These Halloween black and orange chocolate chip cookies are a festive twist on the classic treat I already love. With soft, chewy centers, bursts of chocolate chips, and bold Halloween colors, these cookies are perfect for spooky season. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress at any Halloween party, bake sale, or movie night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies bring Halloween spirit to the dessert table without any complicated steps. The orange and black colors pop beautifully, and I can use simple food coloring to create the effect. They bake up soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate in every bite. Whether I’m making them with kids or just getting into the Halloween mood, they always deliver fun and flavor.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Unsalted butter, softened

• Brown sugar

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Orange and black gel food coloring

• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

• Halloween sprinkles (optional)

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, I whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate large bowl, I cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.

4. I beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

5. I gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

6. I divide the dough evenly into two bowls. In one, I mix in orange food coloring. In the other, I add black food coloring.

7. I fold chocolate chips into both doughs.

8. I take small pieces of each dough and roll them together to form a multi-colored dough ball, then place it on the baking sheet.

9. I add a few extra chocolate chips or Halloween sprinkles on top for a festive look.

10. I bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers are still soft.

11. After baking, I let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prep and 10–12 minutes to bake, so I have fresh Halloween cookies ready in under 30 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes use white chocolate or orange-colored candy chips for extra color.

• For a crunchier cookie, I bake them a minute or two longer.

• If I want extra Halloween flair, I press candy eyeballs or themed sprinkles into the tops before baking.

• I swap vanilla extract with almond extract occasionally for a fun flavor twist.

storage/reheating

I store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—I just layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, I let them thaw at room temperature or give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave for that just-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

I prefer gel food coloring because it gives bold color without altering the dough texture. Liquid coloring works, but I’d need to use more, which can affect the consistency.

How do I make the black food coloring strong enough?

I use gel food coloring and add it gradually. If it starts out gray, I let the dough sit for 10 minutes—it usually darkens as it rests.

Can I chill the dough before baking?

Yes, I often chill the dough for 30 minutes if I want thicker cookies with less spread. It also helps intensify the color.

Are these cookies good for decorating?

Absolutely. I press sprinkles, eyeballs, or themed candy pieces onto the top before baking for easy decoration.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I refrigerate the dough up to 48 hours in advance. I let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before scooping and baking.

Conclusion

These Halloween black and orange chocolate chip cookies are a playful and delicious way to celebrate the season. I love how easy they are to make and how striking they look on the table. Whether I’m baking for a party, handing them out as spooky treats, or just having fun in the kitchen, they always bring smiles—and chocolate—to the occasion.