Easy Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive and fun treat to whip up this season, I’ve got your back with my Easy Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe. These cookies are not only delightfully soft and a little buttery but also packed with vibrant Halloween sprinkles that make them perfect for parties, school events, or just a cozy night in with the family. Trust me, you’re going to love how simple and satisfying this recipe is!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are classic for sugar cookies but I’ve added cornstarch for a really tender crumb, and the Halloween sprinkles steal the show. I always suggest using fresh baking powder and good-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level perfectly.
• Granulated Sugar: It sweetens the dough but keeps the texture light.
• Vanilla Extract: Essential for that warm, comforting flavor base.
• Almond Extract (Optional): Adds a subtle nutty hint if you want to fancy it up a bit.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and add moisture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough for structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them tender.
• Cornstarch: This ingredient makes the cookies extra soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Halloween Sprinkles: The star decoration—pick your favorite shapes and colors.

Variations

I’ve played around with these cookies quite a bit, and you can really customize them to suit your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative with your sprinkles, extracts, or dough thickness. It’s all about having fun and personalizing your Halloween treats!

• Gluten-Free: I swapped all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend once, and they turned out wonderfully soft—just check your blend includes xanthan gum.
• Vegan Adaptation: Using vegan butter and a flax egg worked surprisingly well when I tried it, though the texture is a bit different.
• Extra Spiced: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice gives a cozy twist that’s perfect for fall evenings.
• Sprinkle Mix-Up: Mix your own sprinkles with seasonal colors or use edible glitter—I love the sparkle effect for parties!

How to Make Easy Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Baking Sheet Ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to line my baking sheet with a reusable baking mat—it’s kinder to the environment and keeps the cookies from sticking without extra grease. If you don’t have one handy, parchment paper will work just fine. This little prep goes a long way in making baking easier and cleanup faster.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream your softened unsalted butter and sugar together for 2-3 minutes. You want it smooth and aerated because this step gives your cookies that wonderful soft texture. When I first tried skipping this step, my cookies were dense — so definitely don’t rush this!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, crack in your eggs and pour in the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix just enough to combine everything evenly. I always scrape down the sides of my bowl with a spatula here to make sure there are no pockets of dry flour later on.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

Whisk your all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl so they’re evenly distributed. Then gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix on low speed at first, then increase slightly until the dough comes together smoothly. Don’t overmix or your cookies might turn out tougher than you want.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough and Add Sprinkles

Generously flour your work surface and rolling pin—this tip saved me from sticky messes more than once! Turn your dough out and roll it to about ½ inch thick. Now comes the fun part: scatter your Halloween sprinkles evenly over the dough and gently press them in so they stick but don’t get squished.

Step 6: Cut Shapes and Transfer

Using cookie cutters with fun Halloween shapes (think pumpkins, ghosts, bats), cut out your cookies. Carefully peel them off the surface and place them on your baking sheet with at least an inch between each cookie to allow even baking.

Step 7: Use Leftover Dough

Once you’ve cut all you can, gather the leftover dough, form it into a ball, and roll it out again for more cookies. Add extra sprinkles on top if you like to keep the festive vibe going. Repeat until no dough remains.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies for 8-10 minutes. The edges will be lightly golden—don’t overbake if you want a soft middle! Let them cool right on the baking sheet so they firm up before moving them to a plate or container.

How to Serve Easy Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add just a little extra flair with a drizzle of white or orange colored icing on top, but honestly, these cookies look festive enough with just the sprinkles. If you want a glossy finish, try brushing them lightly with a simple egg wash before baking.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a creamy hot chocolate—I love how the flavors balance out. They also fit right in with any Halloween party spread alongside themed popcorn, mini cupcakes, or candy apples.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I packaged these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with orange and black ribbons for school treats. Another time, I arranged them on a tiered cake stand with pumpkins and candles for a spooky dessert table centerpiece. You can even attach little tags with fun Halloween puns—it’s a hit every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for about 3-4 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! If you want to keep the sprinkles vibrant, avoid stacking them too tightly.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough itself for up to 3 months—just shape it into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the rolling and sprinkling steps. I’ve found freezing dough is a huge time-saver during busy seasons.

Reheating

If you want to warm up leftover cookies, pop them in the oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds. This brings back the soft texture without drying them out—just be careful not to overheat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want to add a little homemade magic to the season without fuss. I love how the bright sprinkles can instantly lift everyone’s spirits, and it’s a recipe that’s approachable no matter your baking experience. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly these cookies disappear and how much joy they bring. Happy baking!

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