Name: Soft and Chewy Ghost Cookies for Your Spooktacular Treats
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 164 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (at room temperature); 8 ounces Full-Fat Cream Cheese (at room temperature); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (can mix with brown sugar for depth); 1 large Egg (at room temperature); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (or vanilla bean paste for more flavor); 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (do not substitute); 2 teaspoons Cornstarch (for tenderness); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (for leavening); pinch Fine Salt (optional); 4 cups Powdered Sugar (for sweetness); 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (adjust for consistency); 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract; 2 tablespoons Pink Gel Food Coloring (optional for decoration); to taste Coarse Sanding Sugar; to taste Black Sprinkles or Mini Chocolate Chips (for eyes and mouth)

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A delightful chill filled the air as I stepped into the kitchen, excited to unveil a Halloween tradition that transforms cookie time into a whimsical celebration—Soft and Chewy Ghost Cookies! These festive treats, topped with rich homemade buttercream frosting, are not just adorable; they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, their soft, chewy texture combined with a hint of sweetness means they’re bound to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you’re preparing for a Halloween party or looking for a fun activity to enjoy with the kids, these cookies promise to add a dash of magic to your autumn days. Are you ready to dive into this deliciously spooky baking adventure?

Why are Ghost Cookies a must-bake?

Delightful appearance: These Ghost Cookies not only taste amazing but also bring a whimsical charm to your Halloween festivities with their cute ghost shapes and festive decorations.
Soft and chewy: The perfect texture ensures that each bite is a delightful experience, making them enjoyable for both kids and adults alike.
Homemade goodness: You’ll love the rich flavor of the buttercream frosting that you can customize—try adding pink gel food coloring for rosy cheeks!
Quick to whip up: With straightforward instructions, you can efficiently prepare these treats, allowing you more time to enjoy the season.
Perfect for sharing: Whether at a Halloween gathering or cozy family nights, these cookies are an instant crowd-pleaser, just like Cotton Candy Cookies or 4-ingredient Chocolate Oat Cookies.

Ghost Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready for a spooky bake with these delightful Ghost Cookies!

For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Provides fat for tenderness; make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese – Adds richness and moisture; you can use light cream cheese for a healthier alternative.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve that coveted soft texture; try mixing in brown sugar for depth.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients together; ensure it’s at room temperature for the best result.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; consider swapping for vanilla bean paste to intensify the taste.
• All-Purpose Flour – The main ingredient for structure; avoid substitutions to maintain the right texture.
• Cornstarch – Helps tenderize the cookies for that soft chewiness.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to give the cookies a slight rise.
• Fine Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors; can be omitted for lower-sodium diets.

For the Buttercream Frosting
• Powdered Sugar – This is key for sweetness and achieving the right frosting texture.
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Adds richness and smoothness; adjust the amount for the perfect consistency.
• Pink Gel Food Coloring – Use it to color the frosting for adorable ghostly cheeks; optional if you prefer plain.

For Decoration
• Coarse Sanding Sugar – Adds a sparkly finish and a delightful crunch to the cookies.
• Black Sprinkles or Mini Chocolate Chips – Perfect for creating those spooky eyes and mouth.

With these ingredients ready, you’ll be all set to whip up your batch of Ghost Cookies that are sure to enchant everyone this Halloween!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ghost Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter and 8 ounces of full-fat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar, mixing until light and fluffy. Then, blend in 1 large room temperature egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined, ensuring a unified dough for your Ghost Cookies.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of fine salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing will result in tough cookies, so stop once no dry flour is visible.

Step 3: Chill Dough
Divide the cookie dough into two equal portions and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling step is crucial as it firms up the dough, helping your Ghost Cookies maintain their shape when baked.

Step 4: Preheat Oven & Roll Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/3-inch thickness. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes, ensuring you get the perfectly spooky silhouettes that make these Ghost Cookies delightful.

Step 5: Pre-Bake Chill
After cutting out the ghost shapes, place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the cookie cutouts again in the refrigerator for an additional 15 minutes. This brief cooling period helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 6: Bake
Bake your chilled Ghost Cookies in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, watching closely to ensure they don’t brown. Once done, the cookies should appear set yet slightly soft in the center. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare the buttercream frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, along with 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream, mixing until you reach a spreadable consistency for your Ghost Cookies.

Step 8: Decorate Cookies
Once the cookies have completely cooled, it’s time to frost! Generously spread the buttercream frosting on each cookie. For added spookiness, coat the frosted cookies with coarse sanding sugar and use black sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for the ghost eyes and mouth, transforming your Ghost Cookies into adorable Halloween treats.

Ghost Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to let your creativity shine with these variations that will take your Ghost Cookies to a whole new level of fun and flavor!

Zesty Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or almond extract to the dough for a delightful fruity flavor that complements the sweet frosting.
Veggie Boost: Replace half of the butter with mashed avocado for a healthier fat option that adds a subtle green hue and creamy texture!
Spooky Chocolate: Mix in some cocoa powder (about ¼ cup) to the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist that pairs perfectly with the buttercream.
Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture and a nutty flavor that enhances the overall experience.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten-sensitive friends, ensuring everyone can enjoy these spooky treats.
Crispy Texture: For a crunchier cookie, create a darker dough by substituting a portion of the granulated sugar with brown sugar; it not only adds flavor but also a lovely caramel note.
Pets’ Treats: If you’re feeling generous, whip up a batch with dog-safe ingredients. Focus on oats and peanut butter while skipping the sugar entirely for your furry friends—just keep them away from the decorations!
Festival Fun: Customize shapes to celebrate other holidays! Use different cookie cutters, or switch up the decorations for Christmas or birthday parties, transforming your ghostly creations into fun holiday treats.

These suggestions promise to bring a delightful twist to your Ghost Cookies, making them even more fun to share! If you’re in the mood for more sweet creations, check out my delicious Cotton Candy Cookies or the delightful 4-ingredient Chocolate Oat Cookies. Happy baking!

How to Store and Freeze Ghost Cookies

Room Temperature: Store frosted Ghost Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight to maintain freshness.

Fridge: For extended freshness, you can refrigerate your cookies for up to 5 days in a sealed container. Ensure they are separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezer: To freeze Ghost Cookies, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 1 month.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies in the fridge overnight, then let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to regain their delightful texture.

Expert Tips for Ghost Cookies

Perfect Temperature: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to create a smooth, creamy mixture for the cookie dough.
Chill Dough Well: Don’t skip the chilling step—chilling the dough helps prevent your Ghost Cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies while baking; they should be set but slightly soft in the center for the ideal texture.
Frost After Cooling: Wait until the cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting off, ensuring your ghosts look adorable.
Storage Solutions: When storing your decorated cookies, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking, maintaining their delightful appearance.

Make Ahead Options

These Soft and Chewy Ghost Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive fun without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. For even greater convenience, the dough can be frozen for up to a month. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking. Additionally, you can frost the cookies ahead of time—store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to serve, just sprinkle on the decorations for a delightful, stress-free Halloween treat that’s just as delicious as freshly baked!

What to Serve With Soft and Chewy Ghost Cookies?

Delight your guests with a festive spread that complements the sweetness of these adorable cookies perfectly!

Warm Spiced Cider: The warmth and spices enhance the cozy fall vibes, making each bite of cookie even more comforting. Perfect with a fun, seasonal flair!
Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream: Creamy, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, this dessert adds a decadent twist and balances the cookies’ sweetness beautifully.
Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream: The fruity, crumbly warm apple crisp contrasts beautifully, creating a comforting pairing that screams autumn.
Chocolate Milk: A childhood favorite that never goes out of style, this will bring nostalgia and sweetness together for an enjoyable drink alongside the cookies.
Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn: A fun crunchy snack that complements the soft texture of the Ghost Cookies; this mix of flavors and textures is delightful!
Caramel Sauce for Dipping: Rich and creamy, a drizzle of caramel can elevate your cookie experience to new heights with a sweet dipping option.
Gingerbread Milkshake: Indulge in a festive shake that mirrors the spices of the season, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the cookies for a unique dessert experience.
Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa: Rich and velvety with a hint of bitterness, this drink beautifully enhances the flavors of the cookies, creating a cozy holiday atmosphere.
Halloween-Themed Fruit Platter: A vibrant assortment of fruits cut into spooky shapes provides a refreshing contrast while keeping the festive spirit alive!

Ghost Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right ripeness of ingredients?
Absolutely! When making Ghost Cookies, it’s essential that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to ensure they mix well and create a smooth dough. A good visual cue is that your butter should be soft enough to create an indent when pressed but not melted. Room temperature eggs are also best to achieve a uniform mixture.

What is the best way to store my Ghost Cookies?
Very! You can store your frosted Ghost Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. To prevent them from sticking together, place parchment paper between layers. It’s a great way to maintain their adorable appearance!

Can I freeze Ghost Cookies, and how do I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze your Ghost Cookies, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by layers of parchment paper to avoid sticking. They can be stored for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies in the fridge overnight and allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to restore their delightful texture.

What should I do if my Ghost Cookies spread too much while baking?
If your Ghost Cookies spread too much during baking, it may be due to insufficient chilling of the dough. Ensure that you chill the dough for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better! Additionally, make sure that your baking powder is fresh and not expired, as this can also affect the cookie’s texture and shape.

Are there any dietary considerations when making Ghost Cookies?
The more the merrier! If you’re baking for someone with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free all-purpose flour and making sure that the baking powder is gluten-free as well. For dairy-free options, you can substitute unsalted butter with a plant-based margarine and use vegan cream cheese. Just be cautious of any allergens when using decorations like sprinkles or chocolate chips!

Can I change the color of the buttercream frosting?
Absolutely! You can customize the color of your buttercream by using different gel food colorings. For a spooky look, try using green or purple, or mix in orange for that Halloween vibe. Skipping color altogether is also fine if you prefer a classic white frosting!