Indulge in the delightful chocolatey goodness of these Reese’s Pieces Halloween Cookies! Perfectly soft and chewy, each cookie is packed with the irresistible crunch of mini Reese’s Pieces and finished with adorably eerie candy eyeballs. They’re great for parties, trick-or-treat gatherings, or just a fun treat for your family during the spooky season.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
What makes these cookies truly special is their whimsical appearance paired with a rich chocolate flavor. The use of both cocoa powder and creamy peanut butter candies ensures that every bite is a delicious surprise. The addition of candy eyeballs adds a festive touch, making them an eye-catching treat that’s sure to be a hit among kids and adults alike. Plus, they are easy to make and perfect for beginner bakers looking to impress during Halloween!
Introduction
Halloween is that magical time of year when sweets and treats abound, and there’s nothing like a cookie that celebrates the spirit of the season. Enter the Reese’s Pieces Halloween Cookies: these bite-sized delights are not only cute with their candy eyeballs but also incredibly scrumptious, featuring the rich flavors of cocoa and the iconic peanut butter candy. The contrast of soft cookie texture and crunchy candies in each bite offers a delightful treat for all the senses. Whether you’re hosting a spooky soirée or simply looking for a fun baking activity with the kids, these cookies will become an annual tradition.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (114g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Dutch-processed)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup plus 2 tbsp Mini Reese’s Pieces, divided
- 4 dozen candy eyeballs
Preparation :
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is well combined and slightly fluffy. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything is incorporated. Don’t worry if the mixture appears a bit curdled; it will come together in the next steps.
Step 3: Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt directly into the wet mixture. Gently stir using a spatula or wooden spoon until the dry ingredients are just combined. The cookie dough will be quite thick.
Step 4: Carefully fold in 1 cup of the Mini Reese’s Pieces until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set, while the centers remain slightly soft. Immediately after removing them from the oven, press two candy eyeballs and a few extra Reese’s Pieces onto the top of each cookie while they are still warm. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
COOKING NOTE:
For ultra-soft cookies, it’s important to not overbake them; take them out just before they look fully baked. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheets.
Suggestions for Presentation:
Serve these festive cookies on a spooky-themed platter, perhaps decorated with cobwebs made from spun sugar or placed among faux spiders for an added Halloween touch. A glass of cold milk or a pumpkin spice latte pairs wonderfully with these cookies, making for a perfect Halloween treat!
Tips:
- Storage: Leftover cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days.
- Freezing: To preserve freshness, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper in between layers.
- Customizations: Feel free to explore different candy toppings or add-ins, such as mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts, for a unique twist!
Time Estimates:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information per Cookie:
- Calories: 126
- Protein: 2.1 g
- Sodium: 71 mg
- Sugar: 10.9 g
- Fat: 6.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 16.1 g
- Cholesterol: 17.9 mg
Conclusion
These Reese’s Pieces Halloween Cookies are the perfect blend of fun and flavor, making them a must-have for your Halloween festivities. Not only are they easily customizable, but they also bring a delightful touch of whimsy to the table. Get your little ghouls and goblins involved in the baking process for some quality time together in the kitchen, and let the cookie decorating ignite everyone’s creativity!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of candy instead of Reese’s Pieces?
Yes! You can substitute it with your favorite candy, like M&M’s, chocolate chips, or even chopped Snickers. - What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to five days. - Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. Just make sure to let it soften a bit before scooping. - How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that is suitable for baking. - Can I decorate these cookies with icing?
Yes, adding a drizzle of icing can enhance the cake-like texture and provide more sweetness if desired.
