Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup (45g) black cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp (5g) baking soda
  • 0.25 tsp (1.5g) salt
  • 0.5 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.33 cup (65g) coconut sugar
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 large egg (50g)
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 0.75 cup (130g) Halloween-themed M&Ms
  • 0.5 cup (85g) dark chocolate chips
  • 12 small candy eyeballs
  • 2 tbsp (15g) orange and purple sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Beat the softened butter and coconut sugar together until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. Stir in the egg, applesauce, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and cohesive.
  2. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Fold the mixture with a spatula until no streaks of white flour remain.
  3. Gently fold in the Halloween M&Ms and dark chocolate chips, taking care not to overmix.
  4. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined sheets. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft.
  5. Immediately after removing from the oven, place candy eyeballs on top of the cookies and garnish with sprinkles.