Small Possibilities

As the cooler weather rolls in and Halloween starts creeping closer, I can’t help but get excited about all the cozy, fun traditions that come with it—especially baking. Growing up, I remember how my family would gather in the kitchen to make homemade Halloween treats, with cookie cutters in all sorts of spooky shapes. It was such a simple, but special tradition that brought us all together. Now, I love recreating that magic in my own kitchen, and there’s something so satisfying about rolling out dough, cutting out those fun shapes, and watching them come to life in the oven.

This year, I’ve found three go-to cookie dough recipes that are perfect for making those Halloween-themed treats. Whether you’re baking with kids, friends, or just enjoying a solo baking day (which I love to do), these doughs are super easy to work with and hold their shape perfectly for all your favorite cookie cutters. Trust me, these recipes will become staples in your Halloween baking traditions, just like they have in mine! Let’s dive in and get those spooky cookies started!

Keys to Making the Perfect Cookie Dough for Cut-Outs

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s chat about what makes the perfect cookie dough for shaped cookies. The dough should be firm enough to hold its shape but still tender and flavorful once baked. Here are a few tips to ensure your cookie dough is just right:

1. Chill the Dough: After mixing, chilling the dough for at least an hour helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes without sticking.
2. Use the Right Flour: All-purpose flour is usually the best choice for cookie dough, providing just the right structure. Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
3. Roll Evenly: For the best results, roll out your dough evenly. This ensures that all cookies bake at the same rate, so you don’t end up with some overdone and others undercooked.
4. Have Fun: Most importantly, enjoy the process! Baking should be fun, especially when you’re creating festive treats for Halloween.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to whip up these delicious cookies but find yourself pressed for time, consider using Amazon Fresh for your grocery needs. With just a few clicks, you can have all the ingredients delivered right to your door, making meal planning and prep a breeze—especially during the busy holiday season.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s jump into three delightful cookie dough recipes that are perfect for cutting into spooky, festive shapes.

1. Pumpkin Spice Cookie Dough

What says fall more than pumpkin spice? This cookie dough is bursting with those warm, comforting flavors that make you think of cozy sweaters and falling leaves. The dough rolls out beautifully and holds its shape, making it perfect for creating pumpkin, ghost, or witch hat-shaped cookies.

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree, mixing until well combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite Halloween cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
6. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fun Idea: Decorate these cookies with orange icing and chocolate sprinkles for the perfect pumpkin look!

2. Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

For all the chocolate lovers out there, this double chocolate chip cookie dough is the perfect base for your Halloween cookie creations. The rich cocoa flavor pairs perfectly with a glass of milk, and the dough is sturdy enough to hold its shape even with cookie cutters.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
4. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use Halloween-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
6. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

[Insert a fun idea: These cookies are amazing on their own, but you can also add a spooky twist by decorating them with white chocolate “webs” or candy eyes!]

3. Maple Sugar Cookie Dough

Maple sugar cookies are a fall classic, bringing a sweet and slightly nutty flavor to the table. This dough is smooth and easy to work with, making it ideal for cutting into all sorts of festive shapes—think bats, cats, and haunted houses!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and maple extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use Halloween cookie cutters to create your shapes.
6. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

[Insert a fun idea: Add a touch of fall flair by glazing these cookies with a simple maple icing and sprinkling with crushed pecans!]

Remember: If you want to save time and avoid the last-minute grocery rush, Amazon Fresh is an excellent option for getting all your baking supplies delivered right to your doorstep. It’s especially helpful during the busy holiday season when meal planning and prepping can feel overwhelming. Plus, you can focus on the fun part—baking and decorating your delicious Halloween treats!

Cookie Cutter Links

Ready to start cutting out some spooky shapes? Here are a few of my favorite Halloween-themed cookie cutters that will make your cookies stand out this season:

• Pumpkin Cookie Cutters
• Ghost Cookie Cutters
• Witch Hat Cookie Cutters
• Bat Cookie Cutters
• Cat Cookie Cutters
• Haunted House Cookie Cutters

These cookie cutters are perfect for creating a variety of festive designs that will delight kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re sturdy and easy to use, ensuring that your cookies come out looking amazing every time. If you are looking for a variety pack try this one!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about baking during the fall, especially when Halloween is right around the corner. These cookie dough recipes are not just about creating delicious treats; they’re about making memories, whether you’re baking with loved ones or enjoying a quiet afternoon in the kitchen.

So, how are you celebrating Halloween this year? I’d love to hear about your favorite cookie shapes, decorations, or any special tips you have for making the perfect cut-out cookies. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s make this Halloween season as sweet and fun as possible! If you enjoyed these recipes, be sure to explore more fall baking ideas and sign up for my newsletter at Small Possibilities for the latest updates and exclusive content.

Cas Lin

Small Possibilities