Thank you so much for stopping by today — especially if you’re already in the Halloween spirit like I am! Whether you’re a long-time lover of spooky season or just dipping your toes into some festive fun, these Jack Skellington Halloween Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the Pumpkin King himself. These cookies are a tribute to all things Tim Burton and Nightmare Before Christmas — and if you’re someone who starts humming “This is Halloween” at the first sign of October, you’re in for a real treat.
These cookies are not only hauntingly adorable, they’re also buttery, soft, and surprisingly simple to make. Right after the H1, let’s go ahead and place our focus keyword where it belongs — yes, Jack Skellington Halloween Cookies are exactly what your October baking schedule needs. With just a few ingredients, a little piping practice, and a whole lot of fun, you’ll have a batch of cookies that are both spooky and sweet — anything but boring!!
And if you want this festive cookie recipe sent straight to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe — you’ll get it delivered with a side of Halloween cheer!
What Are Jack Skellington Halloween Cookies?
At their core, these are classic sugar cookies with a twist — a spooky, smiley, skeletal twist. Inspired by Jack Skellington’s iconic face from The Nightmare Before Christmas, these cookies combine all the buttery goodness of a sugar cookie with a royal icing or black decorating gel finish to create those wide eyes, stitched mouths, and curious expressions we all know and love. They’re a fantastic baking activity for families, Halloween parties, or a themed movie night.
And I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! You can make these with a basic cookie cutter (round works just fine), or you can level up with a custom Jack Skellington cookie cutter if you’ve got one on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about these cookies:
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Festive and fun: They’re showstoppers on any Halloween dessert table.
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Customizable: Add a little cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cocoa for flavor variations.
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Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it.
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Kid-approved: Let the little ones help decorate for some spooky fun.
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Perfect for gifting: Wrap them up in cellophane and tie with a black ribbon for a boo-tiful homemade treat.
What Do Jack Skellington Cookies Taste Like?
The base cookie is soft, buttery, and just sweet enough — similar to a classic Lofthouse sugar cookie but without the heavy frosting. Instead, we use a smooth royal icing or gel for the face designs, which adds a gentle crunch and a touch of vanilla or almond, depending on your icing choice. The cookie is tender, holds its shape well, and doesn’t overwhelm the palate, making it easy to eat more than one (or five…).
Health and Mood Benefits of Halloween Baking
Besides the obvious joy of indulging in cookies, Halloween baking is actually therapeutic. It brings people together, sparks creativity, and offers a cozy way to enjoy the changing seasons. These cookies are also peanut-free and can easily be made gluten-free or dairy-free with the right substitutions (more on that below). So they’re not only delightful, but also adaptable for various dietary needs!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make about 24 Jack Skellington cookies, gather the following:
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2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract for extra flavor
For the icing/decorating:
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2 cups powdered sugar
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1–2 tablespoons milk (more as needed for consistency)
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1 tablespoon light corn syrup
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Black gel food coloring or black decorating gel
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Piping bags or zip-top bags
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Toothpicks for detail work
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large mixing bowl
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Hand or stand mixer
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Rolling pin
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Round cookie cutter (or a glass!)
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper
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Cooling rack
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Small bowls for icing
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Piping bags or squeeze bottles
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Fine-tip piping nozzle (or just snip a tiny hole!)
Ingredient Swaps and Add-Ins
Want to mix it up? Try these ideas:
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Swap almond extract for lemon or maple extract for a twist.
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Add mini chocolate chips or sprinkles to the dough (just keep them minimal to maintain shape).
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Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
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Sub vegan butter and a flax egg for a dairy- and egg-free version.
I’ve even tried brushing the finished cookies with a little edible shimmer dust — magical!!
How to Make Jack Skellington Halloween Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla (plus almond extract if using), and beat until combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days). This step helps the dough firm up and hold its shape when baking.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼ inch thick. Cut into circles using your cutter. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Decorate the Faces
Make your icing by whisking powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth. It should be thick but pipeable. Reserve a portion to color black using gel food coloring. Using a piping bag (or zip-top bag with a tiny snip), outline and fill the cookie with white icing. Let it set slightly (15–30 minutes) before piping on the faces with the black icing.
Use a photo of Jack’s face as reference. You’ll want large round eyes, two tiny nostrils, and a stitched-up mouth — the stitching detail can be done with a toothpick!
Don’t worry if each face looks a little different — that’s part of the charm!!
What to Serve With These Cookies
They go beautifully with:
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A cozy mug of hot cocoa or pumpkin spice latte
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A glass of milk (classic!)
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Mulled apple cider
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Or for adults: a dark spiced rum cocktail with cinnamon and clove
Set up a themed dessert board with candy eyeballs, mini pumpkins, and some dark chocolate-dipped pretzels for the full Halloween effect.
Tips for Cookie Success
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Don’t skip chilling the dough — it prevents spreading!
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Use a slightly damp paper towel over your icing bowl to keep it from drying while decorating.
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Practice Jack’s face on paper first before moving to cookies.
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For super clean lines, use a piping tip #1 or #2.
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Let icing dry fully before stacking or storing — usually 4–6 hours at room temp.
How to Store Jack Skellington Cookies
These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days. You can also:
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Freeze unbaked dough for up to 2 months
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Freeze decorated cookies (once icing is fully dry!) with parchment between layers
Perfect for prepping ahead of your Halloween party or gifting season.
Fun Facts and General Info
Did you know The Nightmare Before Christmas is technically a Christmas movie and a Halloween movie? That makes these cookies a two-season win!
Also, Jack Skellington’s original design is one of Tim Burton’s earliest character sketches — and he’s now a pop culture icon. Making cookies in his likeness is more than just baking — it’s part of celebrating Halloween nostalgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes, but choose one that holds its shape well — avoid overly soft or spread-prone doughs.
Can kids help make these?
Absolutely! Kids love decorating the faces. Just prep the piping bags for them and let them go wild with expressions.
How long does the icing take to dry?
Depending on humidity, it can take 4–6 hours at room temp, or overnight to be completely stackable.
Can I use royal icing instead of the powdered sugar glaze?
Yes! Royal icing gives a slightly shinier finish and dries harder — great for precise lines and longer storage.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Want to Make These Every Year
These Jack Skellington Halloween Cookies aren’t just cookies — they’re a tradition waiting to happen. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and instantly bring that cozy-spooky vibe to your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a party, a treat bag, or a movie night snack, they’re always a hit.
So go ahead — channel your inner Sally, roll up your sleeves, and bake up some Halloween magic.
More Spooky Recipes to Try
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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins
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Black Velvet Cupcakes with Marshmallow Ghosts
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Easy Candy Corn Fudge
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Edible Witch Hat Cookie Cups
Share Your Creations!
Made these? I’d LOVE to see them! Share your Jack Skellington Halloween Cookies on Pinterest or tag me in your spooky cookie photos — every version of Jack’s smile is unique, and that’s what makes it extra special.
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Cookie)
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Calories: 165
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Fat: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 24g
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Sugar: 15g
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Protein: 1g
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Fiber: <1g
Note: Nutritional values will vary slightly based on decorating choices and exact ingredient brands.
Happy baking, happy haunting — and remember, every cookie tells a story… especially when it has a face.