Name: Sweet Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies to Delight!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (can use unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version); 1/2 cup Brown Butter (brown until golden and aromatic); 1/2 cup Maple Syrup (or substitute honey or agave syrup); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can use a gluten-free blend); 2 teaspoons Baking Powder (ensure fresh for best results); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (ensure fresh for best results); 2 teaspoons Pumpkin Spice (or a mix of ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg); 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup White Chocolate (or substitute dark chocolate); 1/2 cup Black Candy Melts (optional but recommended)

As the leaves turn and the air fills with the scent of spices, there’s something truly magical about the arrival of fall. This season brings an irresistible excuse to bake, and my Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect festive treat for all ages. Picture a blend of warm maple notes and rich pumpkin flavor creating chewy cookies that practically melt in your mouth. What makes this recipe a must-try? It’s effortlessly simple, requiring no special equipment or chilling time, perfect for impromptu Halloween gatherings. Plus, the whimsical ghost decorations made of white chocolate not only delight but also add a sweet touch to your holiday spread. Are you ready to impress your friends and family with these delectable cookies that celebrate everything we love about this season? Let’s dive in!

Why Are These Cookies So Adorable?

Whimsical decorations make them a hit with kids and adults alike! The rich flavor from brown butter and warm spices offers a taste of the season that’s hard to resist. Simple preparation means you can whip these up at a moment’s notice, perfect for last-minute Halloween gatherings. Versatile enough to customize—swap white chocolate for dark or add your favorite nuts for extra crunch! If you love festive treats, you might also enjoy my Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or the classic Butter Spider Cookies. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful cookies!

Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

• Here’s what you need to create these festive treats!

For the Cookies

Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture and a delightful pumpkin flavor; you can use unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version.
Brown Butter – Gives a rich, nutty depth to the cookies; make sure to brown it until golden and aromatic.
Maple Syrup – Naturally sweetens the cookies while enhancing the pumpkin taste; feel free to substitute honey or agave syrup for a different flavor note.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure and chewy texture; a gluten-free blend works well if needed.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Essential for the cookies to rise perfectly; ensure they’re fresh for the best results.
Pumpkin Spice – Infuses the cookies with classic fall spices; if you’re out, a mix of ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg will suffice.
Salt – Elevates the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

For the Decorations

White Chocolate – Used for the ghost designs, adding sweetness and visual appeal; you can swap it out for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Black Candy Melts – Perfect for detailing your ghostly friends; these are optional but highly recommended for festive fun.

Dive into the spirit of Halloween with these Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies that will charm both young and old!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup later on. This is a crucial step for your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies, as the right temperature is key to achieving that perfect chewy texture.

Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns a golden brown and emits a nutty aroma—about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on it, as browning can happen quickly! Once ready, remove from heat and allow the brown butter to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, cooled brown butter, and maple syrup. Using a spatula, mix these ingredients until they form a smooth, cohesive batter. This mixture sets the stage for the rich, warm flavors of your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies, so ensure they are well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt. This is where the magic of flavors begins. Ensure there are no clumps and that everything is evenly blended. Once ready, gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined—avoid overmixing for tender cookies.

Step 5: Portion the Dough
Using a medium cookie scoop, portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. As you scoop, be sure to form rounded balls of dough for an even bake. This step helps create the delightful shape of your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies once they puff up in the oven.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place your baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them for that beautiful golden hue that signals their doneness.

Step 7: Cool Complete
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period allows the Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies to achieve the ideal chewy texture, making them the perfect treat.

Step 8: Decorate Your Cookies
To create your ghostly decorations, melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring in short intervals until smooth. Once cooled slightly, use a piping bag or a fork to drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies, forming ghost shapes. Add black candy melts for eyes and mouth details, bringing your adorable spooky cookies to life!

What to Serve with Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

Imagine a cozy fall gathering, where the air is filled with aromas of spice and sweetness, enhanced by laughter and joy.

Pumpkin Spice Latte: The rich, creamy flavors echo the cookies’ pumpkin notes, making each sip a warm embrace of autumn.
Caramel Apple Cider: This sweet and tangy drink pairs beautifully, adding a lively contrast to the chewy cookies’ depth.
Chewy Ginger Cookies: A perfect pairing! Their spiciness complements the pumpkin flavors, creating a delightful autumn medley.
Candied Pecans: These offer a crunchy texture and sweet-salty flavor that enhance the overall dessert experience, adding delightful contrast.
Seasonal Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits like apple slices and pomegranate seeds brighten up your dessert table, offering a refreshing balance to the rich cookies.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich your cookies with vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent treat that takes the spooky fun up a notch!
Chai Tea: With its warming spices and creamy texture, chai tea becomes a comforting companion to these festive cookies.
Nutty Brownies: A rich chocolatey treat brings another layer of flavor, creating a delightful smorgasbord that’s hard to resist.

Expert Tips for Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

Butter Temperature: Ensure your brown butter is slightly cooled before adding to prevent any unwanted cooking of the other ingredients.
Baking Watch: Don’t over-bake the cookies; they should be slightly underdone in the center for the best chewy texture, characteristic of Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies.
Smooth Decorations: Use a piping bag for the melted chocolate to achieve clean and cute ghost designs.
Ingredient Freshness: Check the freshness of your baking powder and baking soda; expired leavening agents can lead to dense cookies.
Texture Tip: For an extra chewy bite, try mixing in some oats or nuts into your cookie dough, adding both flavor and texture to your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies.

Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with these delightful cookies and enhance their festive flair!

Chocolate Chip Twist: Replace white chocolate ghosts with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a classic flavor combo that everyone loves.
Nutty Surprise: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans to add a delightful crunch, complementing the soft chew of the pumpkin cookies beautifully.
Oaty Delight: Add rolled oats to the dough for extra fiber and texture; this twist offers a hearty bite that pairs well with the pumpkin flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Overload: Enhance the seasonal spice by doubling the pumpkin spice or adding an extra pinch of cinnamon for that cozy autumn warmth.
Frozen Sweets: Freeze the decorated cookies on a baking sheet, then store them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Perfect for last-minute Halloween treats!
Colorful Sprinkles: Swap black candy melts for colorful sprinkles, creating a fun and festive touch that’s perfect for parties.
Spicy Heat: If you love a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising, delightful heat that contrasts with the sweetness.

If you’re in the mood for other tasty treats, why not check out my Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting? Each variation of these Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies can give you a new way to enjoy the season!

How to Store and Freeze Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to maintain their chewy texture and flavorful freshness.

Fridge: If you’d like to keep them even longer, the cookies can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in a tightly sealed container.

Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their delightful chewiness.

Make Ahead Options

These Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked treats with a little planning! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients together and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, the flavors have time to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, simply portion the chilled dough onto baking sheets and bake them directly from the fridge, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time as needed. To maintain quality, avoid overmixing and ensure you cool the cookies completely before decorating. With these make-ahead tips, your cookies will taste just as delightful and save you precious time on busy days!

Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best pumpkin puree for my cookies?
Absolutely! Look for pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. You want a product that’s bright orange and smooth for the best flavor and moisture in your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also roast your own pumpkin for a fresher taste!

What’s the best way to store these cookies?
To keep your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If you’re hoping to preserve them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks—just make sure the container is well-sealed to avoid drying out!

Can I freeze these cookies, and if so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your delightful cookies! Start by laying them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 to 2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw at room temperature for around 30 minutes.

What do I do if my cookies come out too dry?
No worries! If your cookies are dry, the culprit is often overmixing or over-baking. Try mixing your dough just until combined and keep an eye on the bake time—removing them when they look slightly underdone is ideal for chewy cookies. If you’ve baked them already, you can soften them by placing a slice of bread in the container with the cookies for a few hours, which helps retain moisture.

Are there any allergy considerations with the ingredients?
Absolutely, it’s important to be cautious! These cookies contain common allergens such as wheat (from the flour) and dairy (from the butter). For those with gluten allergies, I recommend using a gluten-free flour blend. If dairy is a concern, you can substitute the butter with plant-based options and the white chocolate with dairy-free chocolate, ensuring everyone can enjoy your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies!