Halloween Cookies with M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and Candy Eyeballs Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’ve just found it. These cookies are not your average batch—packed with colorful M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and those quirky candy eyeballs, they bring all the Halloween vibes to your kitchen. I’m excited to share my Halloween Cookies with M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and Candy Eyeballs Recipe because it’s a total showstopper that’s easy enough to whip up any afternoon, but guaranteed to wow everyone at your next spooky gathering.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Texture Balance: These cookies come out tender with just the right give, not too cakey or crispy.
- Loaded with Candy Fun: M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and candy eyeballs give each bite bursts of flavor and a playful look.
- Easy to Personalize: You can swap or add your favorite Halloween candies to make it your own.
- No-Fail Cookie Dough: The dough stays manageable and easy to scoop, so even baking beginners will do great.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Halloween Cookies with M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and Candy Eyeballs Recipe plays a key role — from that creamy butter base to the mix of colorful candies that make these cookies pop visually and flavor-wise. Here’s a quick look at the star players before you dive in.
- Unsalted Butter: Using room temperature butter helps cream the sugar properly, giving you that tender crumb in your cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness while helping with a bit of chew and crispness on the edges.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to balance the chocolate and candy flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your cookie structure — don’t swap it for self-rising for best results.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds that delicious chocolate base without extra sugar, which lets the candies shine.
- Baking Soda: Gives a gentle lift so cookies stay soft but not flat.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- M&Ms Ghoul’s Mix: The colorful crunch gives a classic, festive vibe and melts just right.
- Reese’s Pieces: Peanut butter goodness adds a complementary flavor contrast.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Melts into gooey chocolate bites inside each cookie.
- Halloween Sprinkles: For that extra sparkle and texture on top.
- Candy Eyeballs: The fun, spooky finishing touch that makes these cookies party-ready.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love making this Halloween Cookies with M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and Candy Eyeballs Recipe my own depending on the mood or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to switch up the candies or add nuts if that’s your jam—there’s plenty of room for fun with this cookie base!
- Variation: I once swapped the Reese’s Pieces for chopped peanut butter cups — total win for extra decadence and peanut butter-chocolate bliss.
- Dietary Tweaks: You can use gluten-free flour blends instead of regular flour, just watch the dough consistency.
- Make it Vegan: Try dairy-free butter and an egg substitute like flaxseed meal for a vegan-friendly spin.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Halloween Cookies with M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and Candy Eyeballs Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper—trust me, this makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking. Then, in your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room-temp butter and sugar on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step creates air pockets for tender cookies, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat again until everything’s fully combined. You’ll notice the batter looks glossy and smooth here, which means you’re on the right track.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients Carefully
Next, add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Set your mixer to low speed and mix just until a shaggy dough forms. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies, so keep an eye on the texture and stop as soon as everything starts coming together.
Step 4: Fold in the Candy Goodies
Using a rubber spatula, fold in half a cup of M&Ms Ghoul’s Mix, the Reese’s Pieces, and chocolate chips. This gentle folding keeps the candies from breaking apart too much and ensures even distribution throughout the dough.
Step 5: Shape, Sprinkle, and Add More Candy
Grab a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop and portion out cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared pans. Roll each scoop into a ball, then dip just the top half into your Halloween sprinkles. Place them sprinkle-side up on the pan—you want that colorful topping to shine! Finally, press the remaining 2 tablespoons of M&Ms onto the tops for extra candy crunch.
Step 6: Bake and Add the Scary Eyes
Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye until the centers are just set — not completely firm, but not jiggly either. When you pull the pan out, immediately press two candy eyeballs onto each warm cookie (this helps them stick perfectly). Then let the cookies cool completely on the pan before moving them to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Making Halloween Cookies with M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and Candy Eyeballs Recipe
- Butter Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted; this helps trap air for fluffier cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Pull the cookies a little early—they’ll continue to set on the pan and stay soft and chewy.
- Candy Placement: Press eyeballs in while cookies are warm, or they won’t stick as well.
- Use Parchment Paper: Prevents spreading too much and makes clean-up a breeze.
How to Serve Halloween Cookies with M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and Candy Eyeballs Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with these cookies since they’re packed with candies already. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add a pretty contrast if you’re feeling fancy. And don’t forget extra candy eyeballs scattered on the serving platter for that creepy-cute vibe!
Side Dishes
Pair these fun Halloween cookies with a glass of cold milk for the classic experience, or serve alongside pumpkin spice latte or hot cocoa with marshmallows for a cozy fall treat that’ll delight both kids and adults.
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve found that serving these cookies on a tiered cake stand with little Halloween props—like mini pumpkins, spider rings, or cobweb decorations—turns your dessert table into an instant hit. You could also wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with orange and black ribbon for cute party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Halloween Cookies with M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and Candy Eyeballs in an airtight container at room temperature. I usually keep mine in a single layer or separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking, and they stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days.
Freezing
I’ve had great success freezing the dough balls before baking. Simply shape them, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies anytime without the fuss!
Reheating
To enjoy leftover baked cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The chocolate chips and candy melt just right, bringing back that freshly baked feel and gooey charm.
FAQs
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Can I use other candies instead of M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces?
Absolutely! This Halloween Cookies with M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and Candy Eyeballs Recipe is super flexible. Swap in your favorite candies like mini peanut butter cups, chocolate chunks, or even candy corn for a different twist. Just keep the total candy amount similar to maintain the cookie texture.
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Do I have to use the candy eyeballs?
They’re optional but definitely add that fun, spooky look that makes these cookies perfect for Halloween. If you can’t find them, you can decorate with mini chocolate chips or icing dots to mimic eyes.
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How do I prevent my M&Ms from melting and losing their colors?
To keep the vibrant candy colors, gently fold in your M&Ms and add some on top at the end before baking. Avoid mixing them too hard. Baking at 350°F for a short time also helps preserve their color and crunch without melting completely.
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Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, but look for one that can replace flour cup-for-cup for best results. Adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum may help provide structure if your blend doesn’t already include it.
Final Thoughts
This Halloween Cookies with M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and Candy Eyeballs Recipe holds a special place in my fall baking rotation because it’s not just delicious—it’s festive and full of personality. Whether you’re baking with kiddos or just want an easy treat to impress your friends, these cookies deliver every time. I hope you have as much fun making them as you do eating them, and that they bring some extra magic to your Halloween celebrations!
PrintHalloween Cookies with M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and Candy Eyeballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate Halloween with these festive Halloween Cookies packed with rich cocoa, colorful M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, and spooky sprinkles. Soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet, these cookies are decorated with candy eyeballs for an extra fun touch, making them ideal for parties and trick-or-treat snacks.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 stick unsalted butter (8 tablespoons) at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Mix-ins & Decorations
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons M&Ms Ghoul’s Mix
- ½ cup Reese’s Pieces
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup Halloween sprinkles
- 2 tablespoons candy eyeballs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 rimmed baking pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar at medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until well combined, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, making sure everything is evenly combined.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in ½ cup M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Roll Dough: Using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared pans. Roll each scoop into a ball to ensure uniform shape.
- Add Sprinkles and Toppings: Roll the top half of each dough ball in Halloween sprinkles and place them back on the pan sprinkle-side up. Press the remaining 2 tablespoons of M&Ms onto the tops of each ball for extra color and texture.
- Bake Cookies: Transfer the baking pans to the oven and bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until the centers are just set but still soft.
- Decorate with Candy Eyeballs: Remove the pans from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. While the cookies are still warm, carefully press candy eyeballs on top of each cookie.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the pans before serving to let them set perfectly and hold their shape.
Notes
- For extra chewy cookies, avoid overbaking; remove them just when the centers set.
- Substitute M&Ms and Reese’s Pieces with your favorite Halloween-themed candies to customize flavors.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats help prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg