Halloween Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Halloween Crinkle Cookies are a festive and fun treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with vibrant colors. Perfect for spooky celebrations, these cookies have a soft center and a dramatic cracked surface that makes them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring (orange, purple, or black)
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. Step 2: In a separate large bowl, beat the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add gel food coloring and mix until evenly tinted.
3. Step 3: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for a quicker option, chill in the freezer for 30 minutes.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Step 6: Roll the chilled dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls and generously coat each ball with powdered sugar.
7. Step 7: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies have cracked on top but are still soft in the center.
9. Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For more dramatic cracks, be sure to chill the dough thoroughly before baking.
• Double rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking enhances the contrast and visual appeal.
• Create a spooky platter by making batches in different colors such as orange, purple, and black for a Halloween theme.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh softness, warm briefly in the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How many cookies does this recipe make?

This recipe yields about 24 cookies, depending on the size of the dough balls.

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is preferred for its vibrant colors without adding extra liquid, but regular food coloring can be used. Use less liquid in the recipe if necessary to maintain dough consistency.

Halloween Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 120 reviews

These Halloween Crinkle Cookies are a delightful chocolate treat perfect for the spooky season. Featuring a rich cocoa flavor, vibrant colored dough, and a signature cracked surface dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies bring both festive fun and delicious indulgence to your Halloween celebrations. With easy-to-follow steps and customizable colors, they are a fantastic bake for families and parties alike.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Treats & Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring (orange, purple, or black)

For Coating

• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures proper leavening and consistent cocoa flavor throughout the dough.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous. Add your choice of gel food coloring (orange, purple, or black) to tint the dough, mixing until the color is evenly distributed.
3. Combine wet and dry: Gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
4. Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help solidify the dough and enhance the crackled effect during baking. For quicker chilling, you can place the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes.
5. Prepare to bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
6. Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll each into a ball. Generously coat each ball in powdered sugar, which helps create the iconic crackled pattern after baking.
7. Bake: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies have cracked on the surface but remain soft in the center.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven to firm up slightly. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Chilling the dough fully is essential for creating dramatic cracks on the cookie surface.
• For a bolder color contrast, roll the dough balls twice in powdered sugar before baking.
• Get creative and make three batches in orange, purple, and black to serve a spooky and colorful cookie platter.

Keywords: Halloween cookies, crinkle cookies, chocolate cookies, festive treats, colored cookies, holiday baking, spooky desserts, cocoa cookies