Dessert

Candy Corn Cookies

Name: Candy Corn Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 3 tablespoons milk; 1 cup candy corn

Bysarra August 18, 2025

Jump to Recipe

These Candy Corn Cookies are a delightful and festive treat perfect for the autumn season or Halloween celebrations. They feature a soft, chewy cookie base with the iconic candy corn pieces baked in, adding a pop of sweetness and color to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Candy Corn Cookies combine the comforting taste of homemade cookies with the nostalgic sweetness of candy corn. They are visually appealing with their vibrant colors, making them perfect for parties, bake sales, or simply enjoying with family. The cookies are easy to prepare, kid-friendly, and a fun way to use up leftover candy corn after Halloween.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Candy corn pieces

directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
Gently fold in the candy corn pieces. For best results, press a few candy corn on top of each cookie rather than mixing all inside to prevent melting.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add white chocolate chips for extra creaminess.
Mix in chopped nuts for added crunch.
Use candy corn-flavored M&Ms as an alternative to candy corn pieces.
Shape the dough into bars for a candy corn cookie bar variation.

storage/reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain freshness, place a slice of bread in the container to keep the cookies soft. For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. If desired, warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to balance the flavor.

How do I prevent candy corn from melting in the oven?

Avoid placing candy corn directly on the edges of the cookie dough; press them lightly on top or mix sparingly.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking.

Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?

Yes, scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen with a 1–2 minute longer baking time.

Why did my candy corn burn while baking?

Candy corn burns when exposed directly to heat on the cookie edges. Keep them tucked into the dough for better results.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in equal amounts.

Can I add food coloring to make the cookies more festive?

Yes, you may add orange or yellow food coloring to the dough to enhance the Halloween theme.

How can I make the cookies chewier?

Slightly underbake the cookies and allow them to finish setting as they cool for a chewier texture.

Are these cookies safe for young children?

Yes, but keep in mind that candy corn is a choking hazard for toddlers. Supervise small children when eating.

Can I use leftover Halloween candy instead of candy corn?

Absolutely—chopped chocolate bars, M&Ms, or other small candies can be substituted or added.

Conclusion

Candy Corn Cookies are a festive, simple, and fun treat that captures the sweetness of the season. With their chewy texture and bright candy accents, they are perfect for Halloween gatherings, autumn parties, or simply indulging at home. This recipe is easy to customize, store, and share, making it a great addition to your seasonal baking list.

sarra