Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. You’ll notice the color lightening and the sound becoming airy.
Add the egg to the mixture and beat until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth, slightly glossy batter.
Stir in the vanilla extract, blending it into the batter to fill your kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma.
Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding gently until the dough just comes together and is soft but manageable. The dough should be slightly sticky but firm enough to shape.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set but still soft in the center. Your kitchen will be filled with a sweet, buttery scent.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. They will firm up slightly as they cool but remain tender.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating. This ensures the icing adheres smoothly and doesn’t melt.
Decorate the cooled cookies with spooky icing, adding gummy candies or chocolate pieces to create haunted scenes. Use piping bags for detailed designs or spread icing with a brush for quick decoration.
Let the decorated cookies sit until the icing is fully set, then enjoy your festive, spooky treats that are perfect for celebrating the season!
