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Halloween Baking

Halloween baking cookies are made with a buttery soft dough, chilled for easy rolling, then baked at 350°F until just set. Finish with orange and black royal icing for spooky shapes and clean lines.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
chill time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 26 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry ingredients
  • 2.75 cup all-purpose flour For structure and a tender crumb.
  • 1 tsp baking powder Helps cookies puff slightly.
  • 0.5 tsp salt Balances sweetness.
Cookie dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Creams better when softened.
  • 1.5 cup granulated sugar Creates a light, fluffy dough.
  • 1 large egg Adds moisture and binding.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds warm flavor.
Decoration
  • 3 cup royal icing, colored orange and black Use for piping and filling after cookies cool.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Make the dough
  1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  2. Cream unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and combined.
  4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Chill and cut
  1. Chill the dough for 30 minutes until firm enough to roll.
  2. Roll out the dough and cut into Halloween shapes, placing them on a sheet pan.
Bake and decorate
  1. Bake at 350°F for 9-11 minutes until the edges are just set.
  2. Cool completely, then decorate with royal icing, colored orange and black.

Notes

Pro tip: If the dough gets soft while rolling, return it to the fridge for 5–10 minutes to keep clean cookie edges. Store baked, undecorated cookies in an airtight container for 5–7 days; decorated cookies stay best for 2–3 days if icing is fully dry. Freeze baked cookies (without decoration) for up to 2 months—thaw and then decorate. For a simple swap, use plant-based butter in equal amount for a dairy-free version (texture may vary slightly).