise your family. Pair them with warm apple cider or spooky-themed drinks for an added festive touch. You can also pack some to share at work or school; they’re sure to be a hit!

Tips for Success

Ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
Don’t over-bake the cookies; they should remain soft in the center.
Experiment with different shapes using cookie cutters for extra Halloween fun! A bat or a witch hat would be super cute.

Variations

Substitute the pumpkin spice syrup with maple syrup for a different flavor.
Use food coloring to create other festive designs, like ghosts or bats!
Try sprinkling edible glitter or Halloween-themed sprinkles on the frosting for extra flair.

Storage Tips

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies and decorate them when ready to serve. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies later on!

FAQs

Can I use a gluten-free flour blend for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. This way, everyone can enjoy a spooky treat!

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
You can use mascarpone cheese or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative—both would work nicely.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours, or freeze it for up to three months before baking. This is perfect for planning ahead.

How should I store decorated cookies?
Store decorated cookies in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

What other flavors can I try for the cookies?
Feel free to experiment with different extracts, such as almond or maple, for unique flavor profiles. Mixing it up can lead to delicious surprises!

These Sugar Halloween Cookies are that delightful blend of spooky and sweet—perfect for creating enjoyable memories with your family. With their bright colors and whimsical frosting, they add a festive touch to any Halloween gathering. Enjoy the process of making these cookies, and don’t forget to let your creativity shine while decorating!