If you are looking to add a spooky and delightful treat to your Halloween celebrations, this Halloween Black Cocoa M&M Cookies Recipe is just what you need. Packed with rich black cocoa that gives an intense chocolate flavor and a striking dark color, these cookies are also studded with colorful Halloween M&Ms and jimmies that create a fun, festive look. The candy eyeballs on top add a playful creepiness that’s perfect for the occasion. This recipe will make your kitchen smell like a chocolate haven and your guests excited to grab another cookie!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Halloween Black Cocoa M&M Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in making these cookies irresistibly tasty and visually festive. From the intense black cocoa providing that unique color and flavor to the M&Ms that offer a satisfying crunch and pop of color, each component is essential.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups (156 g): The sturdy base to give your cookies structure while keeping them tender.
- Black cocoa powder, 5 tbsp (35 g): This is the star for striking color and deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder, 1/2 tsp: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, chewy texture.
- Baking soda, 1/2 tsp: Works alongside the baking powder for leavening and tender crumb.
- Salt, 1/2 tsp: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- Unsalted butter, 3/4 cup (168 g), softened: Adds richness and moisture for perfectly chewy cookies.
- Light brown sugar, 3/4 cup (165 g), packed: Brings caramel notes and moisture for softness.
- Granulated white sugar, 1/4 cup (50 g): Provides sweetness and a slight crisp edge to cookies.
- Egg yolks, 2 (room temperature): Contribute to the luscious texture and richness.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Adds warm aromatic notes that elevate the chocolate flavors.
- Halloween M&Ms, 3/4 cup (170 g): The colorful stars that add a fun crunch and Halloween cheer.
- Halloween jimmies, 3 tbsp (36 g): Sprinkle these in for festive, sweet bursts of texture.
- Candy eyeballs for decoration: These give the cookies an adorable creepy touch that’s perfect for Halloween.
- Extra Halloween M&Ms and jimmies for decoration: To make each cookie extra fun and eye-catching.
How to Make Halloween Black Cocoa M&M Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide right off when done.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these together not only blends the flavors but also ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed for perfect cookie rise and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, roughly 2 minutes. This aeration step is key to giving your cookies a tender yet chewy bite with just a hint of crispness around the edges.
Step 4: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Mix in the two room temperature egg yolks and vanilla extract until the batter turns pale and fluffy. These ingredients enrich the dough, adding moisture and enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. You want to combine everything just until there are no streaks of flour left. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle here for the best texture.
Step 6: Fold in Halloween M&Ms and Jimmies
Using a spatula, gently fold in the festive Halloween M&Ms and sprinkles. This careful folding ensures your cookies hold onto all those colorful goodies, distributing them evenly without breaking the candy shells or deflating your dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Decorate
Scoop out the dough into balls roughly 2 tablespoons each and arrange them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Now the fun part: decorate each cookie with extra Halloween M&Ms, candy eyeballs, and jimmies. Not only does this make them festive, but the surface treats add texture and visual appeal.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until they’re set and slightly crisp on the edges but still tender in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps the cookies firm up perfectly.
How to Serve Halloween Black Cocoa M&M Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra candy eyeballs or drizzling some white chocolate over the cooled cookies can enhance their spooky vibe. You also might try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a ghostly finish that contrasts beautifully with the dark cookie base.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of milk or a warm mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. You could also serve them alongside some pumpkin spice latte or a rich coffee for an indulgent Halloween treat spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your cookies in a decorative Halloween-themed tin or arrange them on a platter scattered with mini pumpkins and autumn leaves for a festive centerpiece. Wrapping individual cookies in clear bags tied with orange and black ribbons also makes for charming party favors that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Halloween Black Cocoa M&M Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy, so you can enjoy the spooky goodness after the big day.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time or save some for later, you can freeze the dough balls or fully baked cookies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight before serving for best texture.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked feel, warm the cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds. This softens the cookies wonderfully and reactivates that irresistible chocolate aroma.
FAQs
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa?
Regular cocoa powder will work but the cookies won’t have that signature dark color or the same intense chocolate flavor. Black cocoa is specially processed to deliver this unique richness and visual appeal for your Halloween treat.
Why do these cookies use only egg yolks and not whole eggs?
Egg yolks add extra richness and help create a soft, tender cookie texture. Leaving out the egg whites reduces moisture just enough to keep these cookies chewy rather than cakey.
Can I substitute the Halloween M&Ms and jimmies with other candies?
Absolutely! You can swap in any colorful candy-coated chocolates or sprinkles to match your theme. Just be mindful of melting points if using candies that melt easily.
How do I make sure the candy eyeballs stay on the cookies?
Press them gently into the dough balls before baking, so they adhere better as the dough expands. You can also add a small dab of frosting after baking to secure them if needed.
Is it okay to chill the dough before baking?
While not necessary, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help control spread and intensify flavor. This can be helpful if you prefer thicker cookies or want to prepare the dough ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
This Halloween Black Cocoa M&M Cookies Recipe is a fun and delicious way to celebrate the season with family and friends. The combination of deep chocolate flavor, whimsical Halloween colors, and playful decorations makes these cookies a memorable treat everyone will adore. Don’t wait to try baking them—you’ll love having a batch of homemade spooky sweets ready for your Halloween festivities!
Print
Halloween Black Cocoa M&M Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Halloween Cookies are a delightful treat combining rich black cocoa powder with colorful Halloween M&Ms and sprinkles. Soft and chewy with a hint of chocolate, they’re perfect for spooky celebrations or as a fun seasonal dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 5 tbsp (35 g) black cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-ins and Decoration
- 3/4 cup (170 g) Halloween M&Ms
- 3 tbsp (36 g) Halloween jimmies (sprinkles)
- Candy eyeballs for decoration
- Extra Halloween M&Ms and jimmies for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 2 minutes.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until the batter becomes pale and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes, which helps incorporate air for a tender cookie.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in M&Ms and Sprinkles: Gently fold in the Halloween M&Ms and jimmies using a spatula to evenly distribute them without breaking the candies.
- Shape and Decorate Cookies: Scoop the dough into about 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Decorate each dough ball with extra M&Ms, candy eyeballs, and sprinkles for a festive look.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute Halloween M&Ms with any seasonal candy-coated chocolates or chocolate chips if not available.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for the best cookie texture.
- If you prefer softer cookies, bake for 10 minutes; for slightly crispier edges, bake up to 12 minutes.
- For a more chocolate intense cookie, sift the black cocoa powder to avoid lumps.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
