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Haunted House Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies are crafted with a simple buttery dough that bakes into crisp, crackled treats. Decorated with spooky eyes, they resemble tiny haunted houses, with a delightful crunch and a hint of vanilla aroma. Perfect for a fun, eerie baking session that results in visually playful and delicious cookies.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar granulated or brown
  • 1 large egg or applesauce for egg-free
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • mini pieces chocolate chips or candy eyes for spooky eyes

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and smells sweet, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add the large egg (or applesauce) and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until well combined and smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together and is slightly sticky but manageable.
  6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into smooth spheres, and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the cookies have a slight crackle on top.
  8. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a mini chocolate chip or a candy eye into the center of each cookie to create a spooky eye effect.
  9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so the eyes set slightly, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely and crisp up.
  10. Enjoy these crispy, crackled haunted house cookies with their adorable spooky eyes—perfect for a fun Halloween treat or a playful baking day!

Notes

For extra spookiness, add more candy eyes or decorate with icing to create haunted house details.