Halloween is a time of fun, spookiness, and sweet treats. Halloween Cake Mix Cookies bring a combination of all these elements together in an easy-to-make, colorful dessert that will delight both kids and adults. Using a cake mix allows for a simple preparation process, perfect for those who might feel a bit intimidated by baking from scratch. These cookies are not just tasty; they also become a fun centerpiece for Halloween parties, school events, or simply to enjoy at home while watching spooky movies. The vibrant orange hue and playful candy eyes add a festive touch that perfectly embodies the Halloween spirit.
HOW TO MAKE Halloween Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients:
- 16.25 oz white cake mix (1 box)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Orange gel food coloring
- 1/4 cup Halloween sprinkles
- 48 candy eyes
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare your cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper and setting them aside.
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir them together until everything is well blended and smooth.
- Add color: Add a few drops of orange gel food coloring to the mixture. Mix it in thoroughly, checking the color. If you want a deeper shade of orange, add more drops until you reach your desired color.
- Incorporate sprinkles: Gently fold in the Halloween sprinkles into your cookie dough. This adds texture and a festive look to your cookies.
- Scoop the dough: Using a medium cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. Make sure to space them at least 2 inches apart to allow them to spread while baking.
- Add extra sprinkles: If you want, sprinkle a few extra Halloween sprinkles on top of each cookie. Gently press them down into the dough to help them stick.
- Bake: Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9 to 12 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool and decorate: After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for about 3 minutes. Then, gently press a candy eye into the center of each cookie before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Store: These cookies can be stored covered or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
HOW TO SERVE Halloween Cake Mix Cookies
Serving Halloween Cake Mix Cookies can be fun and interactive. These cookies are great for Halloween parties where you can present them on a spooky platter. To enhance the look, consider serving them with themed decorations, such as black and orange tablecloths or ghostly decorations. You can also pair them with milk or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, you can arrange them in a cookie jar decorated with Halloween stickers or wrap them individually in clear bags tied with orange ribbon to give as treats during trick-or-treating.
HOW TO STORE Halloween Cake Mix Cookies
To keep your Halloween Cake Mix Cookies fresh, it is important to store them properly. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. If you need to store them for longer than 5 days, consider freezing them. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. After they are frozen, you can transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They will usually stay good for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, just thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours.
TIPS TO MAKE Halloween Cake Mix Cookies
- Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Use refrigerated eggs: Cold eggs can cause the dough to be too stiff. For better incorporation, let your eggs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using them.
- Experiment with colors: While orange is traditional, you can use other colors like green or purple food coloring to match your Halloween theme.
- Avoid burning: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake, as ovens can vary. It’s best to take them out when they are just set and slightly soft.
- Make mini cookies: If you prefer smaller cookies, use a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon. Adjust the baking time down for smaller cookies (around 7-9 minutes).
VARIATIONS
- Chocolate Halloween Cookies: Use chocolate cake mix instead of white cake mix for a delicious variation. You can still add orange coloring to create a fun contrast.
- Frosted Cookies: Once cooled, you can top the cookies with a simple buttercream frosting or royal icing and then decorate with more sprinkles or edible glitter.
- Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Different Shapes: Instead of scooping into balls, roll the cookie dough out and use Halloween-themed cookie cutters to make spooky shapes.
- Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to your dough for a seasonal twist that makes these cookies perfect for fall.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! You can use any flavor of cake mix, such as chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet. Just keep in mind that the color of your cookies will change based on the cake mix flavor you choose.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Halloween Cake Mix Cookies, use a gluten-free cake mix. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same, so the recipe is easily adaptable!
What if I don’t have candy eyes?
If you don’t have candy eyes, you can use chocolate chips or M&M’s instead. You could also use frosting to pipe small dots as eyes after the cookies cool down.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cover it so it doesn’t dry out. When ready to bake, scoop and bake as directed.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sprinkles and use less or no frosting when decorating. You can also choose a cake mix that has less sugar.