As the air gets crisp and pumpkins show up on every porch, it’s time to bring a little spooky fun into your kitchen. One of our absolute favorite Halloween traditions? Baking a batch of Ghost Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing. They’re soft, buttery, and topped with smooth, glossy icing that’s perfect for decorating. Whether you’re baking with kids or prepping treats for a Halloween party, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
These adorable ghost cookies look like they came from a bakery but are surprisingly easy to make at home. And the best part? You can personalize them with funny faces or spooky swirls. So grab your cookie cutters, and let’s get baking!
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Ghost Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
- Total Time: 35 minutes + chilling time
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These Ghost Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing are buttery, soft, and adorably spooky perfect for Halloween parties, baking with kids, or a cozy fall afternoon in the kitchen. Customizable and easy to decorate!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp meringue powder
- 6–7 tbsp warm water (adjust as needed)
- Black gel food coloring (for decorating)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut with ghost-shaped cookie cutters.
- Place on lined baking sheet and bake 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
- In a stand mixer, beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until thick but smooth. Adjust water for consistency.
- Transfer icing to piping bag and outline/flood cookies with white icing. Let set for 30 minutes.
- Add black icing details for eyes and mouths. Let dry completely before storing.
Notes
Chilling the dough is essential for shape retention. Use gel food coloring for vibrant black detail. Decorated cookies freeze well between parchment layers.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to create the best Ghost Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing:
For the Sugar Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional but adds depth)
For the Royal Icing:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp meringue powder
- 6–7 tbsp warm water (adjust for consistency)
- Black gel food coloring for eyes
Tip: If you prefer, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, as we did in our gluten-free desserts roundup.
Step by Step Instructions
Making Ghost Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing is all about timing and technique, but don’t worry it’s beginner-friendly and fun!
1. Make the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
2. Chill
Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This makes rolling and cutting so much easier.
3. Cut and Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use ghost-shaped cookie cutters and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
4. Prepare Royal Icing
In a stand mixer, beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until thick but smooth. You want a pipeable consistency add more water slowly if needed. Transfer white icing to a piping bag and reserve a small amount for tinting black.
5. Decorate
Outline and flood the cookies with white icing. Let them set for 30 minutes before adding black eyes and mouths with a fine tip and black icing.
Want more holiday baking ideas? Try these seasonal sweets like Pumpkin S’mores Cookies or the comforting Brown Sugar Pumpkin Loaf for a full autumn spread.
Tips for Success
- Chill the dough: This step is non-negotiable. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Use parchment or silicone mats: Prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
- Plan ahead: Royal icing takes a while to dry completely, especially if you’re layering colors.
Need a no-fuss dinner while your cookies dry? Check out our One-Pan Chicken and Chorizo recipe for an easy fall evening meal.
Variations to Try
Want to make these cookies fit more dietary needs or spice up the design?
1. Gluten-Free Option
Use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The dough may be slightly more delicate, but it works beautifully with royal icing.
2. Streusel Cookie Base
Before baking, press a bit of apple streusel topping into the ghost’s “tail.” It gives a delicious crunch and an unexpected twist.
3. Add Spices
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to infuse that fall flavor, similar to our Apple Cinnamon Bread.
4. Color Your Ghosts
Use pastel purples, blues, or orange royal icing to make a rainbow of spooky friends.
How to Store Ghost Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze both undecorated cookies and royal icing. Decorated cookies freeze best between layers of parchment in an airtight container.
- Make Ahead: Bake and freeze cookies up to a month in advance; just ice a day or two before your event.
Looking for more fun party treats? Try our playful Monster Bagels with Cream Cheese Faces or Black Cat Waffles for a full Halloween breakfast board.
FAQs: Ghost Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can chill the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
2. Why does my royal icing look dull?
Make sure you’re using fresh meringue powder and letting it dry completely before storing.
3. What’s the best way to pipe neat outlines?
Use a small round tip and steady pressure. If needed, draw your outline with edible marker first.
4. Can I use natural food coloring?
Absolutely. There are many plant-based gels that work well with royal icing.
Conclusion
There’s something heartwarming about baking seasonal treats from scratch, and these Ghost Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing are a perfect example. From mixing the dough to carefully piping spooky faces, every step brings cozy, creative joy. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just having a fun afternoon in the kitchen, these cookies are a sweet way to welcome fall.