Simple Iced Halloween Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s fun to make and absolutely delicious, I’ve got just the thing for you: a Simple Iced Halloween Cookies Recipe that will become your go-to every spooky season. These cookies are buttery, soft with crisp edges, and decorated with easy-to-use icing that lets your creativity roam wild. Whether you’re baking with kids or just want quick-yet-impressive Halloween cookies, you’re going to love how these turn out.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Simple Iced Halloween Cookies Recipe uses classic baking staples mixed with convenient decorating supplies. The combo helps you whip up a dough that’s soft to roll, bakes evenly, and decorates like a dream.

• Unsalted butter: Using softened butter brings richness and helps create that perfectly tender crumb.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar balances moisture and sweetness for crisp edges.
• Eggs: Eggs add structure and help bond the dough together.
• Vanilla extract: Classic vanilla boosts flavor in every bite.
• Almond extract: Just a hint adds depth and a subtle nutty undertone.
• Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right without spreading too much.
• All-purpose flour: The base for your dough, providing the right texture and firmness.
• White Betty Crocker cookie icing: Makes icing easy and ensures a smooth finish.
• Black Betty Crocker cookie icing: Perfect for outlining and spooky details.
• Round red sprinkles (optional): Adds a fun pop of color to your designs.
• Black edible food marker: A must-have for drawing faces and adding fine details.
• Black decorating sugar: Also called sanding sugar, adds sparkle and texture to the icing.

Variations

I love encouraging friends to put their own spin on the Simple Iced Halloween Cookies Recipe! The base dough is super versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or decorations that suit your vibe.

• Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the dough — it gives the cookies a cozy autumn twist my family goes crazy for.
• Gluten-free option: Try swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix — just keep the same volume and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already have it.
• Colorful icing: Instead of just white and black, use orange, purple, or neon colors to make your Halloween cookies pop even more.
• Shape swaps: While ghosts and pumpkins are classic, I like to mix in bats, witches hats, and even spider webs for a fun twist.

How to Make Simple Iced Halloween Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar to Fluffy Perfection

Start by beating your softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer. I love this step because it sets the texture foundation for your cookies — you want the mixture pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes or so. This adds air, so your cookies turn out tender and light rather than dense or greasy.

Step 2: Blend in Eggs and Extracts

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. I discovered that a little almond extract goes a long way, adding that subtle flavor that makes people ask, “What’s in these?”

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

Add the salt and baking soda, mixing just until combined. Then slowly add the flour. I like to add it in a few batches, beating gently so the dough stays smooth but not overworked—this helps keep your cookies tender.

Step 4: Chill and Roll Out

Divide your dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and chill for at least an hour or overnight if you can. When you’re ready to roll, flour your surface lightly and roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Keep turning the dough as you roll to prevent sticking—trust me, this trick saves so much headache!

Step 5: Cut Shapes and Chill Before Baking

Use your favorite Halloween cookie cutters to cut shapes and transfer them to a baking sheet. Here’s a pro tip: pop those trays back in the fridge for about 15 minutes before baking — this chill step helps the cookies hold their shape instead of spreading out flat.

Step 6: Bake, Cool, and Decorate

Bake in a 350°F oven for 8–11 minutes depending on cookie size, watching for edges to just start browning. After baking, let cookies cool on the sheet a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, use white and black Betty Crocker cookie icing to decorate. Sprinkle with black sanding sugar or red sprinkles if you want extra flair.

Let ghost cookies dry for at least 4 hours before using the black edible food marker to draw spooky faces. This drying time is crucial to keep your designs perfect and prevent smudging.

How to Serve Simple Iced Halloween Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top the cookies with black decorating sugar for a subtle sparkle that adds texture without overwhelming the icing. The red round sprinkles are a fun pop when you want to make an eye-catching detail like eyes on ghosts or blood drops for creepiest effect.

Side Dishes

These Halloween cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or hot chocolate. I like setting up a spooky-themed dessert table with these and some pumpkin-shaped cupcakes or caramel popcorn for variety.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get really fun with presentation by placing your cookies in decorative Halloween tins or stacking them on tiered trays adorned with autumn leaves and mini pumpkins. Wrapping individually in clear bags with festive ribbons also makes great party favors or classroom treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After decorating and letting the icing fully dry, I store these Simple Iced Halloween Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and tasty for up to two weeks, which has saved me so many times when prepping ahead for parties.

Freezing

I’ve frozen fully decorated cookies by layering them carefully in a sturdy Tupperware, separated by parchment paper. When thawing, I leave the container closed until cookies reach room temperature to avoid condensation spoiling the icing finish.

Reheating

Because these are decorated and iced cookies, reheating isn’t necessary—just enjoy them soft and fresh at room temperature. If you want a freshly-baked warmth, it’s best to bake a new batch rather than trying to heat leftovers.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Simple Iced Halloween Cookies Recipe combines nostalgia and creativity — it reminds me of baking with my family when I was a kid, and now I get to pass that joy on. You’ll find that these cookies not only taste amazing but bring out your festive spirit with every batch. So grab your cookie cutters, your favorite icing colors, and get ready to wow your friends and family. Happy Halloween baking!

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