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Spooky Halloween Shortbread Cookies

Halloween Shortbread Cookies - featured image

These buttery shortbread cookies shaped like ghosts, pumpkins, and bats are perfect for Halloween celebrations. Easy to make, customizable, and fun for kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Halloween-themed cookie cutters
  • Optional decorations: royal icing, colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or food-safe markers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup (230g) of softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup (100g) of granulated sugar until smooth. Stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp of salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps it firm up for rolling.
  4. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. Roll and cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use Halloween cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
  6. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake!
  7. Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
  8. Decorate: Get creative with royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter. Let the icing set before storing or serving.

Notes

Chill the dough to help cookies keep their shape during baking. Avoid overmixing the dough to ensure tender cookies. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and test for doneness by checking for lightly golden edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cookies, shortbread cookies, spooky treats, festive baking, kid-friendly recipes