Cauldron Cookies

These cauldron cookies are a spooky, festive treat that I can’t resist making for Halloween. With rich chocolate cookie cups, creamy buttercream “potions,” and fun candy decorations, they’re just as fun to decorate as they are to eat. Perfect for parties or a family baking project, these little cauldrons bring a playful touch of magic to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple but looks impressive. Using cake mix for the base makes the cookie cups quick to prepare, while the buttercream filling turns them into little edible cauldrons bubbling over with Halloween spirit. The decorations—sprinkles, candy eyeballs, and pretzel “stir sticks”—let me get creative, and kids especially love helping. They’re customizable, too, so I can change up the “potion” colors or decorations to match any Halloween theme.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookie cups:

• 1 box Devil’s Food cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• Black food coloring (optional, for a deeper cauldron look)

For the buttercream filling:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (for consistency)
• Green food coloring

For decoration:

• Round green sprinkles (for “bubbling potion”)
• Halloween sprinkles (skulls, bones, bats, etc.)
• Candy eyeballs
• Pretzel sticks (as stirring spoons)

Directions

1. Make the cookie cups:
   • I preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease three 12-count mini muffin pans.
   • In a bowl, I mix the cake mix, eggs, oil, and black food coloring (if using) until combined.
   • I scoop about 1/2 tablespoon of dough into each muffin cup, flattening slightly.
   • I bake for 8–10 minutes, until set at the edges.
2. Shape and cool:
   • Right after baking, I press a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon into the center of each cookie to create an indentation.
   • I let the cookie cups cool completely in the pans before transferring to a wire rack.
3. Make the buttercream:
   • I beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk until smooth.
   • I tint the frosting with green food coloring for the bubbling potion effect.
4. Decorate:
   • I pipe the green buttercream into each cooled cookie cup.
   • I top with green round sprinkles, candy eyeballs, and Halloween sprinkles.
   • I add a small pretzel stick to each cauldron as a stirring spoon.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 36 cauldron cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 45 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes tint the buttercream purple or orange for different “potion” looks.
• White chocolate ganache tinted green makes a glossy potion filling.
• For a shortcut, I’ve used store-bought frosting, dyed it, and piped it into the cups.
• Crushed Oreos sprinkled on top give a darker, “smoky” cauldron effect.

Storage/Reheating

I store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If I’m making them ahead, I bake and store the cookie cups separately, then fill and decorate just before serving so the decorations stay crisp.

FAQs

Do I need to use black food coloring in the dough?

No, it’s optional. It just makes the cookie cups look more like little cauldrons.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes—chocolate fudge, brownie mix, or even red velvet works great.

How do I make sure the cookie cups don’t fall apart?

Let them cool completely in the pan before removing, and press the indent gently while they’re still warm.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, but I freeze the cookie cups plain. I thaw them and add the buttercream and decorations before serving.

What piping tip works best for the buttercream?

I use a round tip or a simple zip-top bag with the corner snipped—it doesn’t need to be fancy since the sprinkles cover most of it.

Conclusion

These cauldron cookies are a spooky, playful Halloween dessert that always brings smiles. With their fudgy cookie base, sweet buttercream filling, and colorful decorations, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Whenever I want to impress guests or do a festive baking project with kids, these little bubbling cauldrons are my go-to.

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