Every October, kitchens fill with the smell of warm cookies, but Ghost Sugar Cookies stand out as a true Halloween treat. Their simple cutout shapes make them beginner-friendly, while their decorating potential keeps creative bakers entertained. Unlike complicated Halloween cutout cookies that require hours of intricate designs, these ghost cookie recipes rely on soft dough, creamy frosting, and a few chocolate chips for hauntingly cute eyes. Kids’ Halloween baking becomes easy, fun, and mess-friendly. For families who already enjoy themed desserts like Creepy Crunchy Monster Candy Bark or Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies, these ghost cookies are the perfect next baking project.
My First Batch of Halloween Ghost Cookies
I first baked Ghost Sugar Cookies while hosting a Halloween party for friends. The table was filled with spooky sugar cookies, pumpkin fudge squares, and mugs of cider. But it was the white ghost cookies—soft, buttery, and decorated with simple chocolate chip eyes—that disappeared first. Since then, these decorated ghost cookies have been my go-to recipe every October. They combine the nostalgic taste of a sugar cookie recipe Halloween fans love with just enough spooky charm to make everyone smile. And unlike other holiday bakes, they’re budget-friendly, customizable, and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients & Baking Guide
The Perfect Dough for Easy Ghost Cookies
The secret to great Ghost Sugar Cookies is in the dough. Using a blend of all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, and powdered sugar creates a soft yet stable cookie that holds its shape during baking. Butter adds richness, while vanilla and almond extracts deliver depth of flavor. For those who enjoy experimenting, you can even borrow flavor inspiration from Pumpkin Fudge or Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookie to give your cookies a seasonal twist.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Frosting:
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
- Chocolate chips or raisins (for ghost eyes)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Spooky Sugar Cookies
Prep the Dough: Whisk flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in egg and extracts. Slowly add flour mix until dough forms.
Chill Time: Divide dough into two portions, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll & Cut: Roll to 1/4 inch, cut out ghost shapes, and place on baking sheet.
Bake: Bake at 375°F for 7 minutes, until edges just begin to color. Cool completely.
Frost & Decorate: Blend cream cheese and powdered sugar, spread over cookies, and add chocolate chip eyes. For variety, paint with evaporated milk mixed with food coloring.
Pro Tips, Variations, and Decorating
Pro Tips for Ghost Cookie Success
- Always chill the dough for clean cutout shapes.
- Don’t overbake—edges should stay pale for soft cookies.
- Use parchment to prevent sticking.
- Keep extra dough refrigerated while rolling portions.
Fun Variations for Ghost Cookie Recipe
- Pumpkin Ghosts: Tint frosting with orange food coloring to turn ghosts into pumpkins.
- Chocolate-Dipped Ghosts: Half-dip baked cookies in melted chocolate for a spooky twist.
- Glittery Ghosts: Add edible glitter for extra sparkle, much like Pumpkin Smores Cookies bring shine to holiday trays.
- Mini Ghosts: Use smaller cutters for bite-sized treats, perfect alongside Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.
These easy ghost cookies are versatile, letting you transform them into any Halloween cutout cookies your party needs. With their white ghost cookie base, you can decorate them simply or go all out with designs.
Serving, Storing, and Halloween Magic
Serving Suggestions for Decorated Ghost Cookies
Ghost Sugar Cookies pair beautifully with hot chocolate, apple cider, or even pumpkin spice lattes. Serve them on Halloween dessert tables next to Pumpkin Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars for a festive spread. They also make excellent party favors—wrap them in clear bags with ribbons for kids’ Halloween baking giveaways.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store frosted cookies in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies for 2 months; frost after thawing.
- Reheat: Refresh cookies by warming for 10 seconds in the microwave.
Their versatility makes them one of the best Halloween treats, rivaling 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Sandwich Cookies for fall dessert trays.
FAQs
How long do you cook ghost sugar cookies?
Bake at 375°F for about 7 minutes. Watch for edges to just start coloring—this keeps them soft.
Why are custom sugar cookies so expensive?
They require time, skill, and detailed decoration. Hand-decorating can take hours, which drives up cost.
What is the secret to a good sugar cookie?
Chilled dough and proper butter-to-sugar balance. This ensures soft centers with crisp edges.
Why are they called sugar cookies?
The name comes from their sweetened base—powdered sugar gives them their signature texture.
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Conclusion
Now you know how to make Ghost Sugar Cookies that are soft, spooky, and ready to shine on any Halloween dessert table. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and plenty of decorating options, these Halloween ghost cookies are the perfect seasonal treat. Whether you keep them classic with white frosting or get creative with pumpkins and sparkles, this ghost cookie recipe will be your go-to for October fun.
Print
Ghost Sugar Cookies – Spooky, Sweet, and Perfect for Halloween
- Total Time: 30 minutes + chilling
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and spooky Ghost Sugar Cookies with cream cheese frosting—perfect for Halloween parties.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, 3 cups powdered sugar
Extras: chocolate chips or raisins for ghost eyes
Instructions
1. Whisk flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, beat in egg and extracts.
3. Add flour mix until dough forms, divide, and chill for 1 hour.
4. Roll to 1/4 inch, cut ghost shapes, place on baking sheet.
5. Bake at 375°F for 7 minutes, edges just starting to color.
6. Cool on wire rack, frost with cream cheese icing, add eyes.
Notes
Chill dough for clean shapes. Store cookies airtight up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Ghost Sugar Cookies, Halloween ghost cookies, spooky sugar cookies