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Halloween Spiced Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies are infused with warm autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creating a cozy flavor perfect for Halloween. The dough is rolled out and cut into fun seasonal shapes, then baked until lightly golden, resulting in crisp edges and soft centers. They’re ideal for decorating and sharing at spooky gatherings or fall celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is soft but not melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Adjust to brown sugar for a caramel note
  • 1 large egg Room temperature for easier mixing
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour Sifted for lightness
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Equipment

  • Rolling pin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smells slightly sweet—about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl, then beat until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to evenly distribute the spices.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding gently until just combined and a soft dough forms.
  5. Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape into discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to relax the dough.
  6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  7. Remove one dough disc from the fridge, place on a lightly floured surface, and roll out to about ¼ inch thickness, ensuring an even layer.
  8. Use Halloween-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes, pressing firmly and lifting carefully to keep shapes intact.
  9. Arrange the cut shapes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden brown and the cookies feel firm around the edges.
  11. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before decorating or serving.

Notes

Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading. For extra festive flair, decorate with icing or sprinkles once cooled.