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41 min
|
intermediate
These googly-eyed Halloween sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and piled high with sweet, creamy vanilla frosting.
Bright orange and green icing plus big candy eyeballs make them look spooky-cute, not scary, so kids love them.
They are perfect for Halloween parties, classroom treats, or a fun weekend baking project with little helpers.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Set the softened butter out on the counter if it still feels slightly firm.
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
Set this dry mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer until very smooth and creamy.
Add the granulated sugar and beat until the mixture looks pale and fluffy, about two to three minutes.
Beat in the egg until fully combined and the mixture looks glossy.
Mix in the vanilla extract and optional almond extract just until evenly blended.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, mixing on low speed after each addition.
Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour, then scrape the bowl with a spatula.
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-size portions and roll them into balls with your hands.
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
Bake one sheet at a time for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges look just lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the sheet for five minutes, then move them to a wire rack.
In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth, then add the powdered sugar and beat on low speed.
Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla, then beat until the frosting looks fluffy and spreadable.
Divide the frosting into two bowls and tint one orange and one green with the gel food coloring.
Spread a generous layer of frosting onto each cooled sugar cookie using a knife or offset spatula.
Press large candy eyeballs into the frosting while it is still soft so they stick firmly.
Arrange the cookies on a platter and chill briefly if you prefer a slightly firmer frosting.
| Energy | 198 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 2 | g |
| Total Fat | 10 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
John, Columbus, OH: I have made these every Halloween for kids, coworkers, & the neighbors & they disappear fast every time. They are a regular part of our party spread because the cookies stay soft, the vanilla frosting is so creamy, & the orange and green make them look extra festive, plus those big candy eyeballs are always a hit 🙂 It is my little one's top request the minute October rolls around.
: Love hearing that, John!
Frances: These cookies should be called frosting with googly eyes because there is SO much sweet vanilla icing. They are very good though. It's true that kids LOVE these cookies. Mine did and kept picking out the candy eyeballs first. Fortunately, I made the full batch. I think the almond extract gave them that bakery flavor. This recipe is a keeper in our house.
: Glad these were a hit, Frances! If the icing felt like too much, try spreading a thinner layer or making half the frosting next time, and that touch of almond extract is a great bakery-style tweak.
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