Everything But the Lunchbox Cookies: A Halloween Treat!
Halloween is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen! Forget boring bagged candies this year. These Everything But the Lunchbox Cookies are a fun, spooky, and surprisingly delicious way to celebrate. Packed with unexpected pantry staples, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to delight kids and adults alike with these easy-to-make cookies that capture the spirit of Halloween. It’s a family-friendly baking adventure that will create lasting memories and satisfies cravings!
Why You’ll Love This Everything But the Lunchbox Cookies
- Unique & Fun: They’re unlike any other cookie recipe you’ve tried!
- Kid-Friendly: Get the little ones involved in mixing and decorating.
- Quick to Make: From mixing bowl to ready to eat in under 30 minutes!
- Perfect for Parties: A spooky and surprising treat for your Halloween gatherings.
- Deliciously Spooky: All the fun without the freaky hard work!
Ingredients for Everything But the Lunchbox Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 cup crushed potato chips (plain or salted)
- 1 cup pretzel pieces
- ½ cup candy corn
- ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
Substitutions: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. For a vegan option, replace butter with vegan butter and eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water = 1 flax egg).
How to Make Everything But the Lunchbox Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer ensuring they are well combined.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make you scrape sides and bottom to create the perfect mix.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!
- Stir in the “Everything But the Lunchbox” Ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats, crushed potato chips, pretzel pieces, candy corn, and chocolate chips. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Drop by Rounded Tablespoons: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined to acheive the ideal fluffiness.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies that spread less, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to add your own “lunchbox” finds! Try adding shredded coconut, raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts.
- Vegan Variation: Use vegan butter and flax eggs for a delicious vegan treat.
Serving Suggestions
These Everything But the Lunchbox Cookies are fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your Halloween treat experience:
- Warm Milk: Pair with a glass of warm milk for a classic cookie experience.
- Caramel Apple Dip: Serve alongside caramel apple dip for a festive autumn treat.
- Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Ice Cream: Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a spooky sundae.
Storage & Reheating
Store your leftover Everything But the Lunchbox Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 2 to 3 minutes for a warm and indulgent treat.
FAQ about Everything But the Lunchbox Cookies
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
- Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Or you can bake the cookies and freeze them for later.
- What are some other halloween food ideas I can try?
- There are tons of creative halloween food ideas for party occasions! Try spooky spiderweb dip, ghost-shaped pizzas, or monster-themed cupcakes. Search around for halloween foods to complement your cookies!
- Are these cookies suitable for halloween food for kids?
- Absolutely! These cookies are a fun halloween food that kids and adults will love. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, plus the colorful candy corn, make them extra appealing to children.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Final Thoughts on Everything But the Lunchbox Cookies
These Everything But the Lunchbox Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a fun and creative way to celebrate Halloween. With their delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, these cookies will be the star of any holiday gathering. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later! We’re always happy to receive feedback or suggestions in the comments too, so please let us know if you try this recipe! Lastly, subscribe today so you never any amazing recipes, stories and food ideas.
