I don’t know about you, but every year I end up with a mountain of leftover Halloween candy. The kids are sugared out, and frankly, I’m not complaining about the candy surplus! What better way to use it up than with a delicious Candy Cookie Recipe? This recipe turns that leftover loot into something truly magical. From start to finish, you’re looking at about an hour of delicious fun.
Table of Contents
Why This Candy Cookie Recipe Works
This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s a guaranteed win. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. Use whatever candy you have on hand! Finally, this recipe strikes the perfect balance, delivering soft, chewy cookies bursting with candy flavor.
For another delicious and healthy morning recipe, try these Banana Oat Breakfast Bars.
The Best Candy for Your Candy Cookie Recipe
Not all candies are created equal when it comes to baking. Chocolate bars like Snickers or Milky Way add a rich, melty goodness. Hard candies, such as Jolly Ranchers (crushed, of course), create pockets of intense flavor and a fun, chewy texture.
Chewy candies like Starburst and caramels contribute a delightful chewiness; just be sure to chop them well. I find that a mix of textures and flavors is the way to go.
Candy Prep: How to Get Your Candy Ready
Proper candy preparation is key. Hard candies need to be crushed into small pieces; I usually put them in a bag and give them a good whack with a rolling pin. Caramel and other sticky candies should be chopped into smaller pieces to prevent them from clumping together in the cookies.
Unwrapping everything in advance saves time and frustration, trust me! This will make a huge difference in the final texture and look of your cookies.
Ingredients for the Perfect Candy Cookie Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to transform that leftover Halloween stash:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cane sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups leftover Halloween candy (chopped, divided)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps for candy cookie perfection:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a stand mixer and with a paddle attachment and cream together butter and sugars on low speed until light and fluffy, approximately 4 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, salt, baking soda, and cornstarch. Mix until smooth; making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the flour in with the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- On a cutting board, finely chop the leftover halloween candy. Then, use a rubber spatula to fold 1 1/2 cup of the mix-ins.
- Using a 1.5 tbsp cookie scoop (medium sized), and portion the cookie dough balls onto your baking sheet into ~12 even cookies. Gently press the remaining 1/2 cup candy pieces into the top of each cookie before baking.
- Bake ON THE BOTTOM/MIDDLE RACK cookies 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and middles have begun to set. Note: middles may look slightly underdone. They will continue to bake as they cool.
- Optional: Add a pinch of flaky salt to the top of each cookie and let cool for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy!
If you’re interested in more dessert options, check out our desserts category.
Expert Baking Tips for Candy Cookie Recipe Success
For truly amazing cookies, keep these tips in mind.
- Why Use Cold Butter: Cold butter prevents the cookies from spreading too thin, resulting in a chewier texture. It also helps create those delicious, slightly crisp edges.
- Why Bottom/Middle Rack: Baking on the bottom/middle rack ensures even heat distribution, preventing the bottoms from burning while the middles bake perfectly.
Candy Cookie Recipe: Troubleshooting Guide
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. If your cookies are spreading too thin, make sure your butter was cold enough. If the candy is melting too much, try using larger chunks or adding them in the last few minutes of baking. To prevent candy from sinking to the bottom, ensure the dough is firm and not too soft.
Delicious Variations for Your Candy Cookie Recipe
Get creative with your candy combinations! A peanut butter, caramel, and pretzel mix offers a salty-sweet delight. Chocolate, peppermint, and toffee create a festive, holiday-inspired flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment! According to Dinner Tonight, it’s important to wash counter tops and hands before preparing your recipe to maintain food safety standards.
For another sweet dessert option try our Low Calorie Protein Donut Recipe.
How to Make Candy Cookie Recipe Dairy-Free
To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the taste and texture. The cookies might be a bit softer, but still delicious.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but even better with a cold glass of milk. For a special treat, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of extra chopped candy on top adds a festive touch.
Storing Your Candy Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to two months.
Make-Ahead Tips for Candy Cookie Dough
You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed.
Can You Freeze Candy Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both the baked cookies and the cookie dough. For baked cookies, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.
For cookie dough, scoop into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. To bake frozen dough, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I double or halve this recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
Can I use M&M’s instead of candy corn? If so, how will this affect the taste, preparation, baking time, etc.
Yes! M&M’s will add a chocolatey flavor. Preparation is the same, and the baking time should remain consistent.
What else can I do with leftover Halloween candy?
Besides these cookies, you can add chopped candy to brownies, cupcakes, or even sprinkle it over ice cream.
Conclusion
I hope this Candy Cookie Recipe helps you transform that leftover Halloween candy into something truly special. Don’t let it go to waste! If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and let me know what candy combinations you used and how they turned out. Happy baking!
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Candy Cookie Recipe: A Wonderful Treat!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a stand mixer and with a paddle attachment and cream together butter and sugars on low speed until light and fluffy, approximately 4 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, salt, baking soda, and cornstarch. Mix until smooth; making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the flour in with the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- On a cutting board, finely chop the leftover halloween candy. Then, use a rubber spatula to fold 1 1/2 cup of the mix-ins.
- Using a 1.5 tbsp cookie scoop (medium sized), and portion the cookie dough balls onto your baking sheet into ~12 even cookies. Gently press the remaining 1/2 cup candy pieces into the top of each cookie before baking.
- Bake ON THE BOTTOM/MIDDLE RACK cookies 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and middles have begun to set. Note: middles may look slightly underdone. They will continue to bake as they cool.
- Optional: Add a pinch of flaky salt to the top of each cookie and let cool for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy!
