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