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Easy Spooky Ghost Sugar Cookies – Best Halloween Treat

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These soft, buttery ghost sugar cookies are the perfect Halloween treat. Made with a secret cream cheese addition for a tender texture and subtle tang, they’re easy to decorate and require no chill time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 3–4 tablespoons water
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Black food coloring gel

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add sugar and beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using); beat until just combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Dough should be soft but not sticky.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into ghost shapes and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just barely golden. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. For royal icing: beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, 3 tablespoons water, and vanilla until thick and glossy. Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches 15-second consistency.
  8. Divide icing; tint one portion black. Pipe white icing to outline and flood each cookie. While wet, pipe black eyes and mouth. Let dry 4-6 hours or overnight.

Notes

Don’t overbake; cookies should look just set in the center. Use light-colored baking sheets. Keep dough cool if sticky. Royal icing consistency is key—use the 15-second test. Plan for 4-6 hours drying time for icing.

Nutrition

Keywords: ghost cookies, sugar cookies, Halloween cookies, spooky cookies, ghost sugar cookies, Halloween treat, easy sugar cookies

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/easy-spooky-ghost-sugar-cookies-best-halloween-treat/