Name: Halloween Cookies with Black Cocoa, M&Ms, and Candy Eyeballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 5 tbsp (35 g) black cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar; 2 egg yolks, at room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3/4 cup (170 g) Halloween M&M’s; 3 tbsp (36 g) Halloween jimmies; Candy eyeballs for decoration; Extra Halloween M&Ms and jimmies for decoration

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

5 tbsp (35 g) black cocoa powder

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar

2 egg yolks, at room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cup (170 g) Halloween M&M’s

3 tbsp (36 g) Halloween jimmies (sprinkles)

Candy eyeballs for decoration

Extra Halloween M&Ms and jimmies for decoration

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer for about two minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and continue mixing on medium speed for two minutes until pale and fluffy.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined.

Step 6: Gently fold in the Halloween M&M’s and jimmies with a rubber spatula to evenly distribute.

Step 7: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, form 17 dough balls and arrange them about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press extra M&M’s, candy eyeballs, and sprinkles onto the tops and sides of each dough ball.

Step 8: Bake cookies for 10 to 11 minutes. Some candy eyeballs may melt slightly—replace them after baking if needed.

Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. For perfectly round edges, gently run a large circular cookie cutter around each cookie while still warm.

Tips & Variations

Use black cocoa powder for a deep, dark chocolate flavor that complements the Halloween theme.

Swap candy eyeballs for mini chocolate chips if you prefer less candy or if eyeballs are unavailable.

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spread and help cookies keep their shape.

Customize your cookies with different seasonal candies or sprinkles to suit other holidays.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa powder?

Yes, you can substitute regular cocoa powder, but the cookies will be lighter in color and less intense in flavor. Black cocoa powder gives a richer, darker chocolate taste ideal for Halloween treats.

Why do the egg yolks only get used instead of whole eggs?

Using egg yolks instead of whole eggs results in a richer, chewier cookie texture. Egg whites can dry out cookies, so yolks contribute to a softer, more tender crumb.