These ghost cookies are a Halloween hit! They’re simple to make, with just a few ingredients, but look impressively spooky on a dessert spread. Each cookie features a gooey marshmallow, draped in icing for a ghostly effect, making them ideal for a kid-friendly Halloween treat. Perfect for parties, these cookies add a bit of edible fun to your holiday festivities. Whether for a family gathering or a spooky snack, these ghost cookies are sure to bring smiles (and maybe a few playful scares) to everyone around the table!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 175g icing sugar
- 1 x 200g pack chocolate chunk cookies
- 9 marshmallows (regular size)
- Black writing icing
Directions:
- Sift the icing sugar into a large bowl and mix in 5 teaspoons of water until the icing is thick but pourable.
- Arrange the cookies on a sheet of baking paper or a wooden board.
- One at a time, dip the bottom of each marshmallow into the icing and press it onto the center of a cookie to secure it.
- Using a spoon, drizzle the white icing over each marshmallow, allowing it to flow onto the cookie and down the sides slightly to form a ghostly shape.
- Once set, use black writing icing to create ghostly eyes and a mouth on each marshmallow.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes, plus setting time
Kcal: 219 kcal per cookie | Servings: 9 cookies
Why Ghost Cookies are the Best Halloween Treat
This recipe is more than just a cookie; it’s a complete Halloween experience that combines flavor, aesthetics, and an easy-to-follow process. One of the biggest benefits of ghost cookies is that they don’t require advanced baking skills or special equipment. You start with pre-made cookies, which saves time, and then use a simple mixture of icing sugar and water to create a thick, ghostly icing. The marshmallows add a fluffy and slightly chewy texture, contrasting with the crunchiness of the cookies beneath.
Kid-Friendly and Perfect for Families
Because ghost cookies involve straightforward, hands-on steps, they’re a great recipe for kids. Children can dip the marshmallows into the icing, place them on cookies, and even create their own ghost faces using the black icing pen. This level of involvement keeps kids engaged and adds a creative element that allows them to express themselves. Making ghost cookies can quickly become a family Halloween tradition, bringing everyone together for a fun activity that ends with delicious treats.
Perfect for Parties and Gatherings
These cookies are designed to delight a crowd. Their whimsical design is a conversation starter, and the treats are easy to transport to gatherings. With a batch of ghost cookies, you’ll instantly have an eye-catching addition to any Halloween dessert table or snack spread. Plus, ghost cookies are an ideal balance between sweetness and size, providing a satisfying bite without being overwhelming—ideal for a mix-and-match dessert selection.
Customizable and Adaptable to Preferences
One of the best aspects of ghost cookies is their flexibility. Though the recipe calls for classic chocolate chunk cookies, you can substitute with your favorite cookie base, such as oatmeal, peanut butter, or even ginger snaps. Additionally, the thickness of the icing can be adjusted depending on how you want the ghosts to look: a thicker icing will create a solid, white covering, while a slightly thinner icing gives a more transparent, eerie look. The black icing faces can be customized too, giving each ghost a unique expression, from spooky to silly.
Healthier Options and Adaptations
For those interested in a lighter or allergen-friendly option, this recipe can be adapted. Consider using gluten-free cookies or opting for low-sugar marshmallows to create a healthier version of this sweet treat. While the original ghost cookies may not be low-calorie due to the icing and marshmallows, using portion control with smaller cookies is a simple way to make this treat more health-conscious. Using dark chocolate or organic icing ingredients can also add a nutritional boost.
Visual and Sensory Appeal
Beyond taste, ghost cookies are a feast for the eyes. The white icing flows over the marshmallow in a way that resembles the classic ghostly look, perfect for Halloween themes. The marshmallows add a soft, fluffy texture, while the icing hardens slightly, giving each bite a mix of chewy and crunchy sensations. This combination of textures is one of the reasons ghost cookies are so enjoyable, satisfying both visual appeal and flavor with each bite.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips
For a memorable presentation, consider placing the ghost cookies on a black platter or decorating the serving area with Halloween-themed items like mini pumpkins, cobwebs, or plastic spiders. If you’re hosting a Halloween party, you could create a “ghostly graveyard” theme by arranging the cookies on crushed chocolate biscuits or edible soil to resemble a spooky scene. Adding edible glitter or small candies as “eyes” can also elevate the cookies, giving them a whimsical, enchanted touch.
A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite with Timeless Appeal
Over the years, ghost cookies have remained a popular Halloween treat because they combine simplicity with visual impact. Unlike some Halloween recipes that are intricate or time-consuming, ghost cookies are easy and fast to make, appealing to both novice bakers and seasoned pros. They’re also adaptable to all ages and are as much fun to make as they are to eat.
Tips for Making the Perfect Ghost Cookies
To make sure each cookie looks spooky and cute, here are a few tips:
- Adjust Icing Consistency: If the icing is too thin, add a little more icing sugar; if it’s too thick, add a drop of water at a time until you reach the right consistency.
- Use Room-Temperature Cookies: This will help the icing set evenly, as cold cookies can make the icing harden too quickly.
- Experiment with Ghost Faces: Make each ghost unique with various facial expressions—try “scared,” “smiling,” “surprised,” or even “frowning” faces for extra fun.
- Allow Time for Setting: Make sure to give the cookies time to set fully so that the icing doesn’t smudge. If you’re making these treats for a party, prepare them a few hours ahead for the best results.
Conclusion
Ghost cookies are an easy, versatile, and crowd-pleasing treat that brings the spirit of Halloween to life. Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity, an eye-catching party dessert, or a quick and easy Halloween recipe, these cookies are the perfect choice. Not only do they offer a balance of textures and flavors, but they also leave room for creativity, making them as delightful to make as they are to eat. With their simple ingredients and foolproof steps, ghost cookies are a must-try treat that will make any Halloween gathering both sweet and spooky.
Print
Ghost Cookies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
These ghost cookies are a Halloween hit! They’re simple to make, with just a few ingredients, but look impressively spooky on a dessert spread. Each cookie features a gooey marshmallow, draped in icing for a ghostly effect, making them ideal for a kid-friendly Halloween treat. Perfect for parties, these cookies add a bit of edible fun to your holiday festivities. Whether for a family gathering or a spooky snack, these ghost cookies are sure to bring smiles (and maybe a few playful scares) to everyone around the table!
Ingredients
- 175g icing sugar
- 1 x 200g pack chocolate chunk cookies
- 9 marshmallows (regular size)
- Black writing icing
Instructions
- Sift the icing sugar into a large bowl and mix in 5 teaspoons of water until the icing is thick but pourable.
- Arrange the cookies on a sheet of baking paper or a wooden board.
- One at a time, dip the bottom of each marshmallow into the icing and press it onto the center of a cookie to secure it.
- Using a spoon, drizzle the white icing over each marshmallow, allowing it to flow onto the cookie and down the sides slightly to form a ghostly shape.
- Once set, use black writing icing to create ghostly eyes and a mouth on each marshmallow.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
