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Jack-O’-Lantern Sugar Cookies

Jack-O'-Lantern Sugar Cookies That Light Up Your Halloween

Delightful Jack-O’-Lantern Sugar Cookies perfect for a spooky celebration, easy to make and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Use at room temperature for easy mixing and a rich flavor.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve a crisp exterior.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder, ensuring the dough holds together beautifully.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Adds a lovely aromatic sweetness to elevate the flavor.
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides the main structure for the cookies.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Helps the cookies rise and become delightfully fluffy.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt Balances the sweetness, enhancing all the flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Spice Infuses a warm, seasonal flavor that’s perfect for Halloween.
For Decorating
  • Orange Icing Create the iconic pumpkin face.
  • Black Icing Perfect for adding details to your Jack-O'-Lanterns.
  • Candy Eyes Optional for a fun look.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • electric mixer
  • Baking Sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop
  • wire rack

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth, about 1 minute.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  5. Use a cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until puffy and edges are set, but centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking.
  7. Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Decorate with icing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easy mixing. Chill the dough if too sticky to handle.

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