Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I walked through a pumpkin patch last autumn, I caught whiffs of cinnamon and nutmeg dancing in the crisp air, igniting a spark of inspiration. That moment led me to create these delightful Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies, which blend the cozy essence of fall with a playful twist perfect for Halloween celebrations. With their tender and chewy texture, these cookies aren’t just for pumpkin enthusiasts—they’re a magical treat that appeals to everyone. They’re fun to decorate, making them a fantastic activity to share with family while satisfying sweet cravings. Why buy store-bought when you can craft memorable moments in your kitchen? Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this deliciously fun recipe! Why Are These Cookies a Must-Try? Festive Appeal: These Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect treat for your Halloween gatherings, making them a delightful centerpiece at any autumn celebration. Chewy Texture: Thanks to the brown butter and pumpkin puree, each bite offers a tender chewiness that’s simply irresistible. Easy Decoration: With melted white chocolate and black candy melts, decorating these cookies is a fun and creative activity for the whole family. Versatile Recipe: Feel free to swap out the chocolate or add nuts for a personal touch, ensuring everyone gets their perfect cookie. Time-Saving Delight: Whip them up in just about 30 minutes; these cookies offer a fresh-baked taste that rivals any store-bought alternatives. Why settle for fast food when you can create magical memories with these homemade treats? If you’re eager for more, check out our delicious Browned Butter Cookies or try the warm flavors in our Honey Butter Cornbread! Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies • Ingredients needed for spooky treats. For the Cookies Pumpkin Puree – Provides moisture and that classic pumpkin flavor; make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not the pie filling. Brown Butter – This nutty ingredient adds depth to your cookies; melt unsalted butter until it’s golden and fragrant. Maple Syrup – Sweetens the cookies perfectly, enhancing the pumpkin and spices; can be replaced with honey if needed. All-Purpose Flour – Essential for structure; if gluten-free, swap it with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for the same delicious outcome. Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise nicely. Pumpkin Spice – This magical blend of spices brings the warmth of fall to your cookies; think cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. For the Decoration White Chocolate – Use this to create adorable ghost shapes on your cookies; dark chocolate is a great substitute if you prefer it. Black Candy Melts – Adds the perfect contrast for ghostly facial features; this is optional if you want to keep it simple. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm scents of fall as you create these delightful Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies. They’re sure to be a hit at any Halloween celebration! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Step 1: Brown the Butter Begin by melting unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continually for about 5–7 minutes, allowing it to foam and then turn golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it! Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice. Use a whisk or spatula to blend everything until smooth and well incorporated. You should see a creamy, slightly glossy mixture that captures the essence of fall. This step is crucial because it ensures the flavors meld beautifully in your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies. Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and an extra pinch of pumpkin spice. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout the flour. Aim for a fine mixture, free from lumps. Once mixed, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture in the previous bowl, continuing to whisk gently until just combined. Step 4: Scoop and Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your baking sheets. Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto light-colored baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are soft but set. Your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies should look like fluffy little pumpkins fresh from the patch! Step 5: Cool and Decorate Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is essential to ensure they firm up a bit. Once completely cooled, melt your white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Decorate the cookies with the melted chocolate to create playful ghost shapes, adding black candy melts for facial features if desired. Storage Tips for Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and chewy for longer enjoyment. Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Freezer: Freeze the undecorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Decorate them after thawing for fresh results. Reheating: To enjoy that just-baked taste, microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies will taste freshly baked again! Make Ahead Options These Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies are an excellent choice for busy home cooks looking to simplify their meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. To do this, scoop the dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, then cover tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and pop the chilled dough straight onto the baking sheet—there’s no need to thaw. For an even more convenient option, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months, just make sure to separate them with parchment paper. This means you can enjoy freshly baked Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies with minimal effort on busy days! Expert Tips for Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Brown Butter Perfection: Keep a close eye on the butter as it melts. Over-browning can lead to an unpleasant taste in your cookies, so remove from heat when it’s golden and aromatic. Flour Mix Matters: Ensure you whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the wet mixture. This helps evenly distribute the baking soda, preventing uneven rising in your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so be gentle to maintain that chewy texture. Cool Before Decorate: Allow your cookies to cool completely before decorating with chocolate. If they’re warm, the melted chocolate may run and lose its shape. Baking Sheet Choice: Use light-colored baking sheets to achieve even baking for your cookies. Dark pans can cause over-browning, impacting that picture-perfect finish. Enjoy creating fond memories as you whip up these Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies! Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Variations Feel free to make these delightful cookies your own with some fun twists! Dark Chocolate: Swap out the white chocolate for dark chocolate; it adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin. Enjoy the depths of flavor! Nuts Galore: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch; it’s a delightful way to enhance texture and add more autumn vibes. Chai Spice: Replace the pumpkin spice with a chai spice blend for a unique twist; think of how warm and cozy this blend will make your cookies! Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; never miss out on the fun due to dietary restrictions! The cookies will still turn out deliciously chewy. Maple Glory: Enhance the maple flavor by using maple sugar instead of regular sugar; it amplifies that fall-inspired sweetness. Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Before baking, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top for an extra sweet and spiced crust; it adds a lovely crunch as well. Mini Chocolate Chips: Add in mini chocolate chips for gooey, melty surprises in every bite; who can resist a bit of chocolate goodness? These Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies are versatile and can be adapted for everyone’s taste! For more delightful recipes, try our easy-to-make Brown Sugar Cookies or enjoy the sweet warmth of Garlic Butter Chicken. What to Serve with Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies As the aromas of these sweet autumn treats fill your kitchen, take a moment to consider what delightful pairings will elevate your experience even further. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a refreshing contrast, melting smoothly over the warm cookies for a cozy dessert fusion. Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade or store-bought salted caramel adds a rich, buttery flavor that perfectly complements the pumpkin’s sweetness. Cranberry-Pecan Salad: This bright salad balances the richness of the cookies. The tart cranberry and crunchy pecans bring a fresh layer to your fall celebration. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm cups of spiced apple cider serve as the perfect cozy beverage, enhancing the cozy autumn vibes and flavors of the cookies. Mocha Coffee: The robust, chocolatey flavors of mocha coffee play beautifully with the cookies, creating a heartwarming treat for chilly evenings. Chocolate Dipped Fruits: For a playful touch, pair these cookies with chocolate-covered strawberries or apples for a fun and whimsical dessert platter. As you savor your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies, these accompaniments will surely satisfy your sweet cravings and delight your taste buds! Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right pumpkin puree? Absolutely! For the best flavor in your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies, always opt for pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. Look for brands that only list pumpkin as an ingredient on the label for an authentic taste. What is the best way to store leftover cookies? To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you need slightly longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just let them warm up slightly before serving for the best texture! Can I freeze these cookies? How? Very interesting! You can freeze undecorated Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Then, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they can stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and decorate when ready for enjoyable fresh results! What should I do if my cookies turn out too dry? If you find your cookies turning out dry, it’s possible that you’ve overbaked them. Keep an eye on the baking time; they should be soft in the center when you take them out. You might also try adding a tad more pumpkin puree or a little extra butter next time to create a stickier batter for that delightful chewiness. Are these cookies pet-friendly? No, they aren’t! While the Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies are tasty for us humans, certain ingredients, like chocolate, can be harmful to pets, particularly dogs. Always keep cookies out of their reach to ensure their safety! Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Absolutely! For a gluten-free version of Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You’ll still achieve that lovely chewy texture, allowing everyone to enjoy this festive treat! Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies: A Chewy Fall Delight Delightful Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies blend cozy fall flavors with a spooky twist, perfect for Halloween celebrations. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookies1 cup Pumpkin Puree Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.1/2 cup Brown Butter Melt unsalted butter until golden.1/2 cup Maple Syrup Can be replaced with honey.2 cups All-Purpose Flour Swap for gluten-free blend if needed.1 teaspoon Baking Soda1 tablespoon Pumpkin Spice Blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove.For the Decoration1 cup White Chocolate Melt for ghost shapes.1/2 cup Black Candy Melts Optional for facial features. Equipment medium saucepanMixing Bowlwhiskcookie scoopbaking sheetswire rackmicrowave-safe bowl Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsBegin by melting unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continually for about 5–7 minutes, allowing it to foam and then turn golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool.In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice. Blend until smooth and well incorporated.In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and an extra pinch of pumpkin spice. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, whisking until just combined.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto light-colored baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and decorate the cookies. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg NotesKeep a close eye on the butter while browning, ensure dry ingredients are well mixed, avoid overmixing, and cool cookies before decorating for best results. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
