Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spooky spirit than by baking a batch of delicious Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies?
These cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are a feast for the eyes as well, making them perfect for any Halloween gathering.
With their rich chocolatey goodness and festive Halloween candies, they are sure to be a hit among both kids and adults.
The best part? You don’t need to be a baking wizard to whip up these delightful treats. All you need is one bowl, a handful of common baking ingredients, and about 30 minutes of your time.
Yes, you heard it right – in less than half an hour, you could be biting into a warm, gooey, chocolatey cookie, and sharing them with your friends and family.
These cookies are not just about the taste; their texture is something to talk about as well.
Imagine biting into a cookie that is perfectly chewy on the inside, with a slight crunch from the Halloween M&Ms and a rich chocolate flavor that is not too overwhelming.
That’s exactly what you get with these Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies.
Ingredients:
Now, let’s talk about what goes into making these scrumptious treats:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter: The base of our cookie dough, providing richness and flavor.
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar: For sweetness and to help create the perfect cookie texture.
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1 egg, at room temperature: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 cup (127 grams) all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient, providing structure to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup (43 grams) Dutch-process or Black cocoa powder, sifted: For a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to create a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: These leavening agents help the cookies rise.
- 1/2 cup (85 grams) white chocolate chips: Adds a sweet, creamy flavor and a bit of texture.
- 1 cup (218 grams) Halloween M&Ms: For a festive touch and a bit of crunch.
- Edible candy eyeballs: These add a fun and spooky element to the cookies.
Stay tuned as we dive into the baking process, ensuring each step is followed to perfection for the best Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies you’ve ever tasted!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
Now that we’ve got all our ingredients ready, let’s jump straight into the magical process of baking these Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies.
Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be on your way to creating a batch of cookies that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While it’s getting hot, grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies will slide right off after baking, without sticking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, add in your cool room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat these together on a medium speed for about 3 minutes. You’re looking for a light and fluffy texture, which is key to getting that perfect cookie consistency.
- Add Vanilla and Egg: Once your butter and sugars are well combined, scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well mixed. Now, add in your vanilla extract and room temperature egg. Beat these into the mixture until everything is nicely incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. This is an important step as it ensures all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer. Keep the mixer on a low speed to prevent the flour from flying everywhere. Mix until a slightly sticky dough forms.
- Fold in the Fun: Now for the exciting part! Take your rubber spatula and gently fold in the white chocolate chips and Halloween M&Ms. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Decorate: Using a large spring-loaded scoop, drop 3-tablespoon sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them at least 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Now, for an extra touch of Halloween fun, dot the tops of your cookie dough balls with additional white chocolate chips, M&Ms, and those adorable candy eyeballs.
- Bake to Perfection: Slide your baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes. You’re looking for cookies that are puffy and set around the edges but still soft in the middle. Be careful not to overbake; they will continue to cook a bit as they cool.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This is crucial as it allows them to set up a bit before you move them. After 5 minutes, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of irresistible Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies ready to be devoured.
Congratulations, you’ve made it to the final stretch of our Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies adventure!
By now, your kitchen is filled with the irresistible aroma of chocolate, and you have a batch of delightful cookies waiting to be devoured.
But before you do, let’s talk about some additional tips, tricks, and storage advice to ensure your cookies stay as fresh and delicious as possible.
Recipe Variations and Tips:
- Feel free to get creative with the mix-ins. If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you can substitute with dark or milk chocolate chips. You can also add in nuts or dried fruit for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- If you find yourself without a stand mixer, don’t worry! You can use a hand mixer or even mix the dough by hand, though it might require a bit more elbow grease.
Storing Your Cookies:
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they will stay good in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Ensure they are completely cool before storing to maintain their texture.
- If you want to keep them soft and chewy, you can add a slice of bread to the container. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread, keeping them fresh for longer.
Freezing Options:
- If you want to save some cookies for later, or if you want to prepare the dough in advance, you can freeze them with ease. Simply place the scooped balls of dough on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a resealable bag and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Enjoying Your Cookies:
- These cookies are perfect for Halloween parties, school events, or just a fun baking project with the kids. The edible candy eyeballs add a playful touch, making them a hit among the little ones.
- Serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa, and you’ve got the perfect treat for a chilly October night.
Baking should be fun, and these Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies are just that – a fun, easy, and delicious way to celebrate the spooky season.
With their rich chocolate flavor, chewy texture, and festive decorations, they are sure to be a hit at any Halloween gathering.
So, put on your favorite Halloween tunes, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a storm. Happy Halloween, and happy baking!
And there you have it, a comprehensive guide to making and enjoying the perfect Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies.
Enjoy the process, share them with friends and family, and most importantly, have a spooktacular Halloween!