Ghost Cookies
If you’re looking for a Halloween treat that’s both adorable and delicious, ghost cookies are the perfect choice. With their spooky shape and simple ingredients, these cookies are a favorite for festive parties, school gatherings, or a cozy evening at home with a scary movie. They’re easy to customize and a joy to decorate, even for beginners.
What makes ghost cookies so fun is how versatile they can be. You can go simple with a classic sugar cookie base and white icing or get creative with textures, glazes, and even a bit of edible shimmer. Kids love getting involved in decorating, and the end result is as charming as it is tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Ghost Cookies Recipe
Ghost cookies are incredibly easy to make with minimal prep. You don’t need any fancy tools—just a ghost-shaped cookie cutter and a bit of creativity. They’re also ideal for making ahead of time, since both the cookies and the icing hold up well in storage. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or packing something sweet in lunchboxes, these cookies are guaranteed to disappear fast.
What Kind of Cookie Dough Works Best for Ghost Cookies?
A sugar cookie dough that holds its shape when baked is key for ghost cookies. You want a dough that won’t spread too much in the oven, so the ghost shape remains crisp and recognizable. A classic no-spread sugar cookie recipe with a bit of chilling time before baking works perfectly.
Ingredients for the Ghost Cookies
When making ghost cookies, using simple, high-quality ingredients is what makes the difference. Each component plays a role in both flavor and structure.
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Royal icing
- Mini chocolate chips or black gel icing for the eyes


How To Make the Ghost Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla, then slowly add the flour, baking powder, and salt. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Decorate
Once the cookies are cool, flood them with white royal icing. Let the icing set slightly, then add mini chocolate chips or dots of black icing for the eyes. Let them dry fully before storing.
How to Serve and Store Your Ghost Cookies
Ghost cookies make a festive centerpiece on any Halloween dessert table. You can serve them in a decorative tin or on a spooky-themed platter. These cookies are perfect for parties and also work great as edible gifts.
This recipe makes around 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cutter. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to prepare ahead, both the dough and decorated cookies freeze well.
What to Serve With Ghost Cookies?
Hot Apple Cider
Warm, spiced cider brings cozy fall vibes and pairs perfectly with sweet cookies.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
A creamy PSL enhances the seasonal flavors and makes any cookie moment feel extra special.
Halloween Snack Mix
Set out bowls of sweet and salty mix with your ghost cookies for variety.
Caramel Popcorn
Sticky, crunchy, and a perfect pairing for sugar cookies.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
Their salty-sweet crunch contrasts nicely with soft cookies.
Spooky Milkshakes
Serve ghost cookies alongside vanilla milkshakes tinted with Halloween colors.
Candy Corn Parfaits
Layer pudding and candy corn in cups for a fun treat to match your cookies.
Marshmallow Hot Cocoa
A rich cocoa with fluffy marshmallows makes a dreamy companion for any cookie plate.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If ghost cookies brought a little magic to your kitchen, try some of these other sweet creations:
- Butter Pecan Cheesecake for a creamy and crunchy indulgence.
- Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies if you’re craving soft, buttery bites.
- White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles for a citrusy surprise.
- Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies Delight to add a fun flair.
- Peanut Butter Cowboy Cookies when you want a hearty and chewy cookie.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic or spooky with the decorations? Maybe you added some edible glitter?
I love seeing how others bring these ghost cookies to life. Feel free to share photos or ask questions – let’s make Halloween delicious together.
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Ghost Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These ghost cookies are the ultimate Halloween treat. Made with no-spread sugar cookie dough, royal icing, and chocolate chip eyes, they’re the perfect festive dessert. Great for parties, gift boxes, or spooky movie nights. Discover how to make ghost-shaped cookies with this easy, fun, and kid-friendly recipe!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 batch royal icing
48 mini chocolate chips or black gel icing
Instructions
1. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
3. Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F and roll out dough on a floured surface to ¼ inch thickness.
6. Cut out ghost shapes using a cookie cutter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Decorate with royal icing and add mini chocolate chips or black gel dots for eyes.
10. Let icing dry fully before serving or storing.
Notes
Chilling the dough is essential to help cookies hold their ghost shape.
Royal icing gives a smooth, glossy finish perfect for decorating.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
