Halloween Cookie Cake Recipe
If you’re in the mood to create something spooktacular, this Halloween Cookie Cake Recipe is a must-try! Imagine a giant, chewy chocolate chip cookie topped with vibrant Halloween M&Ms, sprinkles, and all the fun decorations you can dream up. It’s fast, festive, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for parties, school treats, or just getting in the holiday spirit with your family. This is one of those desserts that looks incredible, tastes even better, and delivers total joy from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of pantry staples come together to make this Halloween Cookie Cake Recipe absolutely irresistible. Each ingredient adds its own magic, whether it’s depth of flavor, the perfect texture, or a dash of Halloween color and whimsy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Gives our cookie cake its melt-in-your-mouth richness and buttery flavor.
- Packed Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds moisture and deep caramel notes for extra chewiness.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Lends the perfect amount of sweetness and a bit of crisp edge.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together and ensure a tender bite.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the cookie cake with warm, classic flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups): The sturdy base that supports all the fun add-ins.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Gives lift, making the cookie cake soft rather than dense.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness, making all the flavors pop.
- Halloween-Colored M&M’s (1 cup): Packs in bursts of color and chocolate—Halloween magic in every slice!
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (½ cup): For pockets of gooey, melty chocolate in every bite.
- Halloween Sprinkles (½ cup): Optional, but they add festive sparkle to the finished cake.
- Optional Frosting or Candy Eyeballs (for decorating): Unleash your creativity with swirls of icing or silly candy faces.
How to Make Halloween Cookie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Your Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-inch round pizza pan or line it with parchment paper—this makes removing your Halloween Cookie Cake Recipe a total breeze when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for getting that iconic soft and chewy cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each is combined. Stir in your vanilla extract for that unmistakable homemade cookie aroma and taste.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, giving you a well-risen and flavorful cookie cake.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet mixture. Stir until just combined—you don’t want to overmix, or the cake can become tough.
Step 6: Fold in the Halloween Treats
Gently fold in your Halloween-colored M&M’s, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles. It’s incredibly satisfying to see all those pops of color come together in your dough!
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing it gently to the edges. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set—watch carefully, as you want a soft, chewy center!
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Let your Halloween Cookie Cake cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, it’s time to decorate with frosting, candy eyeballs, or even more sprinkles. This is your chance to make your creation extra spooky or cute!
How to Serve Halloween Cookie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Pile on those Halloween decorations—think orange, purple, and black frosting piped in spider webs, or scatter candy eyeballs on top for a fun, ghoulish effect. A final drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of festive sprinkles can make your masterpiece truly stand out at any party.
Side Dishes
Pair your Halloween Cookie Cake Recipe slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk for that unbeatable classic combo. This treat also plays well alongside a mug of hot cocoa or pumpkin spice latte on a chilly October evening.
Creative Ways to Present
For extra wow factor, cut your cookie cake into wedges and package them in clear treat bags tied with Halloween ribbon for take-home goodies. Or, for a playful twist, use cookie cutters to make mini spooky shapes from the cooled cake—great for sharing and gifting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Halloween Cookie Cake Recipe stores beautifully. Simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container; it will stay soft and fresh at room temperature for up to three days.
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, slices of the cookie cake freeze wonderfully! Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. When you get the Halloween cravings, just thaw at room temperature and enjoy.
Reheating
Want that fresh-from-the-oven warmth? Pop a slice in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. The chocolate will get meltingly gooey and your kitchen will once again smell like a bakery. Pure magic!
FAQs
Can I substitute regular M&M’s for Halloween-themed ones?
Absolutely! Regular M&M’s are perfectly fine—you’ll just miss out on the extra spooky colors, but the flavor will remain delightfully chocolatey.
What if I only have a smaller pan?
If you use a smaller pan, increase the bake time slightly and keep an eye on the center for doneness. You may also get a thicker cookie cake, which is a delicious bonus!
How do I store a decorated Halloween Cookie Cake Recipe overnight?
Once decorated, keep your cookie cake lightly covered at room temperature if eating the next day, or refrigerate if you’ve used perishable toppings like cream cheese frosting.
Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Yes, a good quality 1-to-1 gluten free flour blend works well as a swap for all-purpose flour. The cookie cake will still be chewy and delicious—just check texture and add a minute or two to the bake time if needed.
What type Dessert
Buttercream, store-bought decorating icing, or even homemade royal icing all work well. Use Halloween colors and pipe on spider webs, ghosts, or whatever your spooky heart desires!
Final Thoughts
This Halloween Cookie Cake Recipe is big on festive fun and even bigger on flavor. Whether you’re hosting a monster bash or just want to surprise your family, this treat will hit the sweet spot for kids and grown-ups alike. Don’t be surprised if it disappears in a flash—so go ahead and bake up some Halloween happiness today!
Print
Halloween Cookie Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the Halloween spirit with this festive Halloween Cookie Cake! A deliciously soft and chewy cookie cake loaded with Halloween-colored M&M’s and chocolate chips, perfect for a spooky celebration.
Ingredients
Cookie Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Halloween-colored M&M’s
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup Halloween sprinkles
Optional for Decorating:
- Optional frosting or candy eyeballs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Add Mix-Ins:
- Bake:
- Cool and Decorate:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12-inch round pizza pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the M&M’s, chocolate chips, and sprinkles until evenly distributed in the dough.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan. Decorate with frosting, candy eyeballs, or additional sprinkles as desired before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra Halloween flair, use themed frosting colors like orange, black, or purple.
- You can swap M&M’s for candy corn or chopped Halloween candy.
- Adjust baking time if using a different pan size.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
