Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love how this Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Recipe combines the cozy flavors of pumpkin and brown butter with a fun, festive twist. These cookies are perfect for Halloween, fall parties, or just when you want a bite of something spooky and sweet that kids and adults both adore. I discovered this recipe when I wanted to bake something that looked impressive but was actually super simple to pull off.

What makes this Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Recipe stand out isn’t just the rich, chewy pumpkin cookie base—it’s the whimsical ghost decoration made from white and black chocolate that really steals the show. When you make these, you’ll find that the method of dragging the white chocolate to create ghost shapes is easier than it looks, thanks to a neat little trick I picked up along the way. Plus, your kitchen will smell incredible while these bake!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients work beautifully together to give you that soft pumpkin cookie base with a buttery richness, then topped with festive chocolate ghosts that everyone will love. Here’s a quick overview before you bake your batch!

• Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies: These are the foundation—make sure to follow the base recipe closely for the perfect chewy texture.
• White Chocolate: I prefer good-quality melting wafers for smooth, easy-to-mold ghost shapes without cracking.
• Black Candy Melts: These are perfect for piping the eyes and mouth of the ghosts—melts evenly and holds its shape well.
• Piping Bag: Using a piping bag (or a ziplock with a small cut tip) helps you get precise eyes and mouths on each ghost.
• Medium Cookie Scoop: To get evenly sized cookies that bake consistently.
• Light Colored Baking Pans: They help you monitor the cookies so they don’t over-brown and keep that soft, chewy center.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the crowd. Sometimes I add mix-ins or tweak the decorations to keep this Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Recipe fresh and fun. Feel free to make it your own!

• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or extra cinnamon to the cookie dough gives it a warming kick that my spice-loving friends rave about.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free chocolate melts and coconut oil instead of butter in the cookies for a vegan-friendly twist.
• Mini Ghost Cookies: Scoop smaller cookies and decorate tiny ghosts on top for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties.
• Colored Ghosts: Try using pastel-colored candy melts instead of plain white chocolate for a unique look that’s still festive but less traditional.

How to Make Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

Get your pumpkin cookie dough ready and scoop it onto light-colored baking pans using a medium cookie scoop for uniform size. Bake these according to the original brown butter pumpkin cookie recipe instructions until just set and lightly golden around the edges. Once baked, the secret is to let them cool completely before decorating—warm cookies will melt your chocolate decorations and turn your ghosts into a gooey mess.

Step 2: Create the White Chocolate Ghosts

Melt your white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 15 seconds until silky smooth (I love using Ghirardelli melting wafers for this). Place a small dollop of melted white chocolate on each cooled cookie. Then, take the back of a small spoon and gently drag it down to form the ghost’s flowing tail. The trick I learned: use very light pressure to avoid lifting cookie crumbs and ensure a smooth, even ghost shape. If you want, practice this dragging motion on parchment paper first—it really helps build confidence before working on the actual cookies.

Step 3: Add the Ghost’s Eyes and Mouth

While the white chocolate hardens, melt the black candy melts in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between to keep the texture smooth. Fill a piping bag with the melted black candy, snip a tiny corner, and pipe two small dots for eyes and a little mouth on each ghost. Take your time here—it’s the personality in the little details that really makes these cookies come alive! Let these decorations dry completely before moving or stacking.

How to Serve Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just the ghost faces themselves—they’re so charming on their own! But sometimes I add a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a sprinkle of edible glitter to give them an extra festive sparkle that my guests absolutely love.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair amazingly with warm drinks like spiced chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or a cozy cup of hot apple cider. I often serve them alongside a little cheese board for fall gatherings—the sweet and savory combo is a crowd-pleaser every time.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way I serve these is on a Halloween-themed platter surrounded by mini pumpkins and autumn leaves for that seasonal vibe. For kids’ parties, I’ve also set up a “decorate-your-own-ghost” station allowing little hands to pipe eyes and mouths, turning this into an interactive activity everyone enjoys.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—they stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days. I like to layer parchment paper between them to avoid the chocolate decorations from sticking or smudging.

Freezing

You can freeze the plain baked cookies before decorating for up to 3 months. Just thaw them fully before adding the white and black chocolate decorations to keep everything looking fresh and tidy.

Reheating

If you want a freshly baked taste, I warm the cookies in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave here since it can melt your adorable ghost decorations.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Recipe is truly one of my favorites to bake during the fall season—it’s a delightful mix of cozy flavors and playful decoration that appeals to everyone. Giving these cookies a try feels like sharing a little Halloween magic right from your own kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as my family and I do; I promise they’re as fun to make as they are to nibble!

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