For kids, hunting for an Easter basket is a beloved tradition. What could be better than a basket of treats from the Easter Bunny himself? Well, I have one idea. How about a spooky basket?
What Is a Spooky Basket?
Think Easter basket, but Halloween-themed, and you’ve got a spooky basket on your hands. The baskets have been popping up on Instagram and blogs, filled with all sorts of treats for kids, friends, partners and even pets.
Most people are picking jack-o’-lantern pumpkin baskets, but you can even use a simple wire basket, as long as it’s filled with the good stuff. And if you’re worried about sending your kids out to trick-or-treat this year, this can be a great alternative to make at home.
via @chaos.and.rainbows/instagram
Our Best Spooky Basket Ideas
First things first—candy, of course! There’s plenty of Halloween-themed candy out there this season, ranging from Reese’s Pumpkins for peanut butter lovers, to Salted Caramel Twix and even Nerds Candy Corn.
Mix it up with some savory snacks—they don’t even need to be Halloween-themed. You can add packs of Cheetos, Goldfish or anything else orange your kids might love. You can also opt for some healthy snacks to balance things out.
Plenty of parents add non-food things like books and cozy fall wear. Think fuzzy socks, hats, cute Halloween-themed t-shirts and even pajamas that they can curl up in while eating all that candy. If you have older kids, add a touch of pop culture by sprinkling in some Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown merch.
Just FYI, a spooky basket doesn’t need to be limited to kids. You can make one for adults, too! Keep the candy and snacks, and add some pampering goodies from the new Bath & Body Works Halloween collection or indulgent but spooky hot cocoa bombs. Then you’re all set to snuggle up on Halloween!
Halloween Treats for Your Spooky Basket
Taste of Home
A miniature candy bar is hidden inside this fun Halloween cookie recipe. Colored frosting and candy faces make these addicting cookie pops the perfect Halloween treat. —Martha Hoover, Coatesville, Pennsylvania
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Whip up a few of these
sweet and spooky Halloween treats this season.
Halloween Peanut Spider CookiesThis cute spider Halloween cookie recipe is so easy. They'll be the star at your next Halloween party! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Candy Corn CookiesGet a head start on this buttery Halloween cookie recipe by shaping and chilling the homemade dough ahead of time. When you're ready, just slice and bake the tricolor treats. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Snack on these
Halloween foods between trick-or-treating stops.
Halloween Sugar CookiesI've been making these Halloween sugar cookies for about 40 years—first for my children and now my grandchildren and all their friends, too. I make about 20 trays a year to give away to trick-or-treaters. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Caramel Apple BitesKids can help make these perfect
fall cookies by dipping the baked cookies in caramel and nuts. It's a fun food craft for all of us. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Tombstone TreatsMy brother loves Rice Krispies squares, and my mom loves sugar cookies. I came up with a cute treat they'd both like.
Kiss from a Vampire CookiesRaspberry jam eerily oozes from this Halloween cookie recipe. One bite, and you'll have a hard time stopping! —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mini Meringue PumpkinsCast a sweet spell over your Halloween party guests by making a pumpkin patch’s worth of treats. It’s easy to use this basic meringue recipe spiced with pumpkin flavor to scare up fun cookies. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Magic MacaroonsPeanut butter, candy corn and macaroons are three of my favorite things, so I combine them all to make this Halloween cookie recipe. —Jeanette Nelson, Bridgeport, West Virginia
These
Halloween treats will hold you over until it's time to trick-or-treat!
Freaky Frankenstein CookiesThey're alive! Each year when the Halloween invites start coming my way, I create a little treat to bring. These cute cookies bring a lot of life to every party. —Philia Kelnhofer, West Allis, Wisconsin
Ghost Shortbread CookiesPac-Man was my favorite video game when I was growing up. For a party, I decided to get creative and shape my go-to sugar cookies into the ghosts from the game. —Jamie S, Regina, Saskatchewan
Pumpkin Cookies with Browned Butter FrostingThe Halloween cookie recipe for these pleasantly spiced pumpkin cookies won a champion ribbon at our local county fair. These are a family favorite, and everyone enjoys the soft cakelike texture. —Robin Nagel, Whitehall, Montana
“Boo”-rrific KissesThe
Taste of Home Test Kitchen turned cute meringue cookies into these whimsical kisses, perfect for Halloween. With just 15 calories, each little treat can be enjoyed guilt-free! —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Pumpkin Spice CutoutsThrough all the years I've been baking, I’ve never come across a pumpkin Halloween cookie recipe that you can actually cut out with cookie cutters. (Most I’ve found are drop cookies.) Each bite tastes just like pumpkin pie—delicious! —Marion Kearley, Ladner, British Columbia
Autumn Leaf CutoutsTurn classic cookies into a platter of autumn leaves. Make them in solid colors, or combine pieces of tinted dough for a multicolored effect. — Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Spice Pumpkin CookiesThese soft cookies are almost like little pieces of cake. With chopped pecans sprinkled over a confectioners’ sugar frosting, they’re a pretty addition to a dessert table. —Bev Martin, Hardin, Montana
Eyeball CookiesAll eyes will definitely be on this adorable Halloween cookie recipe when it is set on a buffet table. I created them for my son's kindergarten class for Halloween. —Sherry Lee, Columbus, Ohio
Glazed Maple Shortbread CookiesWhenever I visit friends in Lutsen, Minnesota, I make sure to buy maple syrup there because I think it's even better than in Quebec. This Halloween cookie recipe can be decorated with sprinkles but it's just fine as is.—Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Day of the Dead CookiesI make these cookies for all occasions. In the spring, I cut them in flower shapes and insert a lollipop stick in each to make a bouquet. Using candies, food coloring and a wild imagination, try your hand at this Day of the Dead version. —Kristine Fossmeyer, Huntley, Illinois
Pumpkin Cookie PopsThese cookie pops are a great way to liven up a Halloween party. Kids love them! —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Bones & BloodLike a zombie, you'll be desperate for more of these bone-shaped cookies and dip. Fight nicely over them—no biting! —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip TassiesThis pumpkin and chocolate cookie has a special feel that makes it perfect for a holiday dessert table. If you don’t have a pastry tip, use a freezer bag to pipe the buttercream into the cookie cup. It works well for me. —Laura Milanowski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Apple Peanut Butter CookiesThese apple peanut butter cookies are great for fall gatherings. They're crisp on the outside and soft inside. —Marjorie Benson, New Castle, Pennsylvania
Halloween Chocolate Cookie PopsOur children look forward to making these cute cookies each year. They've become experts at making silly faces with little candies.
Gingerbread SkeletonsAny small gingerbread boy cookie cutter can take on new "life" with these classic cookies. Give him some cat friends, too. The more the merrier! —Dore' Merrick Grabski, Utica, New York
Owl CookiesI came up with these cookies as a treat for my kids’ class parties. Not only do they look cute, but they are also delicious.—Starrlette Howard, Ogden, Utah
Meringue BonesThis unique treatment for meringue travels well, too! You will certainly get requests for the recipe, and folks will be surprised at how simple it is! —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin Whoopie PiesMy kids start begging me for these cakelike sandwich cookies as soon as autumn arrives. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't like these fun treats. —Deb Stuber, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Quick Ghost CookiesSpruce up store-bought cookies for the holiday. These are a real hit with "goblins" of all ages. —Denise Smith, Lusk, Wyoming
Frightening FingersThese cookies have become somewhat famous at the school our children attend. One year, I made more than 150 of these "fingers" for their classroom Halloween parties.—Natalie Hyde, Cambridge, Ontario
Caramel-Apple Shortbread CookiesThere is nothing like seeing my friends almost melt to the floor when they bite into something I made. These cookies never fail to elicit oohs and aahs. —Amber Taylor, Lenoir City, Tennessee
Trick-or-Treat PizzaDon’t let your leftover Halloween loot go to waste. Pile your favorite candies onto a monster-size cookie. — Kendra Bowen, Louisville, Illinois
Coconut Orange Slice CookiesThis is a family recipe that was handed down to me. The coconut and orange combination gives them a distinctive taste unlike any other cookie I've had. They're perfect for Christmas! —Patricia Ann Stickler, Durand, Michigan
Updated: Nov. 27, 2023
