Halloween Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Halloween Crinkle Cookies are delightfully soft and fudgy with a festive crackled appearance. Perfect for spooky celebrations, they come in vibrant orange, purple, or black colors that brighten up any dessert table.

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: Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. Step 2: In a separate large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Add gel food coloring to achieve your desired Halloween color.
3. Step 3: Gently 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 place in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
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 coat each ball generously with powdered sugar.
7. Step 7: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cookies are cracked on top but still soft in the center.
9. Step 9: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For more intense color, add gel food coloring a little at a time until you reach the desired shade without thinning the batter.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a warm, spicy twist.
• Use melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical flavor and dairy-free option.
• Freeze the dough balls before baking for a thicker, chewier cookie.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but will still be delicious.

What if I don’t have gel food coloring?

You can use liquid food coloring, but it may require less liquid to avoid thinning the dough. Alternatively, natural color powders like beet or turmeric can be used for a subtle tint.

Halloween Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 82 reviews

These Halloween Crinkle Cookies are rich, fudgy, and festive treats perfect for the spooky season. Made with cocoa powder and decorated with vibrant orange, purple, or black gel food coloring, these soft-centered cookies have a delightful crackled powdered sugar coating. They are easy to prepare, chilled for a better texture, and baked to a perfect softness, making them an ideal Halloween party snack or a fun baking project with kids.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• 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 medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Add the gel food coloring of your choice (orange, purple, or black) and mix thoroughly to incorporate the color evenly.
3. Combine wet and dry: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie texture.
4. Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. Alternatively, for a quicker option, chill in the freezer for 30 minutes. This chilling step helps with shaping and enhances the cookie texture.
5. Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Shape the cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. Generously coat each ball with powdered sugar, ensuring they are fully covered to achieve the signature crinkle effect.
7. Bake the cookies: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies show cracked surfaces but remain soft in the center.
8. Cool the cookies: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• Using gel food coloring ensures vibrant colors without affecting dough consistency.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Chilling the dough is important to prevent spreading and to develop better texture.
• Cookies should remain soft inside even when baked; avoid overbaking.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Keywords: Halloween cookies, Crinkle cookies, Chocolate cookies, Festive cookies, Soft cookies, Cocoa cookies