Mini Halloween Sugar Cookies

Steps

1. 1

   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Set the dry mixture aside.

2. 2

   In a large bowl using an electric mixer, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together until light, fluffy, and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

   Start 2-minute timer
3. 3

   Add the egg and vanilla to the creamed butter mixture. Continue mixing, scraping down the sides of the bowl so everything combines evenly.

4. 4

   Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms and begins pulling away from the sides of the bowl. Scrape down the bowl, then mix for a few seconds longer to combine everything evenly.

5. 5

   Transfer the dough to a sheet of parchment paper and flatten it into a disc. Cover it with a second sheet of parchment paper and roll it to roughly 1/8-inch thickness.

6. 6

   Place the rolled-out dough on a cookie sheet and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

   Start 2-hour timer
7. 7

   Once chilled, use small 2 1/2- to 3-inch cookie cutters to cut out as many Halloween shapes as possible. Re-roll the scraps and continue cutting until all the dough is used.

8. 8

   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190 °C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and arrange the cut cookies 1 1/2 inches apart.

9. 9

   Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown.

   Start 10-minute timer
10. 10

    Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before decorating.

11. 11

    Melt each color of candy melts separately in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals, until completely melted and smooth.

12. 12

    If needed for a smoother finish, stir 1–2 tablespoons of coconut oil or vegetable oil into the melted candy melts.

13. 13

    Working one cookie at a time, dip each cooled cookie into the melted candy melts. Let the excess coating drip back into the bowl, using a fork to help handle the cookie.

14. 14

    Scrape the bottom of each coated cookie along the side of the bowl, then place it on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

15. 15

    While the candy coating is still wet, add sprinkles. Repeat the dipping, draining, placing, and sprinkling process until all the cookies are decorated.

16. 16

    Enjoy the decorated cookies.