Can I freeze Halloween Monster Cookies?

Yes. You can freeze both the unbaked dough balls and the baked cookies. For dough, freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a bag for up to three months. For baked cookies, store in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

How do I keep the candy eyes from melting?

Candy eyes may soften during baking. To keep them looking sharp, press a few onto the cookies right after they come out of the oven. The residual heat will help them stick without melting.

What’s the best candy mix to use?

Halloween M&M’s are the classic choice, but you can add Reese’s Pieces, candy corn, or chopped chocolate bars. Just avoid candies that fully melt, like caramels, unless you want a gooey center.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely. The dough can be refrigerated up to three days in advance or frozen for months. Baked cookies will stay fresh for about five days when stored in an airtight container.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes. Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and use certified gluten-free oats if you’re adding them. The result is just as chewy and delicious.

Can I make mini versions for kids?

Definitely. Scoop teaspoon-sized portions of dough instead of tablespoons and reduce the bake time to 7–8 minutes. They’re bite-sized, fun, and perfect for little hands.

Halloween Monster Cookies | 8 Spooky Steps to Magic

Name: Halloween Monster Cookies | 8 Spooky Steps to Magic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups (155 g) all-purpose flour; ½ cup (40 g) dark cocoa powder (or black cocoa); ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp fine sea salt; ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup (160 g) packed light brown sugar; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; 2 large egg yolks, room temperature; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; ¾ cup (170 g) Halloween-colored M&M’s; 3 tbsp festive sprinkles (orange, purple, green, black); Candy eyeballs for decoration; Extra M&M’s and sprinkles for topping

Description

Chewy, chocolatey Halloween Monster Cookies loaded with M&M’s, festive sprinkles, and candy eyeballs. A spooky, fun treat perfect for parties or trick-or-treat night.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

1 ¼ cups (155 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (40 g) dark cocoa powder (or black cocoa)
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (160 g) packed light brown sugar
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Mix-ins & Decorations

¾ cup (170 g) Halloween-colored M&M’s
3 tbsp festive sprinkles (orange, purple, green, black)
Candy eyeballs for decoration
Extra M&M’s and sprinkles for topping

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Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

4️⃣ Add Egg Yolks & Vanilla
Mix in egg yolks and vanilla extract until smooth.

5️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

6️⃣ Fold in the Fun
Fold in M&M’s and sprinkles with a spatula until evenly distributed.

7️⃣ Shape the Cookies
Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Press extra candies and candy eyeballs on top.

8️⃣ Bake & Cool
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

📌 Pro Tip: Use a round cutter to shape cookies into perfect circles while still warm.

Notes

Chill dough for thicker cookies.
Add candy eyeballs after baking if you want them extra defined.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container for 5 days or freeze dough balls for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American