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There’s something truly magical about the fall season—each crunchy leaf and crisp breeze carries whispers of warmth and coziness. One of my all-time favorite moments is when I stumbled upon the delightful recipe for Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies. Picture this: golden-brown, chewy cookies kissed with the nutty aroma of brown butter, and just a hint of pumpkin spice swirling around my kitchen as they baked. The scent filled the house, as comforting as a hug from your favorite blanket.

I remember the first batch I made for Halloween, a gathering of friends, laughter ringing through the warm air, and these cookies becoming the stars of the show. Everyone couldn’t resist their deliciousness! They’re not only a treat to admire, with their playful ghostly designs, but they’re a sensational bite of flavor, too. I guarantee once you try these, you’ll feel the same festive spirit they’ve ignited in me!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and fun!
Quick Prep Time: Get these cookies in the oven in no time, perfect for last-minute gatherings!
Flavor Packed: The brown butter brings a cozy, nutty depth, while pumpkin spice makes them an absolute fall favorite.
Crowd-Pleasing Fun: They look just as adorable as they taste, ensuring smiles all around.
Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to fit your flavor preferences!

Ingredients

1 batch Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies by Butternut Bakery: The base of our deliciousness! Brown butter elevates these cookies with rich, nutty notes that pair beautifully with pumpkin.
White chocolate: This is what gives the ghostly appearance! Perfectly melts to create that silky, smooth finish.
Black candy melts: What’s a ghost without its haunting features? Add fun expressions to your treats!
Piping bag: This handy tool allows you to create those adorable ghost shapes and delicate details with ease!
Medium cookie scoop: For consistent sizes—because who wants a tiny ghost when you can have a slightly spooky one?
Light-colored baking pans: They promote even baking, helping your cookies achieve that perfect golden color.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Bake the Pumpkin Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. The warm, almost caramel-like scent of baking cookies is about to fill your home, and I can’t wait for you to experience it!
Using the recipe for Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies, scoop your dough onto the prepared baking sheets, placing them a couple of inches apart.
Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. As they bake, relish in the cozy aroma of pumpkin and spice wafting through your kitchen.
Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack—trust me, the ghostly decoration will be much easier that way!

Melt the White Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your white chocolate according to the package instructions. Keep an eye on it, stirring every 30 seconds until it’s smooth and creamy.
Spoon a small dollop of melted white chocolate onto the center of each cooled cookie. Your kitchen should be smelling heavenly right about now!
Using the back of a small spoon, gently apply light pressure and drag downwards to create an adorable ghost shape. Take a moment to practice on a piece of parchment paper if you’d like!

Add the Eyes and Mouth

Allow the white chocolate ghost bodies to harden completely—this usually takes about 10 minutes.
Melt the black candy melts in a microwave-safe container until smooth, then pour into your piping bag (or a ziplock bag with a tiny tip cut off).
Pipe small dots for the eyes and mouth on each ghost. This is where your artistic flair comes in—feel free to have fun with different expressions!
Allow the candy melts to fully dry, and voila—your spooky ghosts are ready to be devoured!

Pro Tips for Success

Keep your workspace clean as you work to avoid a sticky situation (we all know how chocolate can get!).
Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before decorating—melted white chocolate and warm cookies don’t mix well!
Customize your ghosts with different expressions—give them goofy smiles or spooky scowls!
If your cookie dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes to help with shaping before baking.

Flavor Variations

Swap the pumpkin for sweet potato or butternut squash puree for a unique twist!
Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cloves for an extra spiced kick—perfect for those chilly autumn evenings.
Use dark chocolate for the ghost decorations for a richer flavor and a slightly spooky look!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies on a festive platter alongside hot apple cider or a creamy latte to enhance those cozy vibes.
For a group get-together, arrange them with other Halloween-themed treats for a truly delightful spread!
Plating them with colorful napkins or mini pumpkins adds a lovely touch.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and keep it stored in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for whipping up fresh cookies when the guests arrive!
Froze baked cookies for up to 2 months in an airtight container; simply thaw them at room temperature when cravings hit!

Leftovers

Crumble leftover cookies over vanilla ice cream for a delightful pumpkin sundae.
Use them as a base for a scrumptious dessert trifle—layer with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a treat everyone will love!

Freezing

Yes, these cookies can be frozen! Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a ziplock bag.
When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw for about 20 minutes at room temperature before devouring.

Reheating

Want them warm? Simply warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in the toaster oven for a few minutes until they’re just warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate instead of candy melts?
While you can use chocolate, candy melts are easier to handle and set up just right for decorating!

Can I add nuts to these cookies?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and flavor edge.

How do I get the cookies to be chewier?
Using brown butter and not overbaking them ensures a chewy texture—my absolute favorite!

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substituting in your favorite gluten-free flour works perfectly, just keep an eye on the texture!

Final Thoughts

Thank you for joining me on this delightful baking adventure! Making these Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies isn’t just about whipping up a tasty treat; it’s about embracing the cozy, joyful moments with loved ones during this beautiful season. I hope every bite brings you warmth and smiles, and you enjoy creating this festive recipe as much as I have. Happy baking, my dear friends! May your kitchen be filled with laughter and your plate adorned with spooky delights! 🖤👻

Spooky ghost brown butter pumpkin cookies decorated for Halloween

Ellie