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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/halloween-crinkle-cookies-recipe/