Irresistible Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies for Halloween

Halloween is the season of cozy flavors, spooky fun, and creative treats, and nothing captures that spirit better than Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies. These soft, chewy delights bring together the nutty richness of brown butter, the warmth of pumpkin spice, and the playful charm of ghost-shaped decorations. Perfect for family gatherings, school parties, or a fun night of Halloween baking, this recipe is designed for anyone who wants to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you’re searching for Halloween cookie recipes that double as edible decorations, these cookies are a showstopper.

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Why These Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Are the Ultimate Halloween Food Treats

Not only are these cookies delicious, but they also fit seamlessly into your list of Halloween food treats. They are soft and chewy, full of fall flavors, and decorated to look like little ghosts. Their versatility makes them perfect for both kids and adults. Kids love the fun shapes, while adults appreciate the depth of flavor that brown butter adds.

Whether you’re planning a Halloween party or simply want to bake something festive with your kids, these ghost cookies are guaranteed to become a yearly tradition.

The Secret to Soft, Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

The magic lies in two key techniques: browning the butter and properly balancing the pumpkin puree. Browning the butter deepens the flavor with nutty, caramelized notes that elevate these beyond standard pumpkin cookies. Pumpkin puree can sometimes make cookies cakey, but this recipe balances it with just the right amount of flour to keep the texture soft and chewy.

The result? A cookie that melts in your mouth while still holding its festive shape.

Ingredients You’ll Need for These Halloween Cookie Recipes

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these hauntingly good cookies:

• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 g) pumpkin puree
• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Mini marshmallows (for ghost decorations)
• White chocolate or royal icing (for ghost covering)
• Mini chocolate chips or black icing (for ghost eyes)

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Bake Ghost Cookies

1. Brown the butter – Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, stirring until golden brown with a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly.
2. Mix wet ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together the browned butter, sugars, egg yolk, vanilla, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
3. Combine dry ingredients – In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.
4. Form the dough – Gradually add dry mixture into wet ingredients until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
5. Bake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
6. Decorate ghosts – While cookies are still warm, press a marshmallow into the center. Let cookies cool, then drizzle melted white chocolate or icing over marshmallows to create ghostly drapes. Add mini chocolate chips for eyes.

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Essential Tools for Halloween Baking Success

• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan for browning butter
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Cooling rack
• Small piping bag (for icing details)

Tips for Perfecting Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

• Don’t skip chilling the dough – This step helps prevent spreading, keeping cookies soft and chewy.
• Use pure pumpkin puree – Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
• Watch the butter carefully – Brown butter can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Remove from heat as soon as it turns golden and fragrant.

Creative Halloween Desserts: Decorating Ghost Cookies

Part of the fun is in the decorating! For variety, try:

• Using colored sprinkles around the base of the ghost for a festive touch.
• Adding edible glitter for sparkle.
• Creating different ghost expressions with icing – some scary, some silly!

These ideas make your cookies as fun to look at as they are to eat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Fall Cookies

• Adding too much pumpkin, which leads to cakey rather than chewy cookies.
• Overbaking – they should look slightly underdone when you take them out.
• Skipping the chilling step – dough that isn’t chilled spreads too thin.

Fun Cookie Flavors and Variations to Try

• Swap pumpkin spice for chai spice for a cozy twist.
• Add white chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness.
• Make them gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

Serving Ideas for Halloween Food Treats

Serve your ghost cookies on a spooky-themed platter surrounded by candy corn, or package them individually in clear bags tied with orange and black ribbons for party favors. Pair with a warm drink like hot cocoa or pumpkin spice cold brew for the ultimate fall treat.

How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Cookies

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Add decorations after thawing for best results.

Pairing Suggestions: What Goes Best with Soft Cookies

These cookies pair beautifully with warm seasonal drinks. Try serving alongside pumpkin cinnamon rolls for brunch, or with apple cider cheesecake for a fall dessert spread.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Halloween Cookie Recipes

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and freeze them without decorations, then thaw and decorate before serving.

Can I use store-bought icing?
Absolutely – royal icing or melted white chocolate both work well.

Can I make these cookies without marshmallows?
Yes, you can simply frost the cookies with ghost faces instead.

📌 Final Thoughts + Call to Action

These Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect combination of festive fun and irresistible flavor. With their soft texture, nutty undertones, and adorable ghostly look, they’ll steal the show at any Halloween gathering.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with friends, pin it to your Halloween baking board, and subscribe for more spooky and seasonal treats!

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