If you’re looking to add a little spooky spirit and a whole lot of fun to your baking this season, then you’ve absolutely got to try this Halloween Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together rich devil’s food cake flavor with mesmerizing swirls of orange and black, creating a striking look that’s perfect for Halloween parties or cozy nights in. Beyond their ghoulish appearance, these crinkle cookies offer a soft, chewy texture with a sweet powdered sugar coating that makes every bite delightfully addictive. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe feels like a warm, festive hug from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Halloween Crinkle Cookies Recipe is surprisingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in making the cookies taste irresistible and look incredible. From the devil’s food cake mix that forms the chocolatey base to the vibrant food coloring gels that create that perfect Halloween vibe, every element counts!
- Devil’s food cake mix (15.25 oz): Provides the rich chocolate flavor and structure for the cookie dough, saving you time from scratch baking.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cookies moist and tender, ensuring they don’t dry out during baking.
- Large eggs (2): Help bind the ingredients together and add richness to the dough’s texture.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for coating the dough balls, creating the classic crinkly crackled finish on the cookies’ surface.
- Orange food coloring gel: Infuses one portion of the dough with a vibrant, festive orange perfect for Halloween.
- Black food coloring gel: Gives the other portion a deep, spooky black hue to contrast beautifully with the orange.
How to Make Halloween Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly with perfectly crisp bottoms.
Step 2: Mix the Base Dough
In a large bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir everything together until a consistent dough forms. This simple mix comes together quickly and is the chocolatey canvas for your Halloween masterpiece.
Step 3: Separate and Color the Dough
Divide the dough evenly into two bowls. To one, add a few drops of the orange food coloring gel and to the other, a few drops of black. Mix each bowl until the colors are evenly distributed, creating two strikingly colorful cookie doughs ready to be combined.
Step 4: Form the Dough Balls
Grab about a tablespoon of dough from each color and carefully roll them together into one cohesive ball. This step gives you the unique marbled effect that makes these cookies so eye-catching. Repeat for the rest of the dough until you have a full batch ready to coat.
Step 5: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar until fully covered. This coating is key for that iconic crinkle effect once baked, plus it adds a touch of sweet contrast to the cookies.
Step 6: Space and Bake
Place each sugar-coated ball onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave enough room between them for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies flatten out and develop the characteristic crackled tops.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
After removing the cookies from the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cookies set perfectly and hold their shape.
How to Serve Halloween Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the festive feel by sprinkling extra powdered sugar on top or decorating the plate with Halloween-themed sprinkles and edible glitter. You can even drizzle a little white or orange chocolate glaze for added flair and taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm mug of spiced chai, creamy hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk. The rich chocolates and bold colors make them standout treats alongside classic fall beverages.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Halloween Crinkle Cookies Recipe on a themed platter with faux cobwebs, small pumpkins, and candy corn for an instant party centerpiece. Or stack them in a clear jar with alternating layers of orange and black tissue paper for a cute gift idea that neighbors and co-workers will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy. They usually stay fresh for up to 5 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of your Halloween celebrations.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked Halloween crinkle cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container once firm. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies, warm them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This brings back a freshly-baked softness that makes each bite irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is preferred because it offers more vibrant colors without adding extra liquid to the dough, which could affect the texture. However, if you only have regular liquid food coloring, use it sparingly to avoid making the dough too wet.
Do these cookies spread a lot?
Yes! The cookies will spread during baking which helps create their signature crinkled tops. Just be sure to space them well on the baking sheet so they don’t merge into each other.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
If you want a gluten-free version, look for a gluten-free devil’s food cake mix labeled “gluten-free.” That way, you can enjoy the same rich texture and flavor without gluten concerns.
Are these cookies very sweet?
These cookies have a nice balance of sweetness from both the devil’s food cake mix and the powdered sugar coating. They’re rich and chocolatey without being overwhelming, making them a perfect treat for kids and adults alike.
How long do these cookies stay soft?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies remain soft and chewy for around 5 days. For optimum freshness, avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking a batch of Halloween Crinkle Cookies Recipe to share with friends and family during the festive season. The playful colors, irresistible texture, and simplicity of this recipe make it a must-try for any level of baker. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create some magical, spooky treats that everyone will adore!
Print
Halloween Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 12m
- Total Time: 0h 27m
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Halloween Crinkle Cookies are a fun and colorful twist on classic crinkle cookies, featuring vibrant orange and black doughs made from devil’s food cake mix. Coated in powdered sugar, they bake up soft with a signature cracked surface that’s perfect for spooky celebrations.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 box devil’s food cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- Orange food coloring gel (a few drops)
- Black food coloring gel (a few drops)
Coating
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Make Dough: In a large bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until a consistent dough forms.
- Divide and Color Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add a few drops of orange food coloring to one portion and a few drops of black food coloring to the other. Mix each until the color is even throughout.
- Form Cookie Balls: Take about a tablespoon of dough from each colored portion and roll them together into one ball, combining the two colors. Repeat with remaining dough to make multiple balls.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Roll each dough ball thoroughly in powdered sugar until fully covered.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies spread and develop their signature crinkled tops.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is mixed well to incorporate the food coloring evenly for vibrant colors.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to prevent cookies from merging.
- Use a parchment paper or silicone mat for easy release and cleanup.
- Cookies will be soft when warm but will firm up as they cool.
