Easy Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s both fun and foolproof, you’re going to adore this Easy Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out perfectly soft with just the right amount of sweetness and a rainbow of Halloween sprinkles that make them irresistibly cute and crunchy on top. Whether you’re baking with kids or just want something quick and cheerful for your party, this recipe is a total game-changer — and I can’t wait to share all my best tips to make sure your cookies turn out amazing every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe comes from the balance of classic baking ingredients and the festive surprise of sprinkles. I always recommend using fresh ingredients for the best flavor, and don’t skip the cornstarch—it really contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth softness.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness better, and make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
• Granulated Sugar: Gives your cookies that classic sweetness and structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Essential for aroma and flavor depth.
• Almond Extract (Optional): Just a hint adds a lovely dimension that’s subtle but noticeable.
• Large Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for structure—plus a little more for dusting the surface to avoid sticking.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft but fluffy.
• Cornstarch: My secret ingredient for that tender, delicate crumb.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Halloween Sprinkles: Adds festive crunch and color—pick your favorites from classic orange, black, purple, or themed shapes!

Variations

I love that this Easy Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe is a fantastic base to personalize. You can easily switch things up to fit dietary needs or just your mood — baking is all about making it your own!

• Gluten-Free Variation: I swapped all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend once, and the texture still came out soft and delicious—just make sure your blend has xanthan gum for structure.
• Vegan Version: Replacing eggs with flax eggs and butter with vegan margarine works surprisingly well if you need an egg-free treat.
• Sprinkle Mix-Up: My kids love switching the sprinkles to candy eyes or edible glitter for other themes too — it’s a fun way to get creative.
• Flavor Twists: Add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to your dough for an autumnal spin.

How to Make Easy Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Preheat, Prep, and Cream

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a reusable baking mat—if you haven’t tried these mats yet, they’re a game-changer for easy cleanup and sustainability. Next, in a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar with a hand mixer for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth, pale, and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air that helps create soft, tender cookies.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Extracts

Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and optional almond extracts. Almond extract adds this subtle, sophisticated flavor that I discovered by accident but now always include, especially around the holidays.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Bring It Together

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing slowly to avoid flour flying everywhere. Use a spatula to scrape the bowl’s sides and bottom to fold everything in thoroughly—the dough should look smooth and soft but not sticky.

Step 4: Roll Out and Add Sprinkles

Flour your work surface generously. I like using a large wooden cutting board because it’s the perfect size for rolling. Roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness—a bit thicker than your typical sugar cookie but that’s what keeps them tender! Evenly sprinkle the Halloween sprinkles over the dough and gently press them down with your rolling pin so they stick without flattening the dough completely.

Step 5: Cut Shapes and Bake

Use your favorite Halloween cookie cutters—this is the fun part! I love ghosts, pumpkins, and bats. Carefully lift each cookie with a thin spatula or bench scraper and place them on your prepared baking sheet at least an inch apart. Gather the scraps, roll out again, add sprinkles, and repeat until all dough is used. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges just begin to turn golden. Let them cool fully on the baking sheet before enjoying or storing.

How to Serve Easy Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

Garnishes

For a simple yet festive touch, I like to add a drizzle of colored icing or more sprinkles on top after the cookies have cooled. You can also pipe on cute faces or spooky designs with black or orange royal icing to amp up the Halloween vibe before serving.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or hot chocolate. For parties, I like to serve them alongside pumpkin dip or whipped cream to add a creamy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged these Easy Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe on a tiered stand surrounded by Halloween-themed napkins and mini pumpkins—made them the centerpiece of the dessert table! Another fun idea is to package them in clear treat bags tied with orange and black ribbons for cute homemade gifts or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay soft for up to 4 days, but if you want them softer after a day or two, just pop in a slice of bread in the container—it’s a neat trick that keeps moisture in without making them soggy.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, the dough freezes beautifully. I roll it into a flat disk, wrap it well in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then roll, sprinkle, cut, and bake as usual. Cookies also freeze well after baking—just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

To revive leftover cookies, I warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to get that fresh-baked feel again. Just be careful not to overheat, or they’ll dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe has become a go-to in my family whenever October rolls around—and honestly, even beyond Halloween because they’re just that good. I love how simple and quick they are without sacrificing flavor or fun. If you’re hoping to impress your trick-or-treaters, friends, or just want a cozy afternoon baking session, this recipe will absolutely deliver. Go ahead, give it a try, and I promise these cookies will bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do to your sweet tooth!

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