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Wickedly Dark Black Cocoa Halloween Cookies

Jet-black cocoa cookies with an intense chocolate flavor 🦇🎃. Perfect for spooky cut-outs like bats, pumpkins, and haunted houses, decorated with icing or sprinkles.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Halloween Treats
Calories: 190
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup black cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp espresso powder optional
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Plastic wrap
  • Rolling Pin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Whisk together flour, black cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  2. Cream butter and shortening until fluffy (3–4 minutes).
  3. Add granulated and brown sugar, beat until well combined.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and espresso powder.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk/cream, mixing just until combined.
  6. Fold in mini chocolate chips if using.
  7. Divide dough into two, wrap in plastic, and chill at least 2 hours (or overnight).
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
  9. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness, cut with Halloween cookie cutters.
  10. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are set. Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to rack.
  11. Decorate cooled cookies with icing, sprinkles, or Halloween candies.

Notes

Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading. Decorate with contrasting royal icing for spider webs, pumpkins, or ghosts. Cookies store up to 1 week in an airtight container or freeze for longer.