Spooky Ghost Sugar Cookies Recipe: Easy Halloween Treats
BOO! Get ready for festive fun with our Spooky Ghost Sugar Cookies recipe! It’s quick to prepare and takes about 2 hours to make 24 cookies. These cookies are light and easy to decorate, perfect for beginners.
They’re great for Halloween parties or fun activities with kids. These treats capture the spirit of the season.
Why Choose Ghost Sugar Cookies for Halloween?
Ghost sugar cookies are a fun choice for Halloween. They look like ghosts and are loved by kids and adults. You can decorate them in many ways to make them special.
Making these cookies is a great activity for families. You need simple ingredients like flour, butter, and sugar. You can even add chocolate chips or raisins for eyes. This makes the cookies even more fun.
These cookies are easy to store. You can freeze them for months or keep them at room temperature for weeks. This is great for parties because you can prepare them ahead of time. Plus, decorating them can be done at any time, adding to the fun.
Ingredients for Ghost Sugar Cookies
To make spooky ghost sugar cookies, you need the right stuff. This includes the cookie dough and the icing. These parts make a treat that’s fun for everyone. Let’s look at what you’ll need.
For the Cookie Dough
The cookie dough is the base of your spooky treats. You’ll need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup softened butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Sugar Cookie Icing
The icing makes your ghost cookies look and taste great. You’ll need:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup milk (adjust for desired thickness)
- ¼ teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
- Black food coloring for decorating ghost faces
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make tasty ghost sugar cookies. Mix them up and watch your spooky treats come to life!
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Ghost Sugar Cookies
Making spooky ghost sugar cookies is fun. Follow these steps to make cookies from scratch. Start by making the Cookie Dough. Then, roll and cut the dough into shapes.
Preparing the Cookie Dough
First, get all the ingredients ready. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another, mix butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add the egg, milk, and vanilla. Mix until everything is well combined. Then, add the flour mix to make a dough. Shape it into a disk, wrap it, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Rolling and Cutting the Cookies
After chilling, preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thick.
Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Re-roll scraps as needed. Place the cookies on the baking sheets, leaving space between them. Freeze the cookies for 15 minutes before baking.
Or, if you’re in a “pinch” and don’t have a ghost-shaped cutter, you could make classic circular cookies, then use your fingers to press in one edge of the cookie a couple times so that shape is more like a Pac Man shaped ghost. Get creative!
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until edges are golden. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.
Tips for Perfectly Shaped Ghost Sugar Cookies
Creating perfectly shaped ghost sugar cookies makes them look and taste great. Start by chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep the shape while baking.
Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick. This makes the cookies sturdy. After cutting, freeze them for 15 minutes to keep their shape.
Bake the cookies for 8 to 12 minutes. Watch them until they’re golden brown around the edges.
To avoid breaking the arms of your ghost cookies, handle them carefully. If they break, melted chocolate or royal icing can fix them. Use melted chocolate or black candy melts for eyes and mouths. White chocolate or icing works well for details.
Try making other Halloween shapes like eyeballs and pumpkins. They’re fun and fit the holiday theme. Let the cookies cool before icing for a clean look.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Chill the Dough | Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. |
| Thickness | Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick. |
| Freeze Cut Cookies | Freeze for 15 minutes before baking. |
| Repair Breaks | Use melted chocolate or royal icing. |
| Cooling Time | Let cookies cool completely before decorating. |
Follow these tips for ghost sugar cookies that look and taste amazing. Enjoy baking and seeing your creations come to life.
Techniques for Decorating Ghost Sugar Cookies
Decorating Ghost Cookies is fun, especially with the right techniques. First, make sure your icing is just right. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but still spread smoothly.
Start by tracing the edges of your cookies with medium flood royal icing. Then, fill the center with thinner icing for a smooth look. Wait at least 20 minutes for this layer to dry before adding details.
Use a small fan or dehydrator on low to speed up drying. This makes decorating faster. For bright colors, use gel food coloring with royal icing. Use small tips for details and a big tip for wide strokes.
Practice designs on paper before decorating cookies. Try different patterns to make each cookie special. Here’s a table of tools and their uses:
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Scribe Tool | For detailing and adjusting icing |
| Piping Bags | For applying icing with precision |
| Disposable Frosting Bags | Convenient for quick color changes |
| Halloween Sprinkles | For adding textures and visual flair |
With these techniques and tools, your Ghost Cookies will be a hit at any Halloween party.
How to Store Your Ghost Sugar Cookies
Keeping your Ghost Sugar Cookies fresh is key. For a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay yummy for 3 to 4 days. This is great for enjoying them right away.
To freeze your cookies, chill them in the freezer for 30 minutes first. This sets the icing. Then, put them in an airtight freezer bag. This keeps them good for up to 3 months.
Remember, cookies with royal icing shouldn’t go in the fridge. Store them in a cool, dry place. They stay fresh for about 5 days in a sealed container.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airtight container (Room temperature) | 3-4 days | Ideal for immediate enjoyment |
| Freezer (Airtight bag) | Up to 3 months | Chill before freezing to maintain icing quality |
| Airtight container (Royal icing cookies) | About 5 days | Do not refrigerate |
| Royal icing (Room temperature) | Up to 2 weeks | Keep in airtight container |
By following these tips, your Ghost Sugar Cookies will stay fresh and tasty. They’ll be a hit with everyone during Halloween.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Ghost Sugar Cookies
Ghost sugar cookies are great for Halloween. You can give them out as party favors. Put one in a clear bag with a colorful ribbon. It’s a fun surprise for everyone.
Make your dessert table look amazing with ghost cookies. Mix them with cupcakes and candy corn. It shows off your baking and looks great.
Make edible gifts with ghost cookies. Put a few in a festive box. Give them out at parties or to neighbors. It’s a nice way to share the Halloween spirit.
Have fun decorating cookies with your friends or family. Let everyone get creative. It’s a great way to spend time together and enjoy cookies.
Try pairing ghost cookies with special drinks. Pumpkin spice lattes or spooky punch are great. It makes your Halloween party even more fun.
| Creative Ideas | Description |
|---|---|
| Party Favors | Wrap cookies individually and share as memorable gifts. |
| Dessert Table | Display cookies alongside other Halloween treats for a striking showcase. |
| Edible Gifts | Package cookies in festive boxes to share with friends and neighbors. |
| Craft Project | Engage with family or friends in decorating cookies together. |
| Themed Pairings | Match cookies with festive drinks for an enhanced celebration. |
Alternative Variations of Ghost Sugar Cookies
Ghost sugar cookies open a world of fun. You can make them for different diets and tastes.
Gluten-Free Options
Want ghost sugar cookies without gluten? Try gluten-free flour. King Arthur’s 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour works great. It keeps the cookies tasty and soft.
Gluten-free cookies mean everyone can enjoy Halloween treats.
Flavor Variations
Make ghost sugar cookies your own with different flavors. Try almond extract instead of vanilla. Or add cinnamon or citrus zest for a new taste.
Final Thoughts on Ghost Sugar Cookies
Ghost sugar cookies are a hit for Halloween. They’re fun to make and decorate. You can use different colors of royal icing to make them stand out.
These cookies are easy to make and fun to decorate. You can use cookie cutters from Copper Gifts. Let your cookies dry well before adding details.
Ghost sugar cookies are a great way to enjoy Halloween. Super fun to share — either during the baking process, or afterward when you’re eating the whole plate!
