5 Must-Try Monster Cookie Recipes for Halloween
With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to indulge in some ghoulishly delightful treats. While candy and traditional Halloween snacks are always popular, there’s something uniquely special about baking and decorating monster cookies. These oversized, fun cookies are not just treats; they're an activity that brings fun to the kitchen, whether you're baking with kids or channeling your inner child. Here are five must-try monster cookie recipes that will make your Halloween party a hit or add a whimsical touch to your evening celebrations.
The Classic Monster Cookie
Begin your Halloween baking adventure with the classic monster cookie recipe. These cookies are simple yet effective in creating a spooky vibe:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 1/2 cups quick oats
- 1 cup M&Ms
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, peanut butter, and sugars until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Mix in baking soda, salt, then gradually stir in oats, M&Ms, and chocolate chips.
- Scoop out dough in 1/4 cup portions and place them on the baking sheets.
- Bake for about 12-14 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
💡 Note: This recipe can be modified to include any candy you have on hand, making it versatile for Halloween candy leftovers!
Chocolate Pumpkin Monster Cookies
Here’s a seasonal spin to our monster cookie collection that adds a dash of fall flavors:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Shape large spoonfuls of dough into monster faces and place them on the prepared sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are firm but the centers remain soft.
Monster Eye Cookies
Nothing says Halloween like candy eyeballs, and these cookies are all about that eerie vibe:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Candy eyes
- Red and black food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in egg and vanilla.
- Incorporate flour, baking soda, and salt into the mixture.
- Color the dough with food coloring for an extra spooky effect.
- Shape into balls, flatten slightly, and press candy eyes into each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are just golden.
👀 Note: Adding food coloring to the dough gives these cookies a fun, creepy look!
Witch’s Hat Cookies
A whimsical addition to your Halloween dessert table, these cookies look like witch’s hats:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Black and purple food coloring
- Chocolate kisses or mini cones
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Blend butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt; mix well.
- Divide dough and color half with black food coloring, and the other half with purple.
- Roll out the purple dough and cut into triangle shapes. Roll out black dough and cut into circles.
- Assemble by placing a chocolate kiss or mini cone on the purple triangle, then press the black circle onto the base.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until set.
Frankenstein's Boo-tiful Cookies
Last but certainly not least, these Frankenstein cookies are a fun way to honor the legendary monster:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Green food coloring
- Candy eyes
- Black icing for decoration
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; incorporate into the wet ingredients.
- Add green food coloring to the dough.
- Shape cookies into Frankenstein heads, place candy eyes, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Once cooled, use black icing to create the classic Frankenstein features.
These monster cookie recipes offer a delicious way to celebrate Halloween. Whether you're hosting a party or just want to enjoy a festive treat at home, these cookies are sure to bring joy and a bit of Halloween magic. From the classic monster cookies with their mishmash of ingredients to the whimsical Frankenstein creations, there's something for everyone. With fun shapes, colors, and candy, these cookies not only satisfy the sweet tooth but also spark the imagination. Enjoy your baking, and may your Halloween be filled with delightful scares and sweet treats!
Can I freeze monster cookie dough?
+
Yes, you can freeze monster cookie dough. Simply scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer bag or container. Bake them frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
How long do monster cookies last?
+
Monster cookies, when stored in an airtight container, can last up to a week at room temperature or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.
What’s the best way to decorate monster cookies?
+
Use edible candy eyes for a quick and easy effect. Royal icing or store-bought icing pens can be used to draw faces and other features. For more intricate designs, consider using piping bags and food coloring gels for precise decorations.