How To Decorate Halloween Cookies Like A Pro

As you’ve come to realize, our family goes all out for the holidays. We especially go all out for Halloween. It’s one of our favorites!

That’s why I decided to have Jessica Vargas from Little Sparks Cookies in Los Angeles show us how to decorate cookies that will WOW any party.

Watch Jessica’s tutorial here to learn how: 

Jessica’s Sugar Cookie Dough Recipe:

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup(2 sticks) unsalted butter-room temp
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a mixer, cream butter with sugar until flight and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt; add to butter mixture slowly. Dough is ready when not sticking to the sides of the bowl. If it is too sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour. Do not over mix.

Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle surface and dough with powdered sugar and roll dough out about 1/4″ thick.

Use spatula to transfer cookies to baking sheet. Bake for 9-10 minutes depending on the size of the cookies. Let cool for 30 minutes, and begin icing.

Jessica’s Icing Recipe:

When baking for kids, Jessica likes to make the icing a bit thicker. She also doesn’t use egg or meringue in the icing. So when you bite into the cookie, it’s not rock hard or crunchy.

• 4-6 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla or almond extract
• 1 cup water

Mix thoroughly. Feel free to add more water or more sugar depending on the consistency you prefer.

Scoop icing out with an ice cream scoop and place into separate bowls. Add a drop of gel color to each and mix. The gel creates a brighter pigment.

Keep the icing room temperature while the cookies are cooling. Hold the cookies flat while icing for more control and to prevent them from breaking. Grab the icing with a small metal spatula and flip onto the middle of the cookie. Spread out neatly toward the sides. To fix any mistakes, just trace your finger along the edges.

Oh, and by the way–this was the aftermath: 

For more cookie decorating inspiration, check out Jessica Vargas and Little Sparks Cookies by visiting her blog. You’ll be amazed at what she comes up with! 

And, for more holiday videos like these (+ more!) make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel here.