Spooky Ghost Pumpkin Cookies: Easy Halloween Treat!

It’s almost Halloween! The kids are buzzing, costumes are (almost) ready, and I’m trying to make it magical. My secret weapon? Baking spooky ghost pumpkin cookies! This recipe is more than just ingredients; it’s about memories and embracing the chaos of family life.

My first attempt resulted in slightly burnt, lopsided pumpkin blobs. But the kids loved them! Now, these imperfectly perfect spooky ghost pumpkin cookies are a tradition. They might not be beautiful, but they’re made with love (and pumpkin spice!).

We are kitchen warriors, and we are in this together! So grab your aprons, preheat those ovens, and let’s get spooky with these easy pumpkin cookie recipe ideas!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need for these adorable spooky ghost pumpkin cookies. This ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This is your base. Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: This gives our cookies a nice, light lift.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder for the perfect texture.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gotta have that warm, cozy spice!
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a little extra something-something.
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: For that classic pumpkin spice flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s nice and soft so it creams well with the sugar.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and that perfect cookie chew.
• ½ cup pumpkin puree: Not pumpkin pie filling! Just plain ol’ pumpkin.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and sweetness.
• Royal Icing: For decorating our spooky ghost pumpkin cookies.
• Food Coloring: For the royal icing

No worries if you’re missing nutmeg or ginger – I’ve skipped it before! I stock up on baking essentials when they’re on sale. My family loves extra cinnamon in these spooky ghost pumpkin cookies, it makes them extra cozy!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Ready to transform these ingredients into delightful spooky ghost pumpkin cookies? Here’s how it all goes down in my chaotic kitchen!

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside to ensure even distribution in our spooky ghost pumpkin cookies!
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little curdled – it’ll come together.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading. This spooky ghost pumpkin cookies dough needs to chill – laundry time!
7. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out ghost and pumpkin shapes. The kids love this part!
8. Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Your spooky ghost pumpkin cookies should smell amazing!
9. Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with royal icing. This spooky ghost pumpkin cookies project is fun for the whole family!

I used to mess up my spooky ghost pumpkin cookies by not chilling the dough enough. Learn from my mistake! Also, while your spooky ghost pumpkin cookies are baking, pour yourself some coffee. You earned it! This spooky ghost pumpkin cookies recipe usually takes about an hour, including chilling time.

How We Love to Eat This!

These spooky ghost pumpkin cookies are a hit in our house! The kids devour these spooky ghost pumpkin cookies with milk, or packed as a Halloween treat. For a fun presentation, arrange the spooky ghost pumpkin cookies on a platter with candy corn.

One year, I made a big batch of spooky ghost pumpkin cookies for my son’s school party, and they were gone in minutes! This spooky ghost pumpkin cookies reminds me of another family favorite, our Pumpkin French Toast Roll Ups.

Store any leftover spooky ghost pumpkin cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. For a seasonal twist, try a sprinkle of sea salt. My friend Sarah tried the spooky ghost pumpkin cookies and loved them!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Got questions about making these spooky ghost pumpkin cookies? I’m here to help! Here are some common concerns from fellow moms:

• Can my picky eater handle this spooky ghost pumpkin cookies? Surprisingly, yes! The pumpkin flavor is subtle. Try adding chocolate chips.
• What if I burn my spooky ghost pumpkin cookies? (Asking for a friend…) Scrape off the burnt parts, or chalk it up to learning and try again!
• Can I make this spooky ghost pumpkin cookies ahead? Yes! Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days, or bake and freeze the cookies.
• My royal icing is too runny! What do I do? Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time.
• Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or whole wheat flour. The texture may vary.
• What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice? Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, or just use cinnamon.
• My kids want to help! What’s the best way to get them involved? Let them measure, mix, cut, and decorate! Be prepared for a little mess.

For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out our recipes for homemade spiced pumpkin butter and pumpkin chai cinnamon rolls!

Final Thoughts:

These spooky ghost pumpkin cookies are more than just a treat; they’re Halloween magic. It’s about the memories we create baking together. These easy pumpkin cookie recipe ideas make everything easier, right?

Here are a few of my favorite spooky ghost pumpkin cookies Mom Hacks:

• Prep Ahead: Make the dough the night before.
• Cookie Cutter Hack: Use a knife for shapes if you don’t have cutters.
• Icing Shortcut: Use store-bought royal icing.

Here are a few family-tested spooky ghost pumpkin cookies variations:

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips.
• Cream Cheese Frosted Pumpkin Cookies: Top with cream cheese frosting.
• Spiced Pumpkin Cookies with Nuts: Add ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

I hope you enjoy making these spooky ghost pumpkin cookies! Don’t be afraid to get creative. Remember, it’s about creating memories and having fun. If you are feeling a little lost, here’s a recipe for delicious spooky pumpkin cookies recipe for fall , or maybe this one for halloween decorated pumpkin cookies that might spark new ideas! This recipe for Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies might also be helpful!

Happy baking, fellow kitchen warriors! And remember, even if your spooky ghost pumpkin cookies look a little wonky, they’ll still taste amazing!

 

Print