Oct. 31 tends to be lax in the homemade treat department. Most of us lean into the whole bagged candy situation and keep our baking sheets stored away until November. I mean, why go through all the trouble of whipping up a pumpkin cheesecake or apple butter pie when everyone is vying for Reese's anyway?
Homemade Halloween-themed cookies, that's why.
While those place-and-bake sugar cookies have their place — and that place is my stomach — store-bought dough can't compare to a creatively crafted cookie. If you're hosting a Halloween party, attending a costume gathering or just looking for something sweet to surprise the kiddos with while forcing them to rewatch Hocus Pocus for the thousandth time, we've rounded up the 35 best cookie recipes that'll have all of your guests screaming (in a good way) for seconds.
You don't have to have a background in culinary artistry to create these Pinterest-worthy desserts. Baking bloggers and confectioners have done the work for you by coming up with recipes that are both delicious and super easy. Outside of stocking up on your purple food coloring and edible eyes (it is Halloween, after all), these recipes require little more than some time, love and a healthy appetite for all things sugar.
Whether you want a traditional fall-flavored taste or a spooky design that will stand out on any dessert table, here are some cookie ideas that'll make your Halloween treats anything but ordinary.
Classic Sugar Cookies
Credit: Joy the Baker
Whether you're cutting them into ghost shapes or dunking them in black-and-orange sprinkles, classic sugar cookies are the backbone of any Halloween party.
Dark Chocolate Halloween Cookies
Credit: Simply Happy Foodie
With these featuring a festive black-and-orange palette and a deliciously chewy texture, you'll be looking for any excuse to make these year-round.
Spooky Spider Cookies
Credit: She Saved
Spiders tend to take away my appetite, but I'll make an exception for these Reese's-topped beauties.
Fluffernutter Peanut Butter Cookies
Credit: Joy the Baker
Roasted marshmallows and fall time go hand in hand. But if you can't get yourself over to a bonfire, these fluffy, ooey-gooey cookies will do the trick
Halloween Eye Cookies
Credit: The Idea Room
If you feel as if these cookies are watching your every move, it's because they are! The edible eye topped on a Rolo is a flavor combination I never knew I needed until now.
Spider Web Cookies
Credit: The Marble Kitchen
A slightly less-spooky and slightly more-elevated take on the whole spider cookie trend is these webbed creations, which will make you feel like a professional baker.
Milk Chocolate Stuffed Jack-O'-Lantern Cookies
Credit: Half Baked Harvest
I mean, the oozing chocolatey center kind of speaks for itself. Plus, who can pass up a pumpkin-shaped cookie? Not me.
Vampire Teeth Cookies
Credit: Family Fresh Meals
I'm not gonna lie to you — these will take a little more work. But it's worth it because a.) they're spooky and festive, and b.) they're not just cookies. They're cookie sandwiches.
Maple Pumpkin Black-and-White Cookies
Credit: Joy the Baker
If you don't like your cookies to look like monsters but still want to dip into the Halloween spirit, these sweet maple treats are the way to go.
Hairy Bat Cookies
Credit: Bake at 350
On the opposite end of the festivity spectrum are these hairy bat cookies. Yes, hairy bat. But don't worry — their fuzz is made of sprinkles.
Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Jack-O'-Lantern Cookies
Credit: Half Baked Harvest
Much like the chocolate milk stuffed version, these double peanut butter treats offer a different kind of oozy center. Best enjoyed with a (spiked) pumpkin spice latte.
Halloween Monster Cookies
Credit: The Flavor Bender
Colorful, chewy with a hint of something spooky? Count me in — especially considering this recipe features a trail mix of edible eyes and M&Ms.
Pumpkin Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
Credit: Joy the Baker
Again, your desserts don't have to have eyes to be Halloween-worthy. These elegant thumbprint cookies are the perfect fall party centerpiece.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
Credit: In Bloom Bakery
Can you think of a better pairing than cheesecake and cookies? I sure can't.
Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Credit: Half Baked Harvest
You might want to save these bourbon-infused treats for after the kids go to bed.
Dirt Cake Cookies
Credit: Salt and Baker
It's not Halloween without a little something creepy-crawly. These dirt cake cookies are the perfect mix of crispy chocolate and sweet gummy worms that every kid can appreciate.
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Credit: Joy the Baker
If you love a simple chocolate chip cookie but want to give it a slight fall edge, this brown butter version will do the trick.
Halloween Jack-O'-Lantern and Ghost Meringue Cookies
Credit: Suncore Foods
For the baker who loves to make a statement (without spending hours in the kitchen), these ghost and jack-o'-lantern meringue cookies are a must-make this season.
Maple, White Chocolate and Cherry Oatmeal Cookies
Credit: Joy the Baker
Pay homage to the original candy with these maple-infused oatmeal cookies. The white chocolate and cherry give them a sweetness that's hard to resist.
Homemade Halloween Oreos
Credit: Baking a Moment
Who needs store-bought Oreos when you can make them yourself? A spooky Halloween twist on the classic cookie-and-filling duo will have everyone wanting more.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Credit: Joy the Baker
Fall weather and apples just go together. These chewy oatmeal cookies have all the cozy flavors of the season, plus a sprinkle of cinnamon for good measure.
Mummy Pumpkin Cookies
Credit: OMG Chocolate Desserts
They may look like a creepy Pop-Tart, but these maple-flavored cookies are all about the Halloween spirit.
Spooky Cookies
Credit: Love to be in the Kitchen
These live up to their name with edible eyeballs and a dark batter that'll have you reaching for more — if you dare.
Roly Poly Pumpkin Cookies
Credit: Half Baked Harvest
More sweet than scary, these pumpkin-shaped cookies look so good you almost don't want to eat them. But you definitely should.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Credit: Cooking Classy
Another fall take on a classic cookie, this version features the beloved pumpkin flavor that will have your guests begging for more.
Brown Butter and Maple Pumpkin Cookies
Credit: Butternut Bakery Blog
If you love a good maple-sweetened treat, these brown butter pumpkin cookies won't disappoint. But they also won't last long, so make a double batch.
Hocus Pocus Cookies
Credit: The Soccer Mom Blog
These spooky sandwich cookies will have your guests believing in magic. And with a deliciously chocolatey taste and an abundance of Halloween sprinkles, you will, too.
Salted Honey Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Credit: Cookie and Cups
Honey may be reserved for summertime, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it in the fall. These fluffy pumpkin cookies are just the thing to bring sweet and salty together in a way that'll make your mouth water
Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Credit: Eat Little Bird
Reach a bit further into the spooky side of Halloween with these sugary spider cookies. They're sure to make an impression, and they're surprisingly simple to pull off.
Halloween Pinwheel Cookies
Credit: The Simple Parent
Green and purple pinwheels? Sign me up! These festive cookies are as tasty as they look and make a fun addition to any seasonal spread.
Maple Cinnamon Mummy Cookies
Credit: Cooking with Carlee
Mummy cookies get a sweet update with this cinnamon-maple version. Soft and gooey, these treats will be snatched up faster than you can say, "Boo!"
Black Cocoa Monster Cookies
Credit: Lifestyle of a Foodie
These cookies are the perfect way to get your daily dose of Halloween. Rich and chocolaty with a hint of spooky sprinkles, you won't be able to get enough.
Halloween Brownie M&M Cookies
Credit: Worn Slap Out
Can't decide between baking brownies or cookies? You don't have to. These tasty treats combine the best of both worlds in a way that's sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Witch Hat Cookies
Credit: Kitchen Divas
With a bright-purple hue and a Hershey kiss on top, these witch hats are the perfect way to add a touch of whimsy to your Halloween spread.
Mummy Oreo Cookies
Credit: Kimspired DIY
A fun twist on a classic, these mummy Oreos will be the talk of the town. The best part? They won't take you all day to make.
