If you’re looking for a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies that scream Halloween fun, you’ve got to try my Funfetti Halloween Cookies Recipe. These cookies are bursting with colorful sprinkles, festive chocolate chips, and vibrant swirls of orange, green, and purple that instantly make your kitchen feel like a party. I absolutely love how they turn out—soft, chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness and a fun rainbow surprise in every bite. Trust me, once you bake them, you’ll want to make these your go-to spooky treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Halloween Celebrations: The festive colors and sprinkles make these cookies a showstopper at any party or trick-or-treat table.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the vanilla pudding in the dough, these cookies stay wonderfully moist and tender.
- Easy to Customize: You can tweak colors, chocolate chips, and sprinkles to fit your own Halloween vibe or dietary needs.
- Family-Friendly and Fun to Make: Kids love helping to mix colors and add sprinkles, making it a great baking activity for all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Funfetti Halloween Cookies Recipe plays a role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Plus, most of these are pantry staples, making it easy to pull together when a cookie craving hits you.
- Butter: I recommend using softened butter for a nicely creamy dough that blends evenly.
- Granulated Sugar: Classic for sweetness and just a bit of crunch around the edges.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and adds a bit of richness.
- Vanilla Yogurt: This adds moistness and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla or White Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix: This is my secret ingredient for keeping cookies soft and tender longer.
- Milk: Helps give the dough the perfect consistency.
- Flour: The base of the cookie, providing structure.
- Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps cookies rise just right.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Semi-Sweet and White Chocolate Chips: A delicious combo that adds gooey pockets of chocolate.
- Halloween Themed Sprinkles: For that festive, colorful pop — use your favorite shapes and colors.
- Food Coloring (Orange, Green, Purple): These bring the Halloween spirit alive in a swirl of fun colors.
Variations
I love that this Funfetti Halloween Cookies Recipe is so versatile. You can easily change it up depending on what you have in the pantry or your dietary needs — and it will still turn out fabulous every time.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter for dairy-free margarine and use coconut or almond yogurt; I’ve done this for friends with dietary restrictions and got rave reviews.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use a flax egg instead of a real egg, vegan yogurt, and plant-based chocolate chips; the cookies stay soft but slightly less rich.
- More Intense Chocolate Flavor: Swap in dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a fun mocha twist.
- Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough for an autumnal flavor I discovered last season — it’s cozy and festive in every bite.
How to Make Funfetti Halloween Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper – trust me, this saves so much cleanup later on! Then, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and set it aside. Having this ready means you won’t have to stop mid-mix later, which helps keep the dough just the right texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Wet Ingredients
Using an electric mixer, cream your softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it traps air, giving your cookies a tender crumb. Next, add in the egg and vanilla yogurt, mixing well after each addition. Finally, sprinkle in the instant pudding mix and stir gently until everything is smooth – this makes the dough wonderfully soft and helps the cookies keep their moisture.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Divide
Pour the dry flour mixture into the butter mixture bit by bit, mixing slowly so you don’t overwork the dough. Once it’s combined, divide the dough into three roughly equal sections. This is where the fun begins — grab your food coloring and add drops of orange to one section, green to the next, and purple to the last. Don’t forget to add a few tablespoons of sprinkles and about two thirds of the chocolate chips to each bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly until the colors and sprinkles are evenly distributed without blending all the colors together.
Step 4: Scoop and Bake
Scoop rounded tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Don’t crowd them — leave enough space for spreads, usually about 2 inches apart. Bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. This ensures they stay chewy and moist once cooled.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This little resting time helps them set up perfectly without breaking apart. Once they’re fully cooled, dive in and enjoy the colorful, festive sweetness!
Pro Tips for Making Funfetti Halloween Cookies Recipe
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted; this helps the sugar cream properly for the best texture.
- Don’t Overmix Dough: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to keep cookies tender, not tough.
- Even Color Mixing: Stir each portion of dough gently with food coloring and sprinkles to keep colors vibrant without turning the dough muddy.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Because these cookies are soft, overbaking can dry them out; pull them out when edges are golden and centers still look soft.
How to Serve Funfetti Halloween Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I typically add just a few extra Halloween-themed sprinkles on top right after scooping the dough on the baking sheet — it gives such a cute festive look once baked. Sometimes, I drizzle a little melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch that’s still fun. If I’m feeling fancy, a tiny candy eyeball or Halloween confetti sprinkle on top always wows guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of spiced cider for a cozy autumn feel. For a big Halloween spread, I like serving alongside pumpkin spice latte cupcakes or even a simple bowl of fresh fruit to balance all the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can be just as fun as baking! I’ve arranged these cookies on black platters lined with orange tissue paper for a spooky vibe at parties. Another time, I filled small cellophane bags with a couple of cookies and tied them with Halloween-themed ribbons — perfect for giving out as party favors or classroom treats. You could also stack them in clear jars with layers of orange, green, and purple tissue for a festive display!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store my leftover Funfetti Halloween Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay soft and delicious for about 4-5 days. If you notice they start to dry out, I pop a slice of bread in the container overnight – it helps keep them moist by absorbing extra air!
Freezing
I’ve found these cookies freeze beautifully. I like to scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze the balls individually first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. That way, I can bake just as many as I want later straight from the freezer—no thawing needed. You can also freeze baked cookies in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or leftover cookies, I warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives their softness and enhances the melty chocolate chips. Just watch closely and don’t overheat, or they might dry out.
FAQs
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Can I use regular sugar instead of granulated sugar in the Funfetti Halloween Cookies Recipe?
Yes, you can use regular granulated sugar as specified in the recipe. However, if you want a slightly softer texture, you might try substituting with superfine sugar, which dissolves more easily during mixing and provides a more tender crumb.
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What kind of sprinkles work best for these cookies?
I recommend using sturdy, classic sugar sprinkles or jimmies that hold their shape when baked. Avoid edible glitter or very tiny nonpareils, as they might fade or melt. Halloween-themed shaped sprinkles add extra fun and keep the festive spirit alive!
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Do I have to divide the dough into three colors?
Not at all! Dividing and coloring the dough is what makes this a funfetti Halloween special, but if you prefer one color or just want to skip the food coloring, you can simply mix all ingredients together. The cookies will still be delicious and colorful thanks to the sprinkles and chocolate chips.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to replace the regular flour. Just make sure your pudding mix and sprinkles are gluten-free as well, and you’re set. I’ve had great success with this adjustment, and the texture stays lovely.
Final Thoughts
This Funfetti Halloween Cookies Recipe has become one of my favorite festive baking treats and I genuinely think you’ll love how simple yet fun it is. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or just indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies never disappoint. The color bursts, the chocolate chips melting just right, and that soft, moist texture — it all comes together beautifully. Give it a try the next time Halloween rolls around (or anytime you want a fun, nostalgic treat). I can’t wait to hear what you think once you’ve baked them!
Print
Funfetti Halloween Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Funfetti Halloween Cookies, bursting with colorful sprinkles, chocolate chips, and vibrant food coloring. Soft, chewy, and perfect for Halloween parties or a fun seasonal treat, these cookies combine a creamy vanilla pudding base with a buttery dough to create a delightful bite every time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3.4 oz package vanilla or white chocolate instant pudding mix
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
- 2 tablespoons milk
Add-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet and white chocolate chips combined
- 1/2 cup Halloween themed sprinkles
- Orange, green, and/or purple food coloring (drops as desired)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Pudding Mix: To the butter and sugar mixture, add the egg, vanilla yogurt, and the dry vanilla or white chocolate instant pudding mix. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing slowly to avoid overworking the dough. Combine until just incorporated.
- Divide and Color Dough: Divide the dough into three equal portions. Add a few drops of orange, green, and/or purple food coloring separately to each portion. Mix gently but thoroughly to distribute the color evenly.
- Add Sprinkles and Chocolate Chips: To each colored dough portion, add a few tablespoons of Halloween-themed sprinkles and approximately 2/3 cup of the combined chocolate chips. Stir gently to distribute the mix-ins without breaking the color.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a rounded tablespoon, scoop cookie dough portions onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them adequately to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake cookies at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents breaking.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smoother dough consistency.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to maintain tender cookies.
- Customize the sprinkles and food coloring to suit your preferred Halloween theme colors.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
- For extra festive cookies, consider adding small candy eyes or themed toppings after baking while cookies are still warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximate)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
