Description
These festive Hocus Pocus Cookies are a fun and colorful treat perfect for Halloween celebrations. Made with a soft and fluffy butter base, the dough is divided and dyed in vibrant orange, green, and purple hues, then combined with white chocolate chips and festive sprinkles for a spooky yet sweet twist. These cookies are baked to golden perfection, resulting in a delightful combination of chewy and crisp textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ tsp cornstarch
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ tsp salt
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups butter, softened
- 2 cups white sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
Additions and Decorations
- Orange, green, and purple gel food coloring
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- Halloween sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and white sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Divide and Color Dough: Split the cookie dough into three equal parts. Color each portion with gel food coloring—one orange, one green, and one purple. Knead each piece until the color is uniform throughout.
- Form Cookies: Scoop 2 teaspoons from each colored dough and press the three different colors together. Roll into balls, flatten slightly, and roll the edges in Halloween sprinkles. Press white chocolate chips into the dough balls for extra sweetness and texture.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the formed dough balls for 30 minutes to help them set and maintain shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for proper baking temperature.
- Bake Cookies: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack completely before serving.
Notes
- Using gel food coloring prevents the dough from becoming too wet compared to liquid food coloring.
- Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and enhances flavor development.
- For even baking, ensure cookie dough balls are uniform in size.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
