Last October, I made a batch of ghost cookies just for fun. I wasn’t planning anything fancy, just a quiet Halloween night with warm cider, a candle or two, and my favorite horror movies. But then, I had a few unexpected guests (costumes and all), and those cookies? Gone in under ten minutes. There’s something about a soft sugar cookie, gooey marshmallow, and sweet white chocolate that turns spooky into delicious. Ever since that night, these ghost cookies have become my signature Halloween treat. They’re fun, playful, and just the right amount of spooky, perfect for kids, adults, and even the neighbor who “doesn’t really do Halloween.”
The Best Halloween Cookie? It’s Definitely These Ghosts
Ghost cookies are the perfect mix of creepy and cute. You start with a soft-baked cookie, press on a marshmallow “head,” and pour warm white chocolate over the top. The melted chocolate flows like a ghostly sheet, and when it hardens, you get the perfect little ghost sitting on your cookie. Add a face with mini chocolate chips or edible food markers, and boom, instant Halloween magic.
These cookies are easy enough for kids to help with, but still impressive enough to bring to a Halloween potluck or class party. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing better than watching a tray of ghost cookies disappear.
Tips to Make Ghost Cookies a Spooky Success
Want your ghost cookies to look just right? Use a no-spread sugar cookie base. Chilling the dough before baking helps keep the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. You want a thick, round base to hold the marshmallow.
Once the cookies come out of the oven, press the marshmallows on while they’re still warm. This helps them stick better and gives the ghost a more melted, spooky vibe. When you drizzle the white chocolate, let it flow over naturally, don’t stress about perfection. Ghosts are supposed to be messy!
For more fall-flavored inspiration, check out our banana chocolate chip cookies or these rich Oreo brownies. They’re all part of our cozy, bake-it-yourself Halloween lineup.
🎃 Ghost Cookies Recipe (Makes 20 cookies)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 20 regular marshmallows
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips or candy melts
- Mini chocolate chips or edible marker for faces
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add to wet ingredients. Mix until dough forms.
- Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading.
- Scoop and roll dough into 1.5-inch balls. Place on baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are just golden. Do not overbake.
- Immediately press a marshmallow into the center of each warm cookie.
- Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
- Spoon melted chocolate over the marshmallows, letting it drip down the sides like a ghost’s cloak.
- Add faces while the chocolate is still warm, use mini chocolate chips or draw on cooled ghosts with edible markers.
- Let cookies set completely at room temperature or chill for 10 minutes in the fridge.
These ghost cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days but trust me, they won’t last that long.