Orange and Black Halloween Sugar Cookies

Directions

1. Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated. A little visible flour is fine since the dough will be mixed again later.
4. Using a kitchen scale, split the cookie dough into two equal halves.
5. To one half, add the cocoa powder and black food coloring, mixing until fully combined. To the other half, add the orange food coloring and mix until uniform.
6. Divide each colored dough into 12 equal portions—each about 2 teaspoons. You'll have 12 black and 12 orange pieces.
7. Place the dough pieces in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F.
8. After chilling, press one black piece and one orange piece together, then roll into a ball. Repeat with all remaining dough pieces.
9. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are set.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.