Ingredients
Cookie Dough
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2 ¾ cups (340g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp almond extract (optional)
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2 tbsp milk
Icing
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2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk
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Food coloring (orange, black, green, purple)
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Sprinkles, candy eyes, edible glitter (for decorating)
Instructions
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Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix well. Gradually stir in flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Add milk as needed until the dough pulls together. -
Chill
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and hold its shape during baking. -
Roll and Cut
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Dip cookie cutters in flour and cut desired Halloween shapes. -
Bake
Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. -
Decorate
Mix powdered sugar and milk to form a smooth icing. Divide into bowls and tint with food coloring. Use piping bags or zip-top bags with snipped corners to decorate. Add sprinkles, candy eyes, and glitter before icing sets.
Notes
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For Vegan Cookies: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
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Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for warm spice.
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No Almond Extract? Substitute with more vanilla or lemon extract.
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Storage: Keep decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg