You're going to love how quickly these Halloween Shortbread Cookies come together! No mixer needed, and ready in 30 minutes from start to finish!
This is my go-to shortbread cookie when I want something quick, easy and delicious that can suit any holiday. Change up the sprinkle colors for the holiday or roll them out and cut out with floured cookie cutters.
You can see samples with the different sprinkles from this shortbread recipe and Easter shortbread too!
This is a terrific recipe to make with kids with easy and fun tasks like rolling the dough into balls and pressing down with a floured fork. Then, of course, who does not love adding sprinkles to cookies!
If you're going to make an afternoon of it with the kids, be sure to check out these cute Halloween crafts for kids!
Ingredients

No fancy equipment needed for this recipe! You can mix it completely by hand. Below are the simple ingredients that you will need. You can find a full recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- All purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Powdered sugar
- Butter - while traditional shortbread is made with unsalted butter, either salted or unsalted will work in this recipe.
- Sprinkles/non pareils - use your favorite brand of halloween colors!
How to make Halloween Shortbread Cookies

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all purpose flour, cornstarch and shortbread.
Using clean hands, mix in the butter until a soft dough forms.

Roll into 1-inch balls. Place 1-½ to 2 inches apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Press down each cookie dough ball with a lightly-floured fork.
Add halloween-coloured sprinkles.

Bake in 300°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. The edges will be lightly browned.
Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.
Print
Halloween Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
You're going to love how quickly these Halloween Shortbread Cookies come together! No mixer needed, and ready in 30 minutes from start to finish!
Ingredients
1 cup all purpose flour
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup cornstarch
¾ cup butter, softened at room temperature
Halloween colored sprinkles/sanding sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all purpose flour, cornstarch and shortbread.
- Using clean hands, mix in the butter until a soft dough forms.
-
Roll into 1-inch balls. Place 1-½ to 2 inches apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Press down each cookie dough ball with a lightly-floured fork. Add halloween sprinkles to the top of each cookie.
-
Bake in 300°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. The edges will be lightly browned.
-
Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.
Notes
Storage: Store shortbread in airtight container for up to four weeks.
Freezing: Shortbread may be frozen between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
This cookie dough may also be rolled out on a lightly floured surface and cut out with cookie cutters.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Halloween Shortbread Cookies
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!