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Orange Cream Halloween Cookies

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These soft, buttery cookies are infused with fresh orange zest and juice, then topped with a dreamy orange cream frosting and festive Halloween sprinkles. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a fun baking project with kids.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (280g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (4g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (2g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (1g)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from 1 large orange)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (30ml)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (5ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon orange food coloring gel (optional)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (113g)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (56g)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (240g)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (30ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • A tiny drop orange food coloring gel (optional)
  • Halloween-themed sprinkles (black, purple, orange)
  • Mini chocolate chips or candy eyeballs (optional for decorating)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides as needed. Add orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined. If using food coloring, add and mix until color is even.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low or by hand. Stop as soon as no flour streaks remain.
  6. Use a medium cookie scoop (1.5 tbsp) or two spoons to drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. If dough is sticky, chill for 10 minutes.
  7. Bake one tray at a time for 10–12 minutes, until edges look set and centers are pale but not wet. Do not overbake.
  8. Let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. For the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Mix in food coloring if desired. Adjust consistency with more juice or powdered sugar as needed.
  10. Once cookies are completely cool, spread frosting on each cookie with an offset spatula or butter knife.
  11. Decorate immediately with Halloween sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or candy eyeballs.
  12. Let frosting set at room temperature for about 30 minutes or chill for a quicker set. Enjoy!

Notes

For gluten-free cookies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese. Always use fresh orange zest and juice for the best flavor. Chill dough if sticky for taller cookies. Frost and decorate in small batches so sprinkles stick. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cookies, orange cream cookies, festive cookies, party treats, citrus cookies, kid-friendly, easy Halloween dessert, orange frosting, holiday baking, nut-free cookies

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/orange-cream-halloween-cookies-recipe-easy-festive-treats-for-parties/