Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

There’s something delightfully enchanting about baking during the fall, especially when Halloween rolls around! One treat that will make your taste buds tingle with excitement are these Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies. Imagine biting into a perfectly soft, chewy cookie that’s packed with warm spices and a rich brown butter flavor, all while being playfully decorated to look like adorable little ghosts. These cookies are not only scrumptious but will also make a fantastic addition to any Halloween gathering, school party, or cozy night in with family.

When I first made these cookies, the kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of pumpkin and spices, and I couldn’t help but think of how they remind me of those beloved pumpkin spice lattes. Easy to whip up and even easier to share, these cookies are perfect for both seasoned bakers and newcomers alike who want to sprinkle a little festive cheer into their lives. Trust me, the way to a person’s heart is through a cookie, especially when it’s as delightful as this! So, let’s get baking and bring some spooky fun into our kitchens.

What is Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies?

Now, let’s talk about these fabulously-named treats! "Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies" – doesn’t that just sound like something you’d pull out on a chilly October night while snuggled up under a blanket? The name conjures up fun images of little specters floating around your kitchen, ready to enchant anyone who dares to take a bite. You might just find yourself giggling while you decorate these delightful ghostly shapes, transforming each cookie into a mini masterpiece! It’s no wonder that many believe that "the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach," and these cookies are definitively the way to enchant anyone who tries them. Get your creative juices flowing, build those ghostly friends, and join in on the spooky fun!

Why You’ll Love These Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

Let’s break down why these Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies are destined to become your new favorite treat! First and foremost, the highlight of this recipe is the brown butter. It adds a nutty, deep flavor that elevates the humble pumpkin cookie to a whole new level. Pair that with pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and your taste buds will be dancing with joy!

Secondly, making these cookies at home is cost-effective. Instead of splurging on store-bought treats, you can make a whole batch for a fraction of the price—and the flavor is unmatched. Just think about it: freshly baked cookies, warm from the oven, smell incredible, and kill the craving in a way that store-bought options can’t!

Lastly, don’t forget the delightful toppings! Your spooky ghosts will be lovingly decorated with simple icing to add that extra whimsical touch. They’ll be the star of any Halloween gathering or cozy family dessert night. If you’re familiar with classic chocolate chip cookies, you’ll find these to be a fun, seasonal twist that you won’t want to miss. So, grab your apron and let’s make some magical ghost cookies together!

How to Make Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

Quick Overview

Baking these Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies is as easy as it is fun! The whole process takes just about an hour, from browning the butter to the final decoration. You’ll love how the rich flavor of brown butter blends beautifully with the pumpkin and spices to create an irresistible cookie that just beckons to be shared.

Key Ingredients for Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• White icing (for decorating)
• Mini chocolate chips (for eyes)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it turns a golden brown color and gives off a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it! Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

4. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape.

5. Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently shape them into ghostly figures, leaving some space in between for spreading.

6. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

7. Decorate: Once cooled, use the white icing to outline the shape of ghosts and place mini chocolate chips as eyes. Let the icing set.

What to Serve Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies With

These cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a variety of treats! Consider serving them alongside a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a pumpkin latte for a cozy fall afternoon. For a festive touch, you can even offer them with creamy vanilla ice cream topped with caramel sauce to create a dreamy dessert combo. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try them with a scoop of delicious pumpkin spice gelato for the perfect Halloween treat!

Top Tips for Perfecting Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

1. Don’t Rush the Butter: Take your time when browning the butter to achieve that rich, nutty flavor. It can turn quickly, so stay attentive!

2. Chill for Better Shape: Chilling the dough isn’t just for fun—it helps maintain the shape while baking. Don’t skip this step!

3. Customize the Decoration: Feel free to get creative with your ghostly decorations. Instead of just eyes, you can add silly mouths or fun patterns!

4. Experiment with Flours: If you want to make these cookies gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure it contains a binding agent.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped and separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that freshly baked taste.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and bring some spooky baking fun into your home with these delicious cookies! You’ll be glad you did. Happy baking!

Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

Delightfully soft and chewy cookies featuring a rich brown butter flavor and warm spices, decorated to resemble adorable ghosts, perfect for Halloween gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 42 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Halloween

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the cookie dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter Browned for flavor
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 piece egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt

For decorating

• to taste white icing For outlining ghost shapes
• to taste mini chocolate chips For eyes decoration

Method

 

Preparation

1. Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns a golden brown color and gives off a nutty aroma.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, shaping them into ghostly figures.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Decorating

1. Once the cookies are cooled, use the white icing to outline the shape of ghosts and place mini chocolate chips as eyes. Let the icing set.

Notes

For best results, chill the dough to help maintain shape during baking. Customize decorations as desired.