Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re like us at Modern Muze, you’re ready to get spooky. While candy is king, we also love a good Halloween cookie to keep things spooky. That’s why we’re sharing a perfect homemade cookie recipe that will have the kids and adults around you asking, “Trick or Treat?”

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract (optional)

For the Icing:

• 2 egg whites (or 1/2 cup meringue powder mixed with 1/2 cup water)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• Food coloring (orange, black, purple, green)

Instructions

1. Make the Cookies:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
   • In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
   • Chill the dough for about 30 minutes.
2. Shape and Bake:
   • Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick on a floured surface.
   • Use Halloween cookie cutters (like ghosts, pumpkins, and bats) to cut out shapes.
   • Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
   • Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Make the Royal Icing:
   • If using egg whites, beat them until frothy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until the icing holds stiff peaks. If using meringue powder, mix it with water and then add powdered sugar.
   • Divide the icing into bowls and tint with food coloring.
4. Decorate the Cookies:
   • Use a piping bag or a plastic squeeze bottle to outline the cookies with royal icing.
   • Fill in the outlines with thinned icing (add a little water to the icing to make it flow better).
   • Let the icing dry for several hours or overnight.
   • Dust cookies with glitter, special sprinkles