Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, ready to share my latest kitchen obsession: Halloween Crinkle Cookies! You know I’m all about turning everyday eats into something special, and these cookies? They are pure Halloween magic!
These aren’t your grandma’s cookies (unless your grandma is seriously cool, then maybe!). We’re talking rich, chocolatey goodness with a spooky twist, baked to crinkly perfection and practically begging to be devoured.
I stumbled upon this Halloween Crinkle Cookies recipe during one of my late-night kitchen experiments. I was craving something chocolatey, but wanted a little extra “oomph” for the spooky season. The result? A batch of the most delicious, addictive cookies I’ve ever made!
The aroma alone is enough to make your neighbors jealous. Seriously, these Halloween Crinkle Cookies smell incredible while baking.
What I love most is how easy they are to make. These are a batch of easy Halloween cookies that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Even kitchen newbies can nail this recipe!
So, if you’re ready to add some spooky sweetness to your Halloween celebrations, come join me in the kitchen. Let’s whip up a batch of these unforgettable Halloween Crinkle Cookies together! Get ready for a flavor adventure.
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Halloween Crinkle Cookies ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together. Here’s what you’ll need to conjure up some cookie magic:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: The foundation of our cookie dreams. Make sure it’s softened, not melted!
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: For sweetness and that signature crinkle.
- 2 large eggs: To bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of warmth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookie structure.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The key to deep, dark chocolate flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: For that perfect rise and crinkle.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For rolling, creating that spooky white contrast.
- Optional – Halloween Sprinkles: Get creative and add some Halloween themed sprinkles for extra spooky fun.

No worries if you don’t have all-purpose flour. I use gluten-free all-purpose blend all the time in my Halloween Crinkle Cookies.
This Halloween Crinkle Cookies gets its amazing taste from the combination of cocoa powder and vanilla extract. They just sing together!
My Secret Tip: I love adding a pinch of espresso powder to my Halloween Crinkle Cookies for that extra kick! You can grab this during your normal shopping trip, and a little goes a long way.
Storage Tip: Store these Halloween Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They might not even last that long!
Let’s Make Some!
Okay, fellow food lovers, let’s get baking! These instructions are written like we’re cooking together in my kitchen, so get ready for some fun! This is a Crinkle Cookie recipe that’s bound to become a new family favorite.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. I usually use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand if you’re feeling ambitious! This usually takes me about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
While your Halloween Crinkle Cookies dough is doing its thing in the fridge, check out these awesome Black Cocoa Crinkle Cookies Recipe | Food Network Kitchen | Food ….
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll in powdered sugar: Generously roll each ball in powdered sugar, making sure they are fully coated. This is what creates that beautiful crinkled effect! Don’t be shy with the powdered sugar.
- Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. In my kitchen, this Halloween Crinkle Cookies usually takes exactly 11 minutes.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Your Halloween Crinkle Cookies should smell absolutely incredible right now!
My Secret Tip: Flatten the cookies just slightly before baking. This encourages them to spread and crinkle even more!
Don’t worry if your Halloween Crinkle Cookies looks a little uneven or imperfect. That’s part of their charm! Every batch of these Spooky cookies looks unique.
How to Serve Up This!
Okay, so you’ve made a batch of these incredible Halloween Crinkle Cookies. Now what? Here’s how I love to enjoy them:
Honestly, people literally do happy dances when this Halloween Crinkle Cookies hits the table with a tall glass of cold milk.
- With a glass of milk: The classic pairing! The rich chocolate and sweet powdered sugar are perfectly balanced by the coolness of the milk.
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: Take it to the next level by serving these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures is heavenly.
- As part of a Halloween dessert platter: These cookies are a great addition to any Halloween dessert platter. Add some candy corn, chocolate-covered pretzels, and other spooky treats!
- In a spooky cookie jar: Fill a Halloween-themed cookie jar with these cookies for a festive display.
Flavor Pairings: These Halloween Crinkle Cookies go perfectly with coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of red wine.
This Halloween Crinkle Cookies is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! They are also great for Halloween parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
For presentation ideas, try arranging the cookies on a tiered serving tray or placing them in individual cellophane bags tied with Halloween ribbon. This is great if you are making these easy Halloween cookies as a gift.
Leftover Transformation: If you somehow have any leftovers (highly unlikely!), you can crumble them over ice cream, use them as a topping for brownies, or even blend them into a milkshake!
I’ve experimented with adding different extracts to the dough. Try peppermint extract for a festive holiday twist, or almond extract for a nutty flavor.
When I serve these Halloween Crinkle Cookies to my friends, their eyes light up. They always ask for the recipe!
If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my lemon raspberry cookies. It is perfect for satisfying any sweet craving.
FAQs:
I know you might have some questions about making these Halloween Crinkle Cookies. So, I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you out!
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Halloween Crinkle Cookies?Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be easy and approachable, even for beginner bakers. Just follow the instructions carefully and you’ll be rewarded with delicious cookies.
Can I use a different type of flour?Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour. However, the texture of the cookies may be slightly different.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?You can substitute cocoa powder with dark chocolate, melted and cooled. However, the flavor will be richer and more intense.
How long do I need to chill the dough?The dough needs to be chilled for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This is important for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
What if I mess up my Halloween Crinkle Cookies? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)Don’t worry if your cookies don’t look perfect! Even if they’re a little misshapen or cracked, they’ll still taste delicious. After all, baking is all about experimenting and having fun.
How can I prep this Halloween Crinkle Cookies for busy weeknights?You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop out the dough, roll it in powdered sugar, and bake as directed.
Can I freeze the cookies?Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
My family isn’t really into chocolate- is there a substitution?If your family isn’t a fan of chocolate you can make a batch of Bloodshot Eyeball Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – Yummi Haus. This is the perfect alternative to chocolate.
I’ve experimented with adding different spices to the dough, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. These spices add a warm and cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall.
I did a taste test with my family, and they all agreed that these cookies are the best Halloween treat ever! They loved the combination of chocolate and powdered sugar.
These Spooky cookies remind me of another bold flavor favorite, my oatmeal raisin cookies. You can also add some cinnamon to make a snickerdoodle crinkle cookie.
CONCLUSION:
These Halloween Crinkle Cookies bring me so much joy because they’re not only delicious but also fun to make. They’re a perfect way to celebrate the spooky season with family and friends.
My Halloween Crinkle Cookies Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t skimp on the cocoa powder: Use a high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: This is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
- Be generous with the powdered sugar: This is what creates that beautiful crinkled effect.
I’ve tested a few delicious Halloween Crinkle Cookies variations, including adding peanut butter chips, chopped walnuts, or even a swirl of caramel. For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out pumpkin smores cookies.
- Peanut Butter Chip Crinkle Cookies: Add 1 cup of peanut butter chips to the dough for a nutty and delicious twist. This is great for a casual Halloween party.
- Walnut Crinkle Cookies: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts to the dough for a crunchy and nutty texture. This version is perfect for a sophisticated Halloween gathering.
- Caramel Swirl Crinkle Cookies: Swirl a spoonful of caramel into each cookie before baking for a sweet and decadent treat. This is ideal for a cozy night in. I found that the easiest method to use to ensure that the caramel remains as a swirl, use store-bought caramel squares.
So, trust your taste buds and get creative with these Halloween Crinkle Cookies. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process! These remind me of Easy Halloween Cookie – The Anthony Kitchen.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and create your own delicious Halloween Crinkle Cookies. Get ready for a flavor explosion! They’re a batch of easy Halloween cookies that you’ll make year after year! Happy baking, and happy Halloween! 💕
Halloween Crinkle Cookies
These festive Halloween Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and covered in a striking black and orange crackled sugar coating. They’re the perfect spooky treat for Halloween parties and gatherings!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 37 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for rolling
- 1/2 cup orange sanding sugar, for rolling
- Black gel food coloring
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half. Tint one half of the dough black with gel food coloring.
- Cover both halves of the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In separate shallow bowls, place the granulated sugar and orange sanding sugar.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Dip each ball first in the granulated sugar, then in the orange sanding sugar, ensuring they are well coated.
- Place the coated cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crackled.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
