Skip to content

Top Navigation

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Recipes
  • Cooking 101
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
SUBSCRIBE
Pin FB

Explore Cooking Light

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 31-Day Healthy Meal Plan

      Our 31-day calendar of meals and tips shows you how to cook more and love it with fun, family-friendly meals that come together quickly and deliciously. Read More
    • Dinner Tonight: Quick and Healthy Menus in 45 Minutes (or Less)

      Hundreds of delicious recipes, paired with simple sides, that can be on your table in 45 minutes or less. Read More
    • Our Favorite Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

      Who ever said that chicken wings, doughnuts, and pizza couldn't be healthy? Read More
  • Recipes

    Recipes

    See All Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Recipe Makeovers
    • Quick & Healthy
    • Diabetic
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cooking Light Live
  • Cooking 101

    Cooking 101

    See All Cooking 101
    • Essential Ingredients
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Meet the Chef
    • Cooking Resources
    • Budget Friendly
    • Smart Choices
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living

    Healthy Living

    See All Healthy Living
    • Weight-Loss
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Home
    • Travel
    • Nutrition 101
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. entertaining
  3. Healthy Halloween Treats

Healthy Halloween Treats

October 04, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
When it comes to Halloween, there's no shortage of candy lying around your kitchen. However, if you're looking to lighten up this sugar-laden holiday, there are plenty of fun, crafty treats that are festive and delicious, without ruining your diet. From sweet popcorn to candied apples to savory sweet potato tots, there's no shortage of healthy, fun treats that you and your family can enjoy during this autumn holiday. Steer clear of those processed, store-bought snacks and opt for these cute, homemade options instead.
Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites

Credit: Katherine Flynn
View Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites

These bite-sized snacks pack in everything you love about pumpkin spice with natural warm flavors and fresh pumpkin puree. Don't stress making a pumpkin pie and save on the calories with these energy bites. Enjoy these as a grab-and-go breakfast or snack all throughout fall.

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mummy Buckeyes

Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Mummy Buckeyes

Our two-bite treats are scary-simple to make and a ghoulishly good addition to your spread of haunted sweets. When it comes time to wrap the mummies in chocolate, let the kids help out for a fun holiday craft.

2 of 20

3 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chocolate Halloween Cutout Cookies

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chocolate Halloween Cutout Cookies

If orange food coloring isn't available, combine red and yellow to create an orange hue. Either way, these adorable, festive cookies are sure to impress your Halloween guests. When it comes time to decorate, let your kids help out for a fun holiday craft. Undeniably rich and sweet, we think these cookies are way better than a store-bought chocolate candy bar.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt

Credit: Sara Tane
View Recipe: Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt

Greek yogurt and cream cheese come together to mimic favorite store-bought frozen yogurt. Top with nuts, cinnamon, and dark chocolate for an extra kick. If you are not planning on serving immediately, keep it in the fridge and then throw it in the freezer 1 to 2 hours before you are ready to serve it.

4 of 20

5 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Black Sesame Cupcakes

Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Black Sesame Cupcakes

There's nothing artificial about these dramatically hued treats. Supermoist (and whole-grain) chocolate cupcakes get their blackout color from black sesame seeds and antioxidant-rich dark cocoa powder. These desserts are delicious and better for you, with every bit of fun, festive flair you crave.

5 of 20

6 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet and Spicy Pumpkinseeds

Credit: Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Pumpkinseeds

Once you've carved out your Jack-o-Lantern, don't even consider throwing out those seeds, as they can be roasted for a delicious Halloween treat. This crunchy snack packs a ton of heat and flavor that's the perfect solution to your strongest savory craving. If you're serving it to a crowd that's shy on spice, scale back on the red pepper for a salty toasted seed that everybody can enjoy. For even more kick, add an extra 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper.

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chocolate Spider Cupcakes

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Chocolate Spider Cupcakes

It's easy to make spiderweb designs on cupcakes: Simply pipe concentric circles and drag a wooden pick through wet frosting to create a webbed effect. No bourbon? Use water instead in the frosting.

7 of 20

8 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato Tots

Credit: Sara Tane
View Recipe: Sweet Potato Tots

Take a break from sweet potato fries and try out tots instead. Oven-baked until they're brown and crispy, these tots will satisfy your wildest savory cravings without overloading you with calories and fat. Served with a zippy jalapeño ranch dipping sauce that's loaded with protein and fresh herbs, these cute sweet potato tots make for the perfect appetizer or mid-afternoon snack that your kids will devour.

8 of 20

9 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

White Bean and Pumpkin Hummus With Pita Chips

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: White Bean and Pumpkin Hummus With Pita Chips

If you think you've seen pumpkin spice in every food, think again. This lightly sweet and smoky take on hummus is the perfect snack or a fitting starter for any autumn gathering. Without being overly sweet, this festive dip is the perfect addition to your next Halloween or fall-inspired spread.

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cinnamon-Cider Candied Apples

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Cinnamon-Cider Candied Apples

Apple cider, Red Hots candies, and brandy provide a perfect, bloody coating for Granny Smiths. Tip: Wash the apples well to remove any waxy coating, and dry thoroughly before dipping them. Work quickly, but if the syrup begins to set, you can reheat it over low heat to liquefy.

10 of 20

11 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bacon-Pretzel-Peanut Butter Caramel Apples

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Bacon-Pretzel-Peanut Butter Caramel Apples

With creamy peanut butter spooned straight into the caramel, it's no wonder this apple is our staff's favorite of the five. 

11 of 20

12 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Candied Apple Popcorn Balls

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Candied Apple Popcorn Balls

For popcorn pops, slide a skewer into the center of each slightly cooled ball; gently compress to secure stick.

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peanut Butter Caramel Corn

Credit: Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Peanut Butter Caramel Corn

For those who can't decide between salty and sweet, this delicious concoction is sure to please. Packed with protein and healthy fats, this snack option offers way more nutrition than your average bag of greasy, oversalted popcorn. Peanut butter lovers won't be able to keep their hands off this nutty, delicious concoction. Beware of sticky fingers!

13 of 20

14 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caramel Apples

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Caramel Apples

Making the gooey homemade caramel for this classic autumn treat may take a little time, but it's totally worth the effort. These adorable apples make for the perfect fall craft that your kids will have a blast decorating. Dress them up with extra toppings, or keep them simple and sweet. Either way, this is a festive, exciting way to use up your farmers' market produce that your kids will absolutely love.

14 of 20

15 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Marshmallow Popcorn Treats with Dark Chocolate Drizzle

Credit: Photo: Jason Varney
View Recipe: Marshmallow Popcorn Treats with Dark Chocolate Drizzle

Reminiscent of classic popcorn balls, these salty-sweet treats make for awesome low-fat, lunch box–friendly snacking. Make a batch with the kids this weekend to enjoy throughout the week.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Salty Maple-Pecan Popcorn Balls

Credit: Photo: Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Salty Maple-Pecan Popcorn Balls

Anyone who grew up making popcorn balls will remember fondly the quick, hot work of shaping the sticky mixture into balls that would quickly set up. It’s an old-fashioned treat that we’re bringing back, because they’re a 100 percent whole-grain dessert. That’s right—popcorn is a whole grain, and popcorn balls are an easy way to turn those grains into a sweet, healthy treat for the family. 

16 of 20

17 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chocolate Spiderweb Cookies

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chocolate Spiderweb Cookies

Get festive with these delightful chocolatey cookies that are sure to liven up any Halloween party. For the spiderweb glaze, snip a very small hole in the corner of the plastic bag. If it's too small, you can always make it bigger. The fun design is a great way to turn your basic chocolate cookie into an adorable holiday hit in an instant, without having to head to the store and buy processed foods.

17 of 20

18 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Black Cat Sandwich Cookies

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Black Cat Sandwich Cookies

These yummy (and slightly spooky) confections are a tasty blend of shortbread-like cookies with a layer of soft chocolate. If you don't have a cookie cutter of this shape, use whatever you have on hand. The rich chocolate center surrounded by the crisp, butter cookie is enough to make your guests swoon/

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Candied Apples

Credit: Photo: Beau Gustafson
View Recipe: Candied Apples

Homemade candied apples are a delightfully simple and sweet treat. Plus, making them at home allows you to customize the sweetness and any additional toppings that you want to tack on for added crunch. Take the kids apple picking, and let them use the fresh apples they've collected in this seasonal snack that they're sure to love.

19 of 20

20 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caramel Popcorn Cookies

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Caramel Popcorn Cookies

Experimenting with unusual ingredients can produce an irresistible batch of cookies. In this recipe, caramel and popcorn pieces create the ultimate combination of salty-and-sweet—in cookie form! 

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20 Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites
    2 of 20 Mummy Buckeyes
    3 of 20 Chocolate Halloween Cutout Cookies
    4 of 20 Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt
    5 of 20 Black Sesame Cupcakes
    6 of 20 Sweet and Spicy Pumpkinseeds
    7 of 20 Chocolate Spider Cupcakes
    8 of 20 Sweet Potato Tots
    9 of 20 White Bean and Pumpkin Hummus With Pita Chips
    10 of 20 Cinnamon-Cider Candied Apples
    11 of 20 Bacon-Pretzel-Peanut Butter Caramel Apples
    12 of 20 Candied Apple Popcorn Balls
    13 of 20 Peanut Butter Caramel Corn
    14 of 20 Caramel Apples
    15 of 20 Marshmallow Popcorn Treats with Dark Chocolate Drizzle
    16 of 20 Salty Maple-Pecan Popcorn Balls
    17 of 20 Chocolate Spiderweb Cookies
    18 of 20 Black Cat Sandwich Cookies
    19 of 20 Candied Apples
    20 of 20 Caramel Popcorn Cookies

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Cooking Light

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    MeredithCooking Light is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Cooking Light may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Cooking Light. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.cookinglight.com

    View image

    Healthy Halloween Treats
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.