How do you keep sugar cookies from spreading while baking?

The secret is chilling the dough before cutting and baking. Cold dough holds its shape better, so your pumpkin cut-outs won’t spread or lose their edges.

What type of icing works best for decorating Jack-O’-Lantern Sugar Cookies?

Royal icing works best if you want smooth, shiny surfaces and detailed designs. Buttercream is easier for kids to spread and gives a softer, creamier finish. Both are delicious options.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes. You can make the dough up to three days in advance or bake the cookies a week ahead and store them in an airtight container. For best results, decorate closer to serving time.

Do I need a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter?

A pumpkin cutter makes things easier, but you can cut the shapes freehand with a knife. Even circles decorated with orange icing and black faces can capture the Jack-O’-Lantern look.

Jack-O’-Lantern Sugar Cookies – 5 Fun & Easy Halloween Ideas

Description

Jack-O’-Lantern Sugar Cookies are buttery, crisp, and perfect for Halloween decorating fun. With bright orange icing and playful pumpkin faces, these cookies bring festive cheer to every fall gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Orange food coloring (for icing)
Black and green icing or gel (for decorating)

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients just until combined. Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap.
Chill dough for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
Cut out pumpkin shapes using a cookie cutter. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are just golden. Cool on the sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare royal icing or buttercream and tint with orange food coloring. Set aside green and black for stems and faces.
Flood each cookie with orange icing and allow to set. Pipe stems, vines, and Jack-O’-Lantern faces using colored icing.

Notes

Chill the dough before baking to help cookies keep their shape. Decorate with royal icing for detailed designs or buttercream for a softer finish. Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 70mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 25mg