Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies for Halloween Fun

Published: September 2, 2025

by Molly white

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These cookies are easy to prepare, making them perfect for novice bakers or busy parents.
Their rich brown butter flavor complements the sweet pumpkin perfectly—an autumn dream come true!
Visually, they’re adorable with their icing ghosts, bringing festive cheer to any table.
Enjoy them at Halloween parties or as a cozy fall snack; they’re versatile enough for any occasion!

Ingredients for Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

For more inspiration, check out this Easter shortbread cookies recipe.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use about 2 cups for a chewy texture that holds the cookie shape well during baking.
Baking Soda: Just one teaspoon helps these cookies rise and gives them the perfect soft bite.
Salt: A pinch enhances all those lovely flavors coming from the pumpkin and spices.
Cinnamon: One teaspoon adds warmth and depth to your cookies—autumn in spice form!
Nutmeg: Freshly grated is best; it brings an earthy richness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Brown Sugar: About one cup will give your cookies moisture and a rich caramel flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Half a cup balances the sweetness and creates that delightful cookie crust.
Pumpkin Puree: A full cup provides moisture and makes these cookies irresistibly soft.
Egg: One large egg binds everything together while adding richness to the dough.
Unsalted Butter: You’ll need half a cup of brown butter—it’s worth taking time to achieve that nutty flavor!

For the Ghostly Icing:

Powdered Sugar: Two cups create that smooth icing base you’ll need for your ghostly decorations.
Milk: Use about two tablespoons to thin down your icing until it’s pourable but still thick enough to hold shape.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

How to Make Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt half a cup of unsalted butter until it turns golden brown. Stir constantly so it doesn’t burn. This should take about five minutes; enjoy the nutty aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together two cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, half a teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of cinnamon, and half a teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix one cup of pumpkin puree with both sugars—a full cup of brown sugar and half a cup of granulated sugar until combined. Add in your browned butter (let it cool slightly first) and one large egg.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; don’t overmix! The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake in your preheated oven for about ten minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

After baking, let them cool on wire racks while you whip up that ghostly icing!

To make the icing: whisk together two cups of powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies to create cute little ghost faces.

Transfer to plates and watch them vanish faster than you can say “Boo!” Enjoy these Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies at your next Halloween gathering or whenever you’re craving some delicious fall flavors! witch’s cauldron brownies.

You Must Know

These Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies are not just a treat; they bring the essence of fall right to your kitchen.
With their irresistible aroma and flavor, they make the perfect addition to any Halloween gathering or cozy family night.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the butter until it reaches that nutty perfection. While it cools, mix the pumpkin, sugars, and spices. Combine the dry ingredients separately before folding everything together for a smooth batter that will scare away blandness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or even add nuts for a delightful crunch. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to make these cookies truly your own, embracing whatever flavors haunt your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—just enough time to relive that fresh-baked magic without turning into a ghost yourself!

Chef's Helpful Tips

To elevate your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies, ensure your butter is browned properly for maximum flavor.
Use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned for a richer taste.
Let the cookies cool completely before storing them to maintain their texture.

It was Halloween last year when I made these cookies for my neighborhood potluck. They vanished faster than you can say “Boo!” Everyone raved about their unique flavor and fun spooky shapes—they might have even scared off the calories!

FAQs:

What are Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies?

Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful autumn treat that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and brown butter. These cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with a ghostly icing that makes them perfect for Halloween or any festive gathering. fun Halloween dessert idea The unique combination of ingredients creates a rich flavor profile, making these cookies a favorite among pumpkin lovers. They not only look adorable but also taste incredible, making them an ideal dessert for parties.

How do I make the icing for Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies?

To make the icing for Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies, you will need powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth consistency. For the ghostly effect, use a piping bag to create small ghost shapes on top of each cooled cookie. You can add chocolate chips or small candies for eyes to give your ghosts some personality. This simple icing elevates the cookies’ appearance and adds extra sweetness.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies?

Yes, you can substitute certain ingredients in Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies. If you don’t have brown butter, regular melted butter works well too. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk instead of regular milk in the icing. delicious zucchini cookies Additionally, if you’re looking for a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend in place of regular flour. These adjustments can cater to various dietary preferences while still delivering delicious results.

How should I store Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies?

To keep your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them; this will keep them soft and moist longer. For longer storage, freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw before enjoying for the best texture.

Conclusion for Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies:

In summary, Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies are an enchanting treat that captures the essence of fall with their rich flavors and playful design. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing during Halloween festivities or cozy gatherings. With simple ingredient substitutions available, everyone can enjoy these delightful cookies regardless of dietary needs. Try these charming treats today and impress your family and friends with their delightful taste and spooky appearance!

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