Black velvet Halloween cake cookies are the perfect spooky-sweet treat to steal the show at your October party. These cookies take all the richness of a classic black velvet cake and transform it into a bite-sized dessert that’s soft, chocolatey, and hauntingly fun. Each one is packed with Halloween M&Ms, candy eyeballs, and a dash of eerie excitement.
I’ve always loved Halloween baking, but these cookies hold a special place in my spooky collection. If you’re already a fan of Halloween red velvet cupcakes, you’re going to fall hard for this bold black cocoa twist. These treats have the texture of cake with the convenience of a cookie—making them perfect for parties, potlucks, and even late-night scary movie snacks.
More than just cute, these cookies are rich in flavor thanks to the dark chocolate base. They’re simple to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to get noticed on any Halloween table. Whether you’re baking with kids or trying to impress your adult guests, black velvet Halloween cake cookies bring drama and deliciousness in every bite.
Where Black Velvet Halloween Cake Cookies Began
A Little Kitchen Magic (and a Lot of M&Ms)
It all started one chilly October weekend. My niece came over in her little witch costume, ready for some Halloween fun. “Let’s bake spooky cookies that taste like cake,” she said. That’s when the idea for these black velvet Halloween cake cookies hit me.
I pulled out my black cocoa powder—bold and intense—and folded it into a soft, cake-like dough. We tossed in colorful Halloween M&Ms, sprinkles, and candy eyeballs. The result? Cookies that looked like they were made in a haunted bakery but tasted like something straight from a cozy fall memory.
Now, every Halloween, these cookies are a non-negotiable tradition. They’re just as much about the joy of baking as they are about the finished product.
Why You’ll Love Them
These cookies check every Halloween dessert box. They’re easy to make. They look amazing. And they taste like a rich, velvety chocolate cake. With just a few pantry staples and a little decorating, you’ll have a batch of cookies that’s scary good.
Plus, they pair perfectly with bold treats like the Graveyard Chocolate Cake or Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies. If you’re planning a dessert table, these cookies are a must.
How to Make Black Velvet Halloween Cake Cookies Step-by-Step
The Ingredients Behind Black Velvet Halloween Cake Cookies
To create the perfect black velvet Halloween cake cookies, every ingredient plays a vital role. This recipe isn’t just about bold colors—it’s about deep chocolate flavor and a soft, cake-like texture with just enough Halloween flair.
Start with black cocoa powder—this is what gives these cookies their signature black velvet hue. It’s richer than traditional cocoa, with that unmistakable deep flavor you’d recognize from your favorite sandwich cookies. Using black cocoa means you don’t need any food coloring to get that spooky-dark look.
The base includes unsalted butter, both brown and white sugar, and egg yolks instead of whole eggs. This combination gives the cookies a chewy, soft center with crisp edges—just like a black velvet Halloween cake turned cookie. Don’t forget the vanilla extract for added warmth and balance.
For the Halloween effect, fold in Halloween M&Ms, colorful jimmies, and candy eyeballs. They make the cookies fun to look at while adding crunch and color. Want more ideas like this? Try pairing them with these rich Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies—they look just as festive and deliver incredible flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cookie Success
Follow these simple steps to bring your black velvet Halloween cake cookies to life:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, whisk flour, black cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes.
- Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla until pale and smooth.
- Add the dry mix to the wet ingredients slowly and blend just until combined.
- Fold in M&Ms, jimmies, and eyeballs.
- Scoop dough into 17 equal balls. Add extra candies on top.
- Bake for 10–11 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
These black velvet Halloween cake cookies are easy to bake and hard to resist. Try them with a warm drink and your favorite scary movie—or serve them with Halloween Red Velvet Cupcakes for a themed dessert board your guests will remember.
Styling and Serving Black Velvet Halloween Cake Cookies
Make Your Black Velvet Halloween Cake Cookies Pop
Once your black velvet Halloween cake cookies are baked and cooled, it’s time to get creative. Decorating them is half the fun—and a big part of their spooky charm. Even simple touches can elevate them from casual treats to show-stopping Halloween desserts.
First, press a few extra Halloween M&Ms or sprinkles into the tops of the warm cookies right out of the oven. This gives them that bakery-fresh, vibrant look. Replace any melted candy eyeballs with fresh ones for bold, clean visuals. Want more color contrast? Drizzle white chocolate or orange candy melts across the tops in spiderweb patterns.
Use a cookie cutter trick to keep them perfectly round. Right after baking, gently scoot a large round cutter around each cookie while still warm. This keeps your black velvet Halloween cake cookies looking uniform and party-ready.
You can also customize your mix-ins. Add chopped Halloween chocolate bars or orange-hued chocolate chips to switch things up. Need something just as playful and colorful? You’ll love making these Spiderweb Brownies—they pair beautifully on a spooky dessert platter.
How to Serve Them for Maximum Impact
Presentation turns a good dessert into a great one. Arrange your cookies on a black tray or cake stand lined with orange parchment. Scatter candy corn, plastic spiders, or Halloween confetti around the base. Stack them slightly, letting the sprinkles and eyeballs peek out in all directions.
Hosting a party? Pair them with themed drinks like blood-red punch or apple cider. For kids’ tables, package the cookies in clear treat bags with Halloween ribbon—they’ll love the take-home treats. Or offer them next to Pumpkin Spice Donuts for a fall-themed snack bar everyone will remember.
Whatever the occasion, these black velvet Halloween cake cookies deliver visual drama and delicious flavor in every bite.
Storage, Freezing & Fun Variations for Black Velvet Halloween Cake Cookies
How to Store Black Velvet Halloween Cake Cookies
After you’ve wowed your crowd with these black velvet Halloween cake cookies, you might find yourself with leftovers—if you’re lucky! To keep them soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Add a slice of white bread to the container to help retain moisture.
For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy again, let them thaw at room temp, and they’ll taste just like freshly baked black velvet Halloween cake cookies.
You can also freeze the dough. Scoop it into balls, freeze on a tray, and store in a bag. Bake straight from the freezer—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Need another freezer-friendly Halloween dessert? Try these soft and gooey Fun Halloween Cookies—they’re just as festive and freeze like a dream.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
The beauty of this black velvet Halloween cake cookie dough is how customizable it is. Want to spice it up? Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dry ingredients. Craving crunch? Toss in chopped Oreos or roasted pecans.
You can also switch up the candy. Use Reese’s Pieces, mini peanut butter cups, or Halloween sprinkles in different color themes like purple and green for a witchy vibe.
Hosting a party with little ones? Let them decorate their own cookies after baking. It’s a simple way to turn these black velvet Halloween cake cookies into a fun, hands-on Halloween activity.
And if you’re looking for another themed option, check out these Halloween Stuffed Cookies—they’re rich, fun, and ooze with surprise!
Conclusion: A Hauntingly Delicious Halloween Must-Bake
Whether you’re hosting a costume bash, planning a school party, or just craving something festive and chocolatey, these black velvet Halloween cake cookies are the treat that delivers it all. From their dramatic dark hue to their playful decorations and cake-like texture, every bite is packed with Halloween spirit.
They’re easy enough to make on a weeknight but impressive enough for any celebration. Try them once, and you’ll be adding them to your must-bake list every October.
Pair them with other crowd-pleasers like Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies or Spiderweb Brownies for a Halloween dessert board your guests won’t forget.
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Print
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 17 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Black Velvet Halloween Cake Cookies are spooky, rich, soft, and perfect for any Halloween celebration. Made with black cocoa, Halloween M&Ms, candy eyeballs, and festive sprinkles, they combine the decadence of cake with the convenience of cookies.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
5 tbsp (35 g) black cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
2 egg yolks, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup (170 g) Halloween M&M’s
3 tbsp (36 g) Halloween jimmies
candy eyeballs for decoration
extra Halloween M&Ms and jimmies for decoration
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4. Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale and creamy.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
6. Fold in the M&Ms and Halloween sprinkles using a rubber spatula.
7. Scoop the dough into 17 equal balls using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop.
8. Place them on the prepared baking sheets and press extra M&Ms, eyeballs, and sprinkles into each.
9. Bake for 10–11 minutes until edges are set.
10. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. (Optional) Use a round cookie cutter to gently shape warm cookies into perfect circles.
Notes
Add white chocolate drizzle for a spiderweb effect.
Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 2 months.
Swap M&Ms with chopped Halloween candy or themed chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg



