DESSERTS

Ghost Sugar Cookies: 7 Simply Perfect Bites

by basmer

31 de August de 2025

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Ghost Sugar Cookies have become my absolute favorite Halloween tradition! There’s something so fun and whimsical about these sweet, soft cookies, especially when you see the little chocolate chip eyes looking back at you. I remember making a batch with my niece last year, and the whole kitchen filled with the warm, comforting scent of vanilla and almond as they baked. We giggled so much trying to get the perfect ghost shapes and spooky faces. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re little edible ghosts ready to haunt your taste buds in the best way possible. Get ready to make some truly memorable Halloween ghost cookies that everyone will adore. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Ghost Sugar Cookies

You’re going to adore making and eating these spooky treats! They’re perfect for any Halloween gathering or just a fun afternoon baking session.

Incredibly soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
The simple cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tangy sweetness.
They are surprisingly easy ghost sugar cookies to make, even for beginners.
The ghost shape is universally loved and totally festive.
Customizable with different candies for eyes and even other spooky decorations.
This is a truly fantastic and easy ghost sugar cookies recipe that kids can help with.
They look absolutely adorable on any Halloween dessert table.
The subtle almond extract adds a unique, delicious flavor twist.

Ingredients for Ghost Sugar Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these adorable ghost shaped sugar cookies. This recipe is straightforward, and the ingredients are common pantry staples.

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour – the base for our cookie dough
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookies rise slightly
1 teaspoon cream of tartar – essential for a tender crumb and bright white color
1 cup butter, softened – provides richness and helps bind the dough
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar – for sweetness and a smooth texture
1 egg – acts as a binder and adds moisture
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that classic sweet flavor
1/2 teaspoon almond extract – gives these cookies a special, slightly spooky twist
For Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened – creates a wonderfully tangy and creamy frosting
3 cups powdered sugar – for a sweet, smooth frosting consistency
For Eyes:
Chocolate chips or raisins – the perfect little accents for our ghost cookies!

How to Make Ghost Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon cream of tartar. This dry mix is crucial for the cookie’s structure.
Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream together 1 cup butter, softened, and 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key to a tender cookie.
Step 4: Beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract until everything is well combined and fragrant. The aroma is already delightful!
Step 5: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until a soft dough just begins to form. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Divide the dough into two portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is vital for easy handling and clean cuts when you start how to make ghost sugar cookies.
Step 7: Once chilled, take one portion of dough out. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Step 8: Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your shapes. Carefully place the cut cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 9: Bake for approximately 7 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just begin to turn a very light golden color. The centers should still look soft.
Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Rushing this step can cause them to break.
Step 11: While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. Blend 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, with 3 cups powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 12: Once the cookies are totally cool, spread a generous amount of the cream cheese frosting over each one. This is where your ghost sugar cookies really start to come alive!
Step 13: For the final touch on these Halloween ghost cookies, press chocolate chips or raisins into the frosting to create cute little eyes. And that’s how to make ghost sugar cookies!

Spooky Ghost Sugar Cookie Decorating Ideas

Once your cookies are baked and cooled, it’s time for the fun part: decorating! These tips will elevate your ghost sugar cookies from simple shapes to truly spooky masterpieces.

Eyes: Chocolate chips are classic, but mini M&Ms, black sprinkles, or even small dots of black icing work wonderfully for eyes.
Mouths: A simple V-shape made with black icing or a small candy can create a friendly or slightly startled expression.
Blush: A tiny dab of pink food coloring mixed with a bit of frosting can add a cute blush to your ghosts’ cheeks.
Sparkle: For a touch of magic, dust your frosted cookies with edible glitter or colored sanding sugar before the frosting sets.
Edible Markers: Use food-safe edible markers to draw on more intricate details like eyebrows or even little boo speech bubbles!

What’s the secret to perfect Ghost Sugar Cookies?

The key to the best ghost sugar cookie recipe lies in chilling the dough thoroughly. This prevents spreading, ensuring your ghost shapes stay defined and your cookies have that delightful soft texture. For more baking tips, check out these last recipes.

Can I make Ghost Sugar Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them just before serving for the freshest look.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ghost Sugar Cookies?

Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can make the cookies tough. Also, be careful not to overbake; they should be pale around the edges to stay soft and chewy. Learn more about avoiding common baking mistakes on how to brine chicken, which can also affect texture.

Best Ways to Serve Ghost Sugar Cookies

These adorable ghost sugar cookies are versatile and perfect for any Halloween occasion! They’re not just for parties; they make a delightful treat any time you need a little spooky fun.

Party Platters: Arrange these cookies on a festive Halloween platter alongside other spooky treats like pumpkin brownies or candy corn bark. They are perfect for sugar cookies for Halloween ghosts gatherings.
Lunchbox Surprise: Pack one or two in your child’s lunchbox for a fun midday surprise that’s sure to bring a smile.
Dessert Bar Feature: Make them the star of your dessert bar, perhaps paired with a creamy vanilla milkshake or a warm apple cider for a cozy autumnal feel.

Nutrition Facts for Ghost Sugar Cookies

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for each of these delightful ghost sugar cookies, making them a fun and manageable treat for your Halloween celebrations.

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 160
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 70mg
Cholesterol: 25mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy eating tips, consider exploring resources on foods to eat less of.

How to Store and Reheat Ghost Sugar Cookies

Keeping your spooky creations fresh is simple! Properly storing these decorated ghost sugar cookies ensures they stay soft and delicious for your Halloween festivities.

Cool Completely: Always let your frosted cookies cool entirely on a wire rack before storing. Warm cookies will create condensation, making them soggy.
Airtight Container: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. If you have many, you can layer them with parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigerator Storage: For short-term storage, keep the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is especially handy if your frosting contains cream cheese.
Freezer Storage: You can freeze unfrosted ghost sugar cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap, then in foil. For frosted cookies, freeze them for about an hour until the frosting is firm, then wrap and freeze.
Reheating: To reheat frozen cookies, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. If they seem a little dry after thawing, you can briefly warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes, or until just warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ghost Sugar Cookies

Got questions about making these spooky treats? I’ve got answers to help you create the most adorable and delicious ghost sugar cookies!

What makes these ghost sugar cookies so soft?

The combination of cream cheese in the frosting and not overbaking the cookies is key to their softness. Chilling the dough also helps prevent them from spreading too much, maintaining that lovely, tender texture.

Can I use a different frosting for my ghost sugar cookies?

Absolutely! While the cream cheese frosting is delicious, you can use a simple buttercream or even a royal icing for decorating. Just make sure it dries firm if you plan to stack your cute ghost sugar cookies.

How do I get clean ghost shapes?

The secret is well-chilled dough! Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, and dip your ghost sugar cookie cutter in flour between each cut. Work quickly so the dough doesn’t warm up too much. If you’re looking for other baking inspiration, try these easy chocolate chip cookies.

Can I make these ghost sugar cookies dairy-free?

You can adapt the recipe by using a dairy-free butter substitute and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting. Ensure your chocolate chips or raisins are also dairy-free if needed.

Ghostly Sugar Cookie Recipe Variations You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic ghost sugar cookies, why not have some fun with variations? These ideas can add a new twist to your Halloween baking, whether you’re looking for dietary options or new flavor profiles.

Gluten-Free Ghosts: Swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, but you’ll still get wonderfully soft, ghostly iced sugar cookies.
Lemon Zest Zing: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough along with the extracts. This bright citrus flavor pairs surprisingly well with the almond and vanilla, giving your ghosts a refreshing kick.
Spicy Cinnamon Swirl: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for autumn.
Mini Ghosts: Use a mini ghost cookie cutter. These smaller versions bake up faster, usually in about 5-6 minutes, and are perfect for little hands or as cupcake toppers.