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Spiced Halloween Sugar Cookies

These festive sugar cookies are infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, giving them an autumnal flavor. They are rolled out, cut into fun Halloween shapes, and baked until golden, resulting in crisp edges and a tender center perfect for decorating. A playful and cozy treat for spooky gatherings or seasonal fun.
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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: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 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 pale in color. The sound should be a gentle whine, and the mixture will look creamy and smooth.
  2. Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the bowl, then mix until fully incorporated. You’ll notice the mixture thickening slightly and becoming glossy.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The dry ingredients will be evenly distributed and fragrant with warm spices.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough begins to come together and no streaks of flour remain. The dough will be soft but manageable.
  5. Divide the dough in half, shape each into a flat disk, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough relax and makes it easier to roll out.
  6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  7. Remove one dough disk from the fridge, and on a lightly floured surface, roll it out to about ¼ inch thickness. Keep the remaining disk refrigerated until ready to use.
  8. Use Halloween-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Transfer the cutouts carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The aroma of spices will fill the kitchen.
  10. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely. The cookies will be crisp around the edges but tender in the center, perfect for decorating.
  11. Decorate your spooky sugar cookies with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to complete the festive look. Enjoy these cozy, spicy treats during your Halloween celebration!

Notes

Chill the dough thoroughly for clean cuts. Watch the baking time closely to prevent overbaking. Decorate once cookies are completely cooled for best results.