Nothing says Halloween quite like Candy Corn Sugar Cookies—but don’t worry, these adorable treats taste way better than the candy that inspired them! Soft, buttery sugar cookies with cheerful orange, yellow, and white layers, they’re as festive as they are delicious. Perfect for parties, trick-or-treat spreads, or cozy fall baking days, these cookies bring instant smiles to both kids and adults.
I started making these cookies a few years ago when I wanted something fun to bake with my niece before Halloween. We spent the afternoon layering dough, cutting triangles, and sneaking bites of buttery cookie dough. They looked so cute on the plate that they became an annual tradition. Now, no October feels complete without a batch of these colorful, melt-in-your-mouth cookies cooling on the counter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Candy Corn Sugar Cookies are festive, buttery, and completely irresistible. The sugar cookie dough is soft and rich with a hint of vanilla, and the layers of color make every bite as fun to look at as it is to eat.
You’ll love how simple the process is—no cookie cutters needed, just press, chill, slice, and bake. The dough is easy to work with, and the finished cookies hold their shape beautifully. They’re perfect for kids’ baking projects, Halloween dessert tables, or gifting in little treat bags.
What You’ll Need
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Food coloring (orange and yellow)
Optional Decoration
- Coarse sugar or sanding sugar for sparkle
- Melted white chocolate for drizzling
Pro Tips
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning the dough.
- Chill the dough well—it helps create clean layers when slicing.
- Stack evenly. Press the dough layers tightly to prevent gaps.
- Use a sharp knife for neat candy-corn-shaped slices.
- Don’t overbake. The cookies should be just set for soft, tender centers.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Plastic wrap
- Loaf pan or rectangular dish for layering dough
- Sharp knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Substitutions and Variations
- Flavor twist: Add almond extract or a pinch of pumpkin spice to the dough.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan version: Replace butter with vegan butter and egg with a flax egg.
- Different colors: Try pastel shades for spring or red and green for Christmas.
- Dipped edges: Dip the baked cookies in white chocolate for an extra treat.
Make Ahead Tips
- Chill overnight: The dough can rest in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
- Freeze the dough: Wrap the layered dough tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw slightly before slicing.
- Freeze baked cookies: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Step 3: Combine the Dough
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into three equal portions.
Step 4: Color the Dough
Leave one portion plain (white). Tint one portion orange and the other yellow, kneading gently until color is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Layer the Dough
Line a loaf pan or dish with plastic wrap. Press the yellow dough evenly into the bottom, followed by orange, then white. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Step 6: Slice and Shape
Remove the chilled dough from the pan and unwrap. Cut into ¼-inch slices, then trim each rectangle into small triangles to resemble candy corn pieces.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange cookies about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are set but not browned.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If desired, sprinkle with sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate once cooled.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a festive Halloween platter with candy corn and chocolate treats.
- Package in small cellophane bags for party favors or gifts.
- Pair with hot cocoa or apple cider for a cozy fall snack.
- Add to a Halloween dessert charcuterie board for color and fun.
- Decorate with a drizzle of colored icing for extra flair.
Leftovers and Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition and Benefits
- Festive fun: Perfect for seasonal baking and family traditions.
- Kid-friendly: Easy for little hands to help shape and decorate.
- Customizable: Change colors or flavors for any holiday.
- Simple ingredients: No special equipment or fancy techniques needed.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes—powdered or plant-based colorings work well, though the shades may be softer.
2. Can I skip chilling the dough?
Chilling is essential for clean layers and easy slicing—don’t skip this step!
3. How do I get bright colors without using too much dye?
Use gel or paste coloring—they’re more concentrated than liquid dyes.
4. Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes, it can be made up to 48 hours in advance and stored in the fridge.
5. How do I keep cookies soft?
Store with a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.
6. Can I roll out the dough instead of layering?
Yes, you can roll and cut shapes, but the layered loaf method gives the best candy corn effect.
7. Do they taste like candy corn?
No—thankfully! They’re buttery sugar cookies with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Soft, Buttery, and Perfectly Festive
These Candy Corn Sugar Cookies are a celebration of all things fall—fun, colorful, and irresistibly delicious. With their soft centers, buttery flavor, and cheerful candy corn design, they’re a treat that brings out everyone’s inner child. Whether you’re baking for a party, a classroom, or just for fun, these cookies are sure to steal the show and sweeten the season.