Looking for a festive and engaging treat to make with the kids this Halloween? These twisted sugar cookies are not only fun to create but also result in a colorful and delicious snack. The dough is easy to work with once chilled, and the best part is that no two cookies look the same. Just be mindful with the food coloring—it can be quite potent!
These eye-catching sugar cookies are the ideal Halloween treat. They’re perfect for getting the kids involved in the kitchen for some holiday fun. While there are a few steps to follow, the process is straightforward. The cookies are soft, slightly fluffy, and not overly sweet, making them a delightful addition to any celebration. Plus, you can customize the colors for any holiday, making this a versatile recipe for year-round enjoyment.
Ingredients for Vibrant Twisted Halloween Sugar Cookies
Feel free to double or triple the recipe to make multiple batches of dough, coloring each one a different shade.
- 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (5 grams)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5 grams)
- 1/2 cup soft shortening (butter-flavored recommended) (115 grams)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk (15 milliliters)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 milliliters)
- Black and orange food coloring gel
Instructions
- Mix Shortening and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine the soft shortening and granulated sugar until well blended.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Spices: Stir in the egg, milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt until fully incorporated.
- Add Food Coloring: Mix in the food coloring gel of your choice. Blend thoroughly, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even color distribution.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the sifted all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough comes together and all the flour is absorbed.
- Form the Dough Ball: Shape the dough into a ball.
- Prepare Additional Colors: Repeat steps 1 through 5 for each additional color you wish to make, creating separate dough balls for each color.
- Chill the Dough: Place each dough ball into a covered bowl or wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour or until the dough is firm and easy to handle.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough Balls: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Using a small cookie scoop, portion out all of one color onto a baking sheet. Wash the scoop thoroughly before repeating with the next color. Roll each portion into a small ball with your hands, washing them between colors to prevent mixing.
- Combine Colors: Take one dough ball of each color and press them together. Roll the combined dough into a log shape between your hands.
- Create the Twist: Twist the colored log or break it in half and recombine to create a marbled effect. Roll it back into a ball.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the dough balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about two inches (5 centimeters) apart.
- Flatten and Bake: Using the flat bottom of a glass, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten it slightly. Bake the cookies on the second rack from the top for 10-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are set and slightly firm. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking.
These vibrant twisted sugar cookies are more than just a tasty treat—they’re an experience. Crafting them provides a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with family or friends, unleashing creativity in the kitchen. Each cookie is a unique work of art, adding a splash of color and fun to any occasion. Whether for Halloween or another festive event, these cookies are sure to impress and delight. So gather your ingredients and get ready to twist up some magic in your kitchen!
