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Halloween Pumpkin Cookies with Ghost Decorations

Halloween Pumpkin Cookies with Ghost Decorations
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These Halloween Pumpkin Cookies with Ghost Decorations combine moist, flavorful pumpkin spice cookies with fun and festive ghost-themed icing. Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, these soft and tender cookies bring autumnal warmth and holiday cheer to any spooky celebration, making them ideal for parties, classroom treats, or simply indulging yourself during the fall season.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for vegan)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ghost Icing Ingredients

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream (or plant-based milk for vegan)
  • Black food coloring or edible ink pen (for decorating eyes and mouth)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a smooth baking process without delays.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until fluffy and light. Beat in the egg, then stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
  4. Make the Cookie Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to keep the cookies tender. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Shape and Bake: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers for even baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until edges start to turn golden.
  6. Cool Before Decorating: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent icing from melting.
  7. Prepare the Ghost Icing: Mix powdered sugar with milk or cream until smooth and pipeable. The icing should be opaque but soft enough to spread easily over the cookies.
  8. Decorate the Ghosts: Spread or pipe white icing on each cookie to form the ghost’s body. Use black food coloring or an edible ink pen to draw eyes and a spooky or silly mouth. Let icing set at room temperature before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Use room temperature softened butter for easier creaming and smoother dough.
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies and to prevent spreading.
  • Use a small offset spatula or piping bag for clean and consistent ghost icing shapes.
  • Do not overbake cookies; edges should be just golden to keep them soft and chewy.
  • Allow decorated cookies to dry completely before stacking or packing to avoid smudging.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween, pumpkin cookies, ghost decoration, pumpkin spice, festive cookies, fall baking, gluten-free cookies

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/halloween-pumpkin-cookies-with-ghost-decorations/