Candy Corn Cookies: A Sweet, Festive Treat for Fall
These chewy treats showcase bold orange, yellow, and white hues on every dessert tray.
The fall season brings with it a palette of changing leaves, cozy scarves, and the anticipation of Halloween delights. Few treats capture the fun and spirit of autumn quite like candy corn cookies. With their vibrant colors and chewy texture, these cookies bring together the nostalgic sweetness of candy corn and creamy white chocolate chips in every bite. Designed to please both children and adults, candy corn cookies are as visually appealing as they are delicious, making them a centerpiece treat for any festive celebration.
Why Make Candy Corn Cookies?
- Perfect for Halloween and Autumn Gatherings: The eye-catching candy corn topping makes these cookies an irresistible addition to any dessert table.
- Easy to Prepare: The dough can be made ahead and chilled, simplifying party prep and baking routines.
- Chewy and Sweet: The combination of white chocolate chips and candy corn creates a delightful chewy texture and festive flavor profile.
- Customizable: The basic dough can be adapted to personal tastes and decorative preferences.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly) | 3/4 cup | Provides richness and chewiness |
| Light brown sugar | 3/4 cup | Gives moisture and deep flavor |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup | For sweetness |
| Large egg | 1 | Adds structure |
| Large egg yolk | 1 | Enhances richness |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp. | For flavor |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups | Main structure for cookies |
| Corn starch | 2 tsp. | Ensures a soft, chewy center |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp. | Leavening |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 tsp. | Balances sweetness |
| White chocolate chips | 3/4 cup | Adds creamy sweetness |
| Candy corn | 2/3 cup (plus more for topping) | For decoration and flavor |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until thoroughly combined.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract; whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn starch, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Form the Dough:
- Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in two batches, stirring with a spatula after each addition until the dough just comes together.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips gently to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days.
- The chilling step enhances the flavor and improves the cookie’s chewy texture.
- Prepare to Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Scoop and Shape:
- Using a 2-tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, shape the dough into balls, leaving the base flat for the classic cookie look.
- Arrange cookies at least 1.5 inches apart on the trays.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 11–13 minutes, until the edges are a light golden brown and the centers appear just set.
- This timeframe ensures a chewy center and crisp edges.
- Add Candy Corn:
- Immediately upon removing cookies from the oven, press 3 pieces of candy corn gently onto each cookie.
- This step is crucial as the cookies are soft, providing the perfect base to secure the candy corn without melting it.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- The cookies will firm up as they cool, holding the candy corn in place and developing their chewy texture.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Dough Storage: The cookie dough can be made up to three days ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. Simply scoop and bake as desired.
- Baked Cookies: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to two months.
- Avoid Candy Corn Melting: Always add the candy corn right after baking but never bake candy corn inside the dough, as it may melt and become sticky during baking.
Recipe Variations and Customization Ideas
- Add Sprinkles: For even more festive flair, roll cookie dough balls in colored sprinkles (yellow, orange, white) before baking.
- Use Different Chips: Swap white chocolate chips for semisweet chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
- Presentation: For party trays, nestle cookies among other autumn treats—such as pumpkin bread and chocolate chip cookies— to create a seasonal dessert platter.
Serving Suggestions
- Halloween Parties: Place cooled cookies on a platter decorated with mini pumpkins, candy corn, and spooky elements for a thematic display.
- Gift Packaging: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags, tied with orange ribbon for adorable edible gifts.
- Classroom Treats: Individually wrap cookies in wax paper for school celebrations—kids love the bright colors!
Nutritional Information
(Estimated per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~160 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 23g |
| Protein | 2g |
Expert Tips for the Perfect Candy Corn Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Do not skip the chilling process; this prevents spreading and yields a chewy texture.
- Use Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal and keeps cookies from sticking.
- Watch the Time: For the best texture, bake until just golden around the edges; the centers will finish baking as they rest.
- Apply Candy Corn After Baking: Press gently, as the bottoms are still soft and will hold the candy securely without melting.
- Double the Batch: The dough stores well, so consider preparing extra for freezing and future use.
What others are reading
Common Questions (FAQs)
Can I bake candy corn inside the cookie?
No. Baking candy corn inside the dough often leads to melting and a sticky mess. Instead, always add candy corn immediately after baking while the cookies are warm, so they adhere without losing their shape.
Can I freeze candy corn cookies?
Yes. Allow cookies to cool fully, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for best results.
What makes these cookies soft and chewy?
The combination of melted butter, brown sugar, and corn starch in the dough produces an irresistibly soft and chewy texture.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes. Chilling gives the cookies a thick, tender profile and prevents them from overspreading during baking.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely. Make the dough ahead, chill for up to three days, and bake fresh as needed for parties or events.
About the Recipe Developer
This candy corn cookie recipe was developed by Torie Cox, a food stylist and recipe developer. Torie loves baking and crafting sweet treats for family and friends. When she’s not in the kitchen, she enjoys traveling for sporting events and strolling with her senior dog, Lacey.
For More Festive Fall Desserts
- Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Celebrate pumpkin season with spiced cookies bursting with autumn flavors.
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Perfectly moist and a crowd-pleaser at any fall gathering.
- Apple Cider Donuts: Another favorite for autumn breakfasts and dessert trays.
- Candy Corn Dessert Bars: Layered treats that combine cookie dough and candy corn for ultimate sweetness.
Quick Cooking Tips
- For even baking, rotate trays halfway through.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before transferring to racks to avoid breaking.
- For crispier edges, bake an extra minute, checking frequently near the end for desired doneness.
Making Memories with Candy Corn Cookies
Baking candy corn cookies is more than following a recipe—it’s about creating seasonal memories. The bold hues and nostalgic flavor of candy corn evoke the excitement of Halloween and autumn celebrations. Whether baking with family, sharing at a party, or gifting a batch to friends, these cookies capture the sweetness and joy of fall. From prep to the final bite, candy corn cookies make every fall moment a little more magical.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a40625994/candy-corn-cookies-recipe/
- https://mybetterbatch.com/blogs/recipes/candy-corn-cookies
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLW3UTF9QzI
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g44474977/candy-corn-desserts/
- https://pioneerbrand.com/2020/10/07/candy-corn-cookies/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g66103133/best-fall-cookies/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g36866250/halloween-cookies/
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