Ghost Chocolate Chip Cookies
The Cutest Halloween Cookie Recipe You’ll Ever Make
Looking for a Halloween treat that’s adorable, delicious, and incredibly easy to make? These Ghost Chocolate Chip Cookies are guaranteed to be the star of your spooky dessert table. Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies are topped with fluffy marshmallow ghosts and decorated with simple candy eyes, creating a fun Halloween dessert that kids and adults absolutely love.
Perfect for Halloween parties, classroom celebrations, trick-or-treat gatherings, or family baking nights, these cookies combine classic chocolate chip cookie goodness with festive Halloween charm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
👻 Super cute Halloween ghost design.
🍪 Soft and chewy bakery-style chocolate chip cookies.
🎃 Perfect for Halloween parties and dessert tables.
👨👩👧 Fun recipe to make with kids.
⏱ Ready in under 30 minutes.
✨ Uses simple ingredients you can find anywhere.
📸 Pinterest-worthy and social media friendly.
Recipe Information
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Minutes | 12 Minutes | 27 Minutes |
Servings: 18 Cookies
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American Dessert
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Ghost Topping
- 18 large marshmallows
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Black decorating gel or mini chocolate chips for eyes and mouth
Kitchen Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Small spoon
- Decorating bag (optional)
How To Make Ghost Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl combine:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl beat together:
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
Mix until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time.
Mix in vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients until combined.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto a lined baking sheet.
Leave about 2 inches between cookies.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 3: Make the Ghost Icing
Whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
The icing should be thick but spreadable.
If needed, add a few drops of milk to adjust consistency.
Step 4: Create the Ghosts
Place one marshmallow in the center of each cooled cookie.
Spoon icing over the marshmallow, allowing it to drip naturally down the sides.
This creates the appearance of a floating ghost.
Allow the icing to set for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add Ghost Faces
Using black decorating gel or mini chocolate chips:
- Create two eyes
- Create a small round mouth
Each ghost can have a unique expression for extra Halloween fun.
Tips for Perfect Ghost Cookies
Use Fresh Marshmallows
Fresh marshmallows create smoother and fluffier ghosts.
Let Cookies Cool Completely
Warm cookies can melt the icing and ruin the ghost shape.
Make Different Expressions
Create happy, surprised, silly, or spooky ghosts for variety.
Chill the Dough
For thicker bakery-style cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Fun Halloween Variations
Double Chocolate Ghost Cookies
Use chocolate cookie dough for an extra rich Halloween treat.
Oreo Ghost Cookies
Place the marshmallow ghost on top of Oreo cookies instead of chocolate chip cookies.
Peanut Butter Ghost Cookies
Swap chocolate chip dough for peanut butter cookies.
Monster Cookies
Add candy eyes and colorful Halloween sprinkles.
Pumpkin Spice Ghost Cookies
Add 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a fall flavor twist.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze Cookie Dough
Roll dough into balls and freeze for up to 3 months.
Bake directly from frozen by adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Freeze Baked Cookies
Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months.
Decorate after thawing for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the cookies one day ahead and decorate before serving.
Can kids help?
Absolutely. Kids love decorating the ghost faces and adding funny expressions.
Can I use store-bought cookies?
Yes. This shortcut makes the recipe even faster.
Can I use royal icing?
Yes, but the simple powdered sugar icing gives a softer ghost appearance.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes. Use a quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Serving Suggestions
These Halloween cookies pair perfectly with:
- Hot chocolate
- Pumpkin spice latte
- Apple cider
- Halloween cupcakes
- Candy charcuterie boards
- Caramel popcorn
- Pumpkin brownies
Nutrition (Approximate Per Cookie)
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
Final Thoughts
These Ghost Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect combination of cute, spooky, and delicious. Soft chocolate chip cookies topped with fluffy marshmallow ghosts create a Halloween dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Whether you’re planning a Halloween party, making treats for a school event, or simply baking with the family, these adorable ghost cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and become a new Halloween tradition. 👻🍪🎃
