Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love adding a little festive fun to your baking, then this Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how these cookies come out with their vibrant swirls and that perfect crunch on the edges, just bursting with colorful sprinkles that scream Halloween. Whether you’re hosting a spooky party or want to delight the kids with a seasonal treat, you’ll find this recipe is simple, playful, and seriously delicious.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to give you that classic sugar cookie taste, with the buttery richness and just the right balance of sweetness. I always grab good quality butter and fresh vanilla extract for the best flavor—trust me, it makes a difference!

• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the salt level perfectly, plus it creams smoother with sugars.
• Brown sugar: Adds a warm, caramel note that deepens the cookie’s flavor.
• White sugar: Helps give the cookies that classic sweetness and crisp texture.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture for softness inside the cookie.
• Vanilla extract: The flavor highlight that brings all the ingredients together beautifully.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure; be sure to measure correctly for perfect texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Baking powder: Gives a little lift so the cookies don’t spread too thin.
• White chocolate chips (optional): I toss these in for extra melty pockets of sweetness—totally worth it!
• Neon green, orange, and purple food coloring: These are essential for that unmistakable Halloween vibe.
• Assorted Halloween sprinkles: The fun, crunchy decorations that take these cookies over the top.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own by swapping up colors and sprinkles each year, or sometimes I skip the white chocolate chips if I’m short on time. You can totally tailor these cookies to your taste, and I encourage you to get creative!

• Food Coloring Variations: Last year, I tried pastel shades instead of neon for a more subtle look—and my family still adored them.
• Sprinkle Swap: Instead of Halloween sprinkles, try red and green sprinkles for Christmas, or pink and red for Valentine’s Day!
• Gluten-Free Option: I’ve switched to my favorite gluten-free flour blend with great results—just double-check your baking powder is gluten-free.
• Skip the Chips: Leaving out white chocolate chips gives a cleaner sugar cookie flavor if you prefer simplicity.

How to Make Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and your electric mixer. Combine the softened unsalted butter with both brown and white sugars. I like to cream these together for about 3-4 minutes—this creates a light, fluffy base that helps the cookies rise nicely. It also makes the dough smooth and easy to work with.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla for Moisture and Flavor

Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. You’ll notice the mixture becomes creamier and more cohesive, which is exactly what you want.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Then Combine

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to your wet mixture and mix until just combined. The dough might seem crumbly at this stage—that’s normal! Don’t overmix; you want a tender cookie, not tough.

Step 4: Add White Chocolate Chips and Divide Dough

If you’re using white chocolate chips, fold them in gently now. Then divide the dough into three equal portions—totally eyeballing it or using a kitchen scale if you want to be exact works fine.

Step 5: Color the Dough and Get Hands-On

Now comes the fun part! Add one food color to each portion of dough. Since the dough is crumbly, I always use my hands to gently knead each color in until it’s uniform. It’s a bit messy, but trust me, the tactile feedback helps get those vibrant hues just right. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly between colors to keep them pure.

Step 6: Create Swirled Cookie Balls

Take small bits from each colored dough portion and roll them together into a ball. The colors should swirl beautifully without fully blending together—like a little Halloween tie-dye! Flatten each ball slightly and repeat until you have about 12 cookies.

Step 7: Coat in Sprinkles and Chill

Roll the tops and sides of each cookie in your Halloween sprinkles for that festive crunch. Place them on a greased cookie sheet, then pop the tray into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is super important—it prevents the cookies from spreading too much, keeping them thick and beautiful.

Step 8: Bake and Add Final Sprinkles

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. As soon as they come out of the oven, check for any spots that seem bare and press a few extra sprinkles on. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and sprinkle extra colored sugar or mini candy pumpkins on top just before serving. Sometimes a light drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a pretty finishing touch and extra sweetness that my kids go crazy for.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of spiced apple cider. For a Halloween party platter, add some caramel popcorn or pumpkin-shaped marshmallows to round out the spooky snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve enjoyed presenting these cookies on a tiered cake stand surrounded by fake cobwebs and mini plastic spiders for Halloween gatherings. Another fun idea: package them in clear cellophane bags tied with orange and black ribbons to give as festive homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days, though in my house, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

If I want to get ahead, I freeze these cookies in an airtight container or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I just let them thaw on the counter for about an hour and they taste as fresh as day one.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I pop a couple of cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This softens them up without drying them out—a little warmth really revives that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Halloween Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe enough—these cookies bring so much joy with their fun colors, sweet flavor, and that irresistible sprinkle crunch. They’ve become a Halloween tradition in my home that kids and adults alike look forward to. So roll up your sleeves, grab those vibrant food colors, and bake some festive magic that everyone will love. You won’t regret it, and your kitchen will smell amazing too!

Print