Name: Halloween Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 30-40 Oreo cookies; 1¾ cup white chocolate bark or chips; 1-2 tsp orange food coloring; 3 Tbsp coconut oil, more as needed; ¼ cup green milk candy coated chocolates (like milk chocolate M&Ms); ¼ cup pretzel pieces

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 43 reviews

Hey, if you’re looking to bake something festive and super fun this season, you’ve got to try this Halloween Pumpkin Cookies Recipe. It’s simple, playful, and those little pumpkin-shaped treats are just the cutest—plus, they taste amazing! I promise, once you make these, everyone will be asking you for the recipe. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so your batch comes out perfect.

💙

Why This Recipe Works

No Baking Required: Using sandwich cookies and melted chocolate means zero oven time, making this recipe super quick and foolproof.
Easy to Customize: You can swap cookies or candy colors to match your favorite fall vibe or dietary needs.
Playful Presentation: Pretzel “stems” and candy “leaves” give these treats an adorable pumpkin look that kids (and adults) love.
Perfect Texture Balance: The crunch from pretzels paired with creamy chocolate and soft cookie makes every bite delightful.

Halloween Pumpkin Cookies, festive Halloween treats, easy pumpkin cookie recipe, fall baking ideas, Halloween dessert recipes - A woman's hand holds a small pumpkin-shaped cookie with orange frosting covering the whole cookie, two bright green oval leaves on top, and a small brown stem shaped frosting at the center. Below the hand, there is a white round plate filled with similar pumpkin cookies, each decorated the same way with orange frosting, green leaves, and brown stems. The cookies are arranged on a white marbled surface with a blurred white bowl of green frosting visible in the background. There are warm yellow lights softly glowing around the scene, adding a cozy feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Halloween Pumpkin Cookies Recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients, and each plays an important role in texture and flavor. Choosing quality white chocolate bark ensures smooth coating, and the coconut oil helps thin it out for easy dipping.

Halloween Pumpkin Cookies, festive Halloween treats, easy pumpkin cookie recipe, fall baking ideas, Halloween dessert recipes - Flat lay of whole Oreo sandwich cookies with their dark chocolate edges and creamy centers visible, bright orange white chocolate bark pieces with a smooth glossy texture from added orange food coloring, solid white coconut oil chunks with a slightly waxy appearance, vibrant green candy-coated milk chocolates halved to show their shiny shells and milk chocolate centers, small twisted pretzel pieces with a golden brown crunchy texture, all artfully scattered and overlapping with natural shadows and highlights, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Oreo cookies: Classic sandwich cookies are the perfect pumpkin base; their cream center adds sweetness, and any round sandwich cookie can work!
White chocolate bark or chips: Melts smoothly for dipping and sets with a lovely sheen; using bark cuts down on stirring time.
Orange food coloring: Gives your pumpkin cookies that iconic Halloween hue, making them vibrant and festive.
Coconut oil: Thins the chocolate to the right consistency for dipping while helping it harden nicely; plus adds a hint of subtle richness.
Green milk candy coated chocolates: Cut in halves, these mimic pumpkin leaves perfectly and add a fun pop of color.
Pretzel pieces: The salty crunch makes the ideal pumpkin stem and contrasts beautifully with the sweet coating.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Halloween Pumpkin Cookies Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I’ve tried switching up the cookie base and playing with various coatings to keep things interesting.

Variation: I once swapped Oreos for peanut butter sandwich cookies, and the nutty flavor paired wonderfully with the white chocolate – highly recommend if you love peanut butter!
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, use vegan white chocolate chips and check your pretzels and candies for allergens.
Color swaps: Instead of orange, try red or yellow food coloring for a more autumnal or whimsical theme.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Halloween Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Carefully

First, gather everything you’ll need: Oreos, white chocolate bark, coconut oil, orange food coloring, green candy chocolates, and pretzels. Take your time slicing those little green candies in half with a sharp knife—this detail really makes the pumpkins look authentic. Break your pretzels into tiny stem pieces; you want them just the right size for topping. Trust me, having these ready before melting chocolate keeps everything moving smoothly.

Step 2: Melt & Color Your White Chocolate

Pop the white chocolate bark and coconut oil into a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds, then stir in your orange food coloring. Keep microwaving in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until the chocolate is thin and silky but not hot. If it’s too thick, add a little more coconut oil. Don’t rush this step; getting the right consistency is key to a smooth coating that won’t pool or drip excessively.

Step 3: Dip & Decorate Your Cookies

Using a fork, gently dunk each Oreo into the melted orange chocolate. Give the fork a soft tap against the bowl edge to shake off excess, then wipe along the edge to prevent drips. Place the coated cookie on parchment paper. Next, carefully place a pretzel stem on top, then add the halved green candies on either side near the stem. Finally, grab a toothpick and gently drag it down the chocolate to create those signature pumpkin ridges—it’s the little details that make this recipe stand out!

Step 4: Chill & Enjoy!

Pop your decorated cookie sheet into the fridge or freezer for about 10 minutes until the chocolate sets firm. Then, dive in or package them up for your Halloween parties. I love gifting these because they look so festive and come together faster than most baked treats.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Halloween Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Sharp Knife for Candy: Make sure your knife is sharp and dry when cutting the green candies to get clean halves without smashing.
Gentle Chocolate Tapping: Tapping the coating off the fork softly helps keep your cookies neat and avoids chocolate puddles.
Use Parchment Paper: Always dip onto parchment paper so cookies release easily once set.
Avoid Overheating Chocolate: Microwave moderately; overheating can make the chocolate grainy or burnt.

How to Serve Halloween Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Halloween Pumpkin Cookies, festive Halloween treats, easy pumpkin cookie recipe, fall baking ideas, Halloween dessert recipes - The image shows a group of small pumpkin-shaped treats made by dipping sandwich cookies in smooth orange coating. Each treat has a small brown pretzel piece as a pumpkin stem on top and two green candy pieces as leaves. The pumpkin cookies are arranged on a used baking tray with a few regular sandwich cookies nearby, some with white filling visible. To the right, several pumpkin cookies are placed on a white marbled surface next to a dark grey plate holding more pumpkins. A white bowl containing a few pretzels and green candies sits on the upper left of the tray. The bottom left corner has a textured beige and white cloth. Soft warm string lights add a cozy feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple and authentic with green candy halves and pretzel stems because they’re fun but don’t overwhelm the cookie. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of orange sanding sugar just before the chocolate sets for an extra sparkle that kids go crazy for.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or your favorite hot chocolate. If you’re hosting a Halloween party, consider serving them alongside pumpkin spice cupcakes or cinnamon sugar donuts for a fall-themed dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange the cookies on a serving tray lined with autumn leaves or crumpled orange tissue paper. You can also stack a few in a clear jar tied with a black and orange ribbon as a speedy Halloween gift or party favor. They look adorable displayed alongside mini pumpkins and gourds for a seasonal centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Halloween Pumpkin Cookies Recipe treats in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain the crisp chocolate coating and the cookies’ freshness. They usually stay perfect for up to a week, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, pop them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper. They freeze well for up to a month, which is great if you want to prepare ahead for a party or Halloween event. Just let them thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Since these cookies don’t require baking, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to soften the chocolate a bit, just let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before digging in.

FAQs

Can I use regular white chocolate instead of white chocolate bark for this Halloween Pumpkin Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you can! Regular white chocolate chips or bars work fine, but white chocolate bark is preferred because it melts more evenly and quickly, making dipping easier. If using regular chocolate, be careful not to overheat it to prevent seizing.
What’s the best way to prevent the dipped cookies from sliding off the fork?

Try gently twisting the fork as you lift the cookie out of the chocolate and tap softly against the bowl to remove excess. Wiping the fork edge on the bowl before placing the cookie down helps keep things neat and steady.
Can I make these cookies ahead of Halloween?

Definitely! These pumpkin cookies keep well in the fridge or freezer, so you can prepare them a few days or even weeks in advance. Just store them properly to keep the coating crisp and fresh.
What if I don’t have orange food coloring?

No worries! You can blend red and yellow food coloring to make orange or even use natural options like carrot juice or turmeric for a subtler color. It won’t be as bright, but still festive and tasty.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Halloween Pumpkin Cookies Recipe has been a go-to in my kitchen because it combines ease, flavor, and eye-catching fun all in one. Whether you’re baking with kids, need a quick seasonal treat, or want to impress friends at a party, it hits the mark every single time. Give this a try—you’ll love how festive and delicious these pumpkin cookies turn out!

Halloween Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 43 reviews

Author: Taylor
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 15 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Halloween Pumpkin Cookies are festive, fun, and perfect for the spooky season. Made by dunking Oreo cookies into orange-tinted white chocolate bark and decorated with green candy-coated chocolates and pretzel pieces, these treats look like little pumpkins ready for your Halloween party.

Ingredients

Cookies and Coating

30-40 Oreo cookies
1¾ cup white chocolate bark or chips
1-2 tsp orange food coloring
3 Tbsp coconut oil, more as needed

Decorations

¼ cup green milk candy coated chocolates (like milk chocolate M&Ms)
¼ cup pretzel pieces

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Decorations: Carefully cut the green M&Ms in half using a sharp knife and set aside in a small bowl. Break the pretzels into small “stem” pieces and set those aside as well.
Melt Chocolate: In a large bowl, add the white chocolate bark and coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir in the orange food coloring. Continue microwaving in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until the chocolate is thin and runny. Add more food coloring if needed to deepen the orange color.
Dip Cookies: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Holding a cookie with a fork, gently dunk it into the orange chocolate, fully coating the cookie. Tap the fork on the bowl edge gently to remove excess chocolate, then wipe the fork on the bowl to clean it before placing the cookie on the parchment sheet.
Decorate Cookies: While the chocolate is still wet, place a small pretzel piece at the top of the cookie to resemble the pumpkin stem. Then, carefully add the halved green M&Ms on either side of the pretzel near the top to mimic pumpkin leaves.
Texture the Pumpkin: Use a toothpick or knife to gently rough up the surface of the chocolate coating to create vertical lines resembling pumpkin grooves.
Set Cookies: Place the decorated cookie sheet in the fridge or freezer for about 10 minutes until the chocolate hardens completely. Enjoy your festive Halloween Pumpkin Cookies!

Notes

Any round sandwich-style cookie works well, like JoJos or other flavors of Oreo; peanut butter cup style cookies can also be used if preferred.
The number of cookies you can coat depends on how thick or thin you make the white chocolate coating.
If the chocolate is too thick, add more coconut oil to thin it out. Canola oil can be used but may require refrigeration as it solidifies less easily.