Ghost Shortbread Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a Halloween treat that’s both adorable and downright delicious, you’re going to love this Ghost Shortbread Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out — buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread ghosts that you can customize with a little pop of color and cute chocolate chip eyes. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it year after year. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Ghost Shortbread Cookies Recipe is in its simplicity. The ingredients are familiar pantry staples that work together to create a cookie that’s both sturdy enough for shaping and tender enough to practically melt in your mouth. Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll want on hand to get started:

• Butter: I recommend using softened unsalted butter — it creams easily and gives you control over the saltiness.
• Confectioners’ sugar: This gives you a smooth dough and frosting; makes the cookies extra delicate with a hint of sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: The base of your dough; be sure to measure properly by spooning into your cup, not scooping hard.
• Cornstarch: This is my secret weapon for tender shortbread—it adds a lovely crumbly texture.
• Food coloring (optional): Adding some orange and blue tint makes the ghosts stand out, but plain white works perfectly too.
• Milk: Just a splash to help get the frosting silky and pipe-friendly.
• Miniature semisweet chocolate chips: They make the cutest eyes and add a little bittersweet contrast to the sweetness.

Variations

This Ghost Shortbread Cookies Recipe is a blank canvas for creativity. I’ve tried a few fun twists over the years, and you should definitely make it your own! Don’t be afraid to tweak the colors or toppings — it’s all part of the fun.

• Colored Dough: I love tinting half the dough orange and the other half blue for a spooky, colorful tray at parties.
• Flavored Shortbread: Add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the dough for a subtle flavor boost. My family adores almond-flavored ghosts!
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; just keep an eye on dough consistency as you may need to adjust a bit.
• Different Eyes: Instead of chocolate chips, try mini raisins or colored candy dots to make the ghosts extra fun.

How to Make Ghost Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Cornstarch

Start by beating together softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, and cornstarch. I use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, and it takes about 2-3 minutes until everything is blended and fluffy. This step is key — it makes the dough light and tender rather than dense, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Gradually Add in Flour

Carefully add your flour a little at a time, mixing gently. The dough will come together but stay soft — that’s a good sign. If you’re splitting the dough to color it, do so now, then knead in your chosen food coloring until you get the shade you want. I always wear gloves for this to avoid stained hands!

Step 3: Roll Out and Cut Ghost Shapes

On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Don’t roll it too thin or the cookies will be fragile. Use a tulip-shaped cookie cutter about 2 inches wide to cut out each ghost. Place the cutouts about 2 inches apart on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. This spacing prevents them from sticking together as they bake.

Step 4: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake at 325°F for 7-9 minutes. The trick is to catch them just as the bottoms turn a light golden brown — that tells you they’re baked through but still tender on the inside. Overbaking will make them too crisp. Once done, transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Step 5: Make and Pipe Frosting Eyes

While the cookies cool, mix confectioners’ sugar, softened butter, and milk until smooth. This frosting is thick enough to pipe but soft enough to spread gently. Pipe two little dots of frosting for the eyes on each ghost, then press a miniature chocolate chip into each dot while still wet. Let the frosting set completely before handling the cookies to avoid smudges.

How to Serve Ghost Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and classic — just those sweet frosting eyes with chocolate chips. But if you’re feeling festive, sprinkle edible glitter or a little sanding sugar over the ghosts for a magical shimmer. Sometimes I add tiny orange or blue candy sprinkles to tie in with the dough colors — it always makes guests smile.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm drink. I often serve them alongside a big mug of hot cocoa or a spiced chai latte. For a party, consider a Halloween-themed punch or even cold apple cider — the shortbread’s buttery sweetness balances the tang and spice perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

At our Halloween gatherings, I’ve arranged these ghosts standing upright in a glass jar, poking out like spooky little specters. For kids’ parties, placing them on a platter around a carved pumpkin centerpiece is a big hit. And if you want to gift some, stack them in a clear box tied with a ribbon for an irresistible homemade treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Ghost Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They usually last beautifully for up to a week, but honestly, they rarely stick around that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead, both baked cookies and dough freeze well. For cookies, freeze on a baking sheet until solid before transferring to a freezer bag to keep their shape intact. For dough, wrap it tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and cutting.

Reheating

Since shortbread is best enjoyed fresh, I usually serve leftovers cold or at room temp. But if you like that fresh-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds — just enough to soften it slightly without melting the frosting eyes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ghost Shortbread Cookies Recipe is a favorite in my kitchen because it combines simplicity with that special touch of festive fun. When I first made these, I was amazed at how such basic ingredients could turn into charming little ghosts that disappear faster than you can say “trick or treat.” I hope you enjoy making and sharing these cookies as much as I do — they’re truly a delightful treat that brings a smile to any occasion. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start baking these charming ghosts today!

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