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Decorated Halloween sugar cookies with orange and black icing

Quick way to grow Halloween Sugar Cookies

These quick Halloween Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat for spooky season, featuring a simple dough and easy decorating options. Perfect for a last-minute festive dessert, they're sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Ingredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Royal Icing (Optional)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 1/2 cup water
  • few drops food coloring (Halloween colors)

Equipment

  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Medium bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer (optional)
  • Rolling pin
  • Halloween-themed cookie cutters
  • Wire rack
  • Piping bags and tips (optional, for icing)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms.
Baking
  1. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness, then use Halloween-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  2. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  3. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating (Optional)
  1. To make royal icing, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water in a bowl; beat until stiff peaks form.
  2. Divide the icing into separate bowls and mix in different Halloween-themed food colorings.
  3. Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with the colored royal icing and allow the icing to set before serving or storing.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest to the cookie dough. If you don't have meringue powder for the royal icing, you can use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk/lemon juice, though it won't harden as much. Get creative with your decorations using sprinkles, edible glitter, or other Halloween candies!