Chocolate Orange Freaky Face Cookies (Print Version)
Spooky chocolate orange cookies with candy faces for Halloween fun
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
05 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - Zest of 2 large oranges
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
→ Add-ins & Decorations
12 - 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
13 - Candy eyeballs, colored sprinkles, or gel icing for decorating
14 - White and dark chocolate melts (optional, for decorating)
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
04 - Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until well combined.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
06 - Fold in the chocolate chips.
07 - Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
09 - Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
10 - Once cool, decorate with candy eyeballs, sprinkles, or icing to create spooky faces. Use melted white and dark chocolate for extra details if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The chocolate orange combination feels surprisingly sophisticated while still being totally kid friendly
- Decorating these cookies becomes the main event perfect for rainy afternoons or Halloween parties
02 -
- These cookies must cool completely before decorating or your candy will melt into sad puddles
- The dough firms up beautifully in the refrigerator for 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies
03 -
- Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professional
- Room temperature ingredients combine more easily creating the perfect texture every time