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Adorable Black Cat Halloween Sugar Cookies: Easy Recipe

black cat Halloween sugar cookies - featured image

These adorable black cat Halloween sugar cookies are foolproof, hold their shape perfectly, and stay soft in the center. They’re a fun, creative project that yields a batch of personality-filled cookies perfect for Halloween parties or cozy afternoons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 46 tablespoons water
  • 12 teaspoons black gel food coloring
  • Orange gel food coloring (for eyes and noses)
  • White sanding sugar or edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Scrape down sides. Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. With mixer on low, gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix just until dough comes together. Do not overmix.
  2. Chill the Dough: Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days.
  3. Roll and Cut: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cat-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
  4. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just barely golden. Centers will still look soft. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  5. Make Royal Icing: In a stand mixer bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add 4 tablespoons water; beat on low until combined. Increase to medium-high and beat 4-5 minutes until thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks. Add black gel food coloring (start with 1 teaspoon); beat until uniform. Let sit 10 minutes for color to deepen. Add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until icing reaches ‘flood’ consistency (flows like honey, ribbon disappears in about 10 seconds).
  6. Decorate the Cats: Transfer some black icing to a piping bag with #2 tip. Outline each cat cookie, then immediately flood inside with same icing. Use toothpick to guide icing into ears and tail. Tap baking sheet gently to release air bubbles. Let set 30 minutes. Using tiny bit of white or orange royal icing, pipe two tiny eyes and a nose. Add white sanding sugar on eyes if desired. Let cookies set at least 2 hours, or overnight.

Notes

For deep black color, use gel food coloring and let icing rest 10-15 minutes. Add a tiny drop of purple or blue gel to neutralize brown undertones. Do not overbake; cookies are done when edges are just barely golden. Chilling dough is essential to prevent spreading. For gluten-free, use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tablespoon extra butter. For vegan, use vegan butter and flax egg.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cookies, black cat cookies, sugar cookies, royal icing cookies, Halloween baking, easy sugar cookies, decorated cookies