Description
Chewy Monster Eyeball Sugar Cookies are a fun and festive treat perfect for Halloween or any monster-themed party. These cookies feature a classic sugar cookie flavor with a soft, chewy center and crispy edges. Each cookie is adorned with colorful dough and topped with candy eyeballs, creating a spooky and playful design kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Coating and Decorating
- 1 cup sugar (for coating)
- Purple, orange, and/or green natural or artificial food coloring (optional)
- Candy eyeballs
Instructions
- Prep and line: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter, sugars, and vanilla: Using a hand or stand mixer on medium-high speed, cream together the softened butter, 1 1/4 cups sugar, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is very light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg: Add the large egg and continue beating on medium-high speed for another 30 seconds until the batter looks smooth, opaque, and slightly fluffy.
- Mix in dry ingredients: Lower mixer speed to low and add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until fully combined, then increase to medium-low speed and beat briefly for 15 to 20 seconds. Scrape the bowl midway to ensure uniform mixing. The dough should be smooth and stiff.
- Color your dough (optional): Divide the dough evenly into separate bowls for each desired color. Add food coloring and knead by hand until the color is evenly distributed. Coloring is optional if you prefer plain dough.
- Scoop and coat: Pour 1 cup sugar into a small wide bowl. Scoop dough into balls approximately 2 tablespoons each for large cookies or 1 tablespoon each for mini cookies. Roll each dough ball between your hands to make it smooth and round, then roll thoroughly in the sugar to coat.
- Tray and bake: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 3 inches apart. Gently press a few candy eyeballs onto the surface of each cookie. Bake large cookies for 9 to 12 minutes, or mini cookies for 6 to 8 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown and the tops look set and crackled. Avoid over-baking to keep a chewy texture and vibrant colors.
- Knock ’em down: Immediately after removing the trays from the oven, firmly tap each tray on the counter or stovetop. This collapses the cookie domes and creates a signature crackled appearance.
- Cool, share, and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool completely so the centers set perfectly chewy and the edges become crisp. Serve these monstrously delightful treats to bring smiles to any party or gathering.
Notes
- These chewy sugar cookies feature a classic flavor with an almost gooey center, perfect for those who love traditional sugar cookies but want a playful twist.
- Adding food coloring to the dough is optional but makes the cookies more festive and fun for themed occasions.
- Be careful not to over-bake the cookies; they should look a little underbaked for the best chewy texture.
- Pressing candy eyeballs while the cookies are warm helps them adhere better.
- Knocking the trays after baking collapses the cookie tops to produce a beautiful crackled surface.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large cookie
- Calories: 227 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 187 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 26 mg
