Orange and Black Halloween Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to celebrate Halloween, then these Orange and Black Halloween Sugar Cookies are the perfect choice! They combine the classic flavors of sugar cookies with a delightful twist of color that will surely impress your family and friends. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is—no rolling or cookie cutters required! You can whip them up in no time, making them a fantastic option for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers.

These cookies not only look adorable but are also deliciously soft and sweet. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, baking with your little ghouls, or just want to bring some cheer into your home, these cookies are sure to do the trick!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With no rolling or fancy shapes, these cookies come together in minutes.
• Family-friendly fun: Kids will love mixing the colorful dough and watching them bake.
• Perfect for sharing: With 24 servings, there’s plenty to share with friends or neighbors.
• Festive flair: The striking orange and black colors make them a standout treat for Halloween.
• Delicious flavor: Soft, sweet, and simply irresistible—these cookies disappear quickly!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Orange and Black Halloween Sugar Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need:

For the Cookie Dough

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temp
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ⅓ cups all purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Color

• 1 tablespoon dutch process cocoa powder
• 4-5 drops black gel food color
• 4-5 drops orange gel food color

Variations

One of the best things about these cookies is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative and switch things up based on your preference or what you have on hand.

• Add some spice: Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor twist.
• Mix in chocolate chips: Fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey bite.
• Swap the colors: Use different gel food colors to match any holiday theme!
• Make them festive: Top with colored sprinkles or edible glitter before baking for added sparkle.

How to Make Orange and Black Halloween Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Start by lining two large cookie sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent your cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly. It’s a small step that makes cleanup much easier!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter, giving your cookies a lovely texture. Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract; beat until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening agent throughout the flour so that your cookies rise perfectly during baking.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing gently until just combined. It’s okay if you still see some flour; you’ll mix it again soon.

Step 5: Divide Dough

Using a kitchen scale (or just eyeballing it), divide the cookie dough into two even batches. This will help create those beautiful contrasting colors.

Step 6: Color Your Dough

Take one batch of dough and add in cocoa powder along with black gel food color. Mix until fully combined. In the other batch, add orange gel food color—this is where the magic happens! The vibrant colors are what make these cookies so special.

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Divide both batches of dough into even pieces. Each piece should be about 2 teaspoons in size. After dividing them up, chill those pieces in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350° F.

Step 8: Form Cookie Balls

Once chilled, gently press one piece of black dough against one piece of orange dough to create a little sandwich. Roll them into balls—this step is so much fun! Repeat this process until all dough has been used up.

Step 9: Bake Your Cookies

Place these colorful dough balls on your prepared cookie sheets with at least two inches between each one. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until you notice that the edges have set nicely.

Step 10: Cool Down Your Cookies

After baking, allow your cookies to cool on the sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without becoming too hard—a crucial step for achieving that perfect soft bite!

Enjoy making these delightful Orange and Black Halloween Sugar Cookies! They’re sure to become a new seasonal favorite that brings smiles all around.

Pro Tips for Making Orange and Black Halloween Sugar Cookies

Baking these festive cookies can be a real treat, and a few helpful tips will ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This is crucial for achieving a smooth, well-blended dough. Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing and affect the cookie’s texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined keeps your cookies tender and soft. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies.

• Chill the dough pieces: Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain their shape during baking. It also enhances the flavors as the ingredients meld together.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies at 12 minutes to prevent overbaking; you want them set around the edges but still soft in the center.

• Let them cool completely: Allowing your cookies to cool on a wire rack helps them firm up and prevents them from becoming soggy. It’s also a great way to showcase their beautiful colors!

How to Serve Orange and Black Halloween Sugar Cookies

Presenting your cookies in a fun and festive way can add to the overall experience of enjoying these delightful treats. Here are some ideas to make your cookie display extra special!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: Add black or orange sprinkles on top of the cookies after baking while they are still warm for an extra pop of color.
• Icing: A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and water tinted with food coloring can add a glossy finish that complements the Halloween theme.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: This warm, spiced drink pairs wonderfully with sweet cookies, enhancing their flavor while keeping you cozy.
• Apple Cider: A classic fall beverage, hot apple cider brings out the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg that complement these cookies beautifully.
• Caramel Dipped Apples: The sweetness of caramel-coated apples adds a crunchy contrast, making for a delightful dessert spread.
• Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses with fruits like pears or figs for a savory balance that works surprisingly well alongside sweet treats.

These serving suggestions will not only elevate your presentation but also create a delightful experience for anyone who enjoys these spooky treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Orange and Black Halloween Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy festive treats whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re preparing for a party or simply want to have some spooky snacks on hand, these cookies store beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They can be kept for up to one week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Enjoy them fresh out of the oven!

FAQs

Have questions about making these delightful cookies? You’re in the right place!

Can I use different colors for my Orange and Black Halloween Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any gel food colors you like. Just remember that using darker colors might require more dough mixing time.

How do I ensure my Orange and Black Halloween Sugar Cookies turn out soft?

To keep these cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. The edges should just be set while the centers look slightly underbaked when you pull them from the oven. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

What can I do if I don’t have gel food color for my Halloween Sugar Cookies?

If gel food coloring isn’t available, liquid food coloring will work as well; however, you’ll need more drops to achieve a vibrant color. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the consistency of your dough.

How long does it take to make Orange and Black Halloween Sugar Cookies?

The entire process takes about 42 minutes from start to finish, including prep time and baking time. Perfect for a quick Halloween treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Orange and Black Halloween Sugar Cookies as much as I do! They not only bring a festive spirit but also fill your home with wonderful aromas. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or enjoying them with loved ones at home, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!