Halloween Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

During the month of October I have to provide snacks for the various Halloween and Fall parties that my children attend. There’s Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Church Youth Group, School Parties, the Youth Community Center Party, etc. Parties, Parties, and more Parties!

Early in the month I prepare one weekend afternoon to do some Autumn baking. One thing that I like to make is rolled-out, cut-out, Sugar Cookies that my kids happily get to decorate. These cookies are always a big hit at the parties.

To keep things simple we do the majority of the decorating with colored sugar, instead of messing with coloring icing and frosting. Plus, it gives all of the cookies a uniform and cohesive look when presented on a platter. Here’s the recipe that I like to use. You’ll need 3-4 different Halloween themed cookie cutters. I like to use a pumpkin, ghost, bat and scarecrow. Use whatever you have on hand.

You can make these up ahead of time and once fully cooled freeze them for when you need them. They will keep for up to 3 months if properly frozen. Thaw in refrigerator or on counter-top overnight.

Halloween Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

6 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large egg for egg wash (see below)

In a large mixing bowl cream together the softened butter, confectioner’s sugar, large egg and vanilla extract until creamy.

In a medium mixing bowl sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour the flour mixture into the butter mixture and combine until all ingredients are blended together.

Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Place into the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. The dough needs to be well-chilled.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray baking sheet with non-stick spray. Set aside.

Sprinkle flour onto your cutting board. Roll out dough on the floured surface to prevent sticking so that it’s approximately 1/4″ thick. Use your cookie cutters to cut out the shapes.

Tip: If you find the dough sticking to the cookie cutter you can lightly spray it with non-stick baking spray. I like to use the “butter flavored” baking sprays when I bake.

Place the cut-out shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. Place in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 8 minutes. Make sure they don’t burn.

While they’re baking prepare your egg white wash. Separate white from the yolk of a large egg. Place the white in a measuring cup. Use your whisk to beat it for 30 seconds.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Brush egg white on the top. Place back into the oven for 1 minute. Remove. Sprinkle colored sugar on top of the hot cookie. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container.

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