Description
A kid-friendly Halloween baking project featuring spooky black cocoa sugar cookies and sturdy royal icing that is safe for children to help decorate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25g) black cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 4–5 tablespoons warm water
- 1–2 teaspoons black gel food coloring
- Optional: White icing for details
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes with mixer).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until combined and smooth.
- Whisk together flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until flour disappears.
- Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut shapes with cookie cutters and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are barely set. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk meringue powder and 3 tablespoons warm water until foamy.
- Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar, mixing on low then high for 3-5 minutes until stiff peaks form.
- Divide icing; add black gel food coloring to one portion. Cover bowls with damp towels.
- Pipe designs onto completely cool cookies using piping bags.
- Let icing dry completely for 4-6 hours or overnight before storing.
Notes
Ensure dough is cold before rolling to prevent spreading. Sift confectioners’ sugar for smooth icing. Use gel food coloring, not liquid, to maintain consistency. Do not refrigerate decorated cookies as humidity makes icing sticky. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 2-
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 30
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Halloween cookies, sugar cookies, black cocoa, royal icing, kid-friendly baking, Halloween treats, spooky cookies