As the first leaves start to fall and the nights grow crisp, I can’t help but get giddy thinking about baking. This season whispers promises of cozy kitchens filled with the warm aroma of spice, and nothing embodies that magic quite like Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies. But here’s the twist—these aren’t just any cookies; they’re transformed into delightfully spooky ghosts, perfect for Halloween gatherings! Not only do they combine the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the seasonal sweetness of pumpkin, but they also offer a fun, creative twist that’s bound to impress. Whether you’re hosting a haunted house party or simply indulging in some festive baking, these cookies are a true crowd-pleaser. Curious about how to make these delightful treats come to life? Let’s get started!
Are These the Best Halloween Cookies?
Terrifyingly Fun: These Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate Halloween. Unique Twist: The combination of brown butter and pumpkin creates a rich flavor that’s truly irresistible. Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, they will wow family and friends! Easy Decor: Decorating with white and black chocolate is a fun activity for both kids and adults. Fall Vibes: Indulge in the warm, inviting spices of fall, turning your baking into a seasonal celebration. If you’re feeling inspired, check out my Brown Butter Toffee for another autumn-inspired treat!
Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Ingredients
For these hauntingly delicious treats, gather the following ingredients that will add both flavor and flair to your Halloween baking table!
For the Cookie Base
- Brown Butter – adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates your pumpkin cookies.
- Pumpkin Puree – ensures that each bite is soft, moist, and packed with seasonal goodness.
- Light Brown Sugar – contributes caramel notes, enhancing the overall taste profile beautifully.
- Maple Syrup – offers a subtle sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract – rounds out flavors for a warm and inviting aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour – the foundation of your cookies, helping achieve that perfect chewy texture.
- Baking Soda – gives these cookies a light lift, ensuring they are just the right softness.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – infuses the cookies with all the cozy fall flavors we adore.
- Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
For the Decorations
- White Chocolate – melts beautifully to create the ghostly shapes on your cookies.
- Black Candy Melts – great for adding those spooky eyes, making the ghosts come to life!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Base
Begin by making the Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies. Melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally until it turns a rich, deep brown with a nutty aroma—about 5-7 minutes. In a bowl, mix the browned butter with pumpkin puree, light brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Combine until smooth and creamy—your cookie base is now ready!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into your pumpkin mixture until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this will ensure your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies stay chewy. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors and make it easier to scoop.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of the chilled cookie dough onto the prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers appear slightly underbaked. Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
While the cookies cool, prepare your decorations. In two microwave-safe bowls, separately melt white chocolate and black candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. The melted chocolate will be your ghostly canvas, turning your cookies into Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies.
Step 5: Decorate the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, fill a piping bag with the melted white chocolate and carefully drizzle it over each cookie to create ghost shapes. Let your creative side shine as you add swoops and curves. Once the white chocolate has set slightly, use a small round piping tool to add black candy melts as eyes, bringing your ghostly cookies to life.
Step 6: Set and Enjoy
Allow the decorated cookies to set at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens. Once set, your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies are ready for the spotlight! Display them on a festive platter or enjoy them with loved ones during the Halloween festivities.
What to Serve with Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies?
As you prepare to share these playful treats, consider pairing them with the perfect accompaniments to elevate your Halloween celebration.
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Creamy Hot Chocolate: This rich, velvety drink complements the warm spices of your cookies, providing a cozy, indulgent experience.
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Roasted Pumpkin Soup: A seasonal classic, the savory flavors of roasted pumpkin soup balance the sweetness of the cookies beautifully. Enjoying it as a starter adds a comforting touch to your meal.
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Spiced Apple Cider: The warming notes of cinnamon and nutmeg will harmonize with the pumpkin cookies, making every bite even more delightful. Serve it hot for that extra autumnal vibe!
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Crispy Caramel Popcorn: The crunchy texture and sweet caramel flavor offer a fun contrast to the chewy cookies, making for a delightful movie-night snack combination.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting alongside your cookies creates a blissful union of flavors. Top it off with some chocolate drizzle for an extra treat.
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Decorated Sugar Cookies: Keep the festive spirit alive with Halloween-themed sugar cookies. Their light taste complements the denser pumpkin cookies, making a sugary symphony of flavors on your Halloween platter.
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Autumn-Themed Fruit Salad: Fresh, seasonal fruits will provide a refreshing freshness to balance the rich flavors of the cookies. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra fall flare!
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Chai Latte: Cozy up with a chai latte; its spiced notes enhance the pumpkin flavors while creating a delightful aromatic experience for your taste buds.
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Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels: The crunchiness and slight saltiness of pretzels coated in dark chocolate provide the perfect sweet and salty contrast to the sweet cookies!
Elevate your Halloween gathering with these charming pairings that ensure your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies shine even brighter!
Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine while customizing these delightful cookies with unique spins and substitutions!
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Nut-Free: Swap out the brown butter for coconut oil for a deliciously nut-free alternative that still maintains flavor.
Coconut oil adds a light taste, allowing the pumpkin to be the star of the show. -
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies accommodating for gluten sensitivities.
The cookies will remain just as chewy and delicious, ensuring everyone enjoys the festive flavors! -
Vegan: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg to keep these cookies vegan-friendly.
You won’t miss a beat with the rich flavor of brown butter when you melt that plant-based option! -
Chocolate Chip Boost: Add mini chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness and a chewy texture in every bite.
This twist creates a delightful contrast to the pumpkin spice, making each ghost cookie even more irresistible. -
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to add a surprising zing to your spooky treats.
This unexpected heat balances the sweetness and offers a fun twist for adventurous palates. -
Decorative Delight: Instead of ghost shapes, try using cookie stencils to create different spooky characters!
From pumpkins to bats, unleash your inner artist with fun designs, making your cookie platter a Halloween masterpiece. -
Fruity Flavor: Incorporate dried cranberries or chopped pecans into the cookie dough for unexpected bursts of flavor and chewy textures.
This fruity addition enhances the seasonal aspects of the cookies and makes each bite a delightful surprise.
And while you're at it, don’t forget to check out my Garlic Butter Sheet for more autumnal inspiration that pairs perfectly with these festive cookies!
Tips for the Best Spooky Ghost Cookies
Chill the Dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill enhances flavor and makes it easier to scoop, helping achieve perfect Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies.
Mind the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be golden at the edges but soft in the center to prevent them from overbaking.
Melt with Care: When melting white and black chocolate, do it in short intervals to prevent burning, ensuring smooth decorations for your ghost cookies.
Be Creative: Don’t hesitate to add unique faces on your ghost cookies; experimenting with designs makes each batch fun and special!
Storage Tips: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their chewy texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive baking without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain its freshness. Additionally, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, just melt the white chocolate and black candy melts for decorating and create those adorable ghost designs right before enjoying. This preparation not only saves you time but ensures your cookies remain just as delicious for all your Halloween celebrations!
How to Store and Freeze Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies
Airtight Container: Store your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them chewy and fresh.
Refrigeration: If you prefer them chilled, these cookies can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week, just remember to place them in an airtight container to avoid drying out.
Freezing: You can freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to regain that fresh-baked taste.
Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! When selecting pumpkin puree, look for one that's a vibrant orange hue and has a smooth consistency—this usually indicates freshness. Avoid any cans with dented tops or rust, as they can compromise the quality inside. If you want to use fresh pumpkin, choose a small sugar pumpkin that’s sweet and firm.
What’s the best way to store cookies for freshness?
To keep your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but make sure they're well-sealed to prevent drying out. I often use wax paper between layers to keep them from sticking together!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Very! Freezing is an excellent option for extending the life of your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies. Start by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they are completely frozen, which takes about 1–2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, then pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore softness.
What if my chocolate decorations aren’t melting smoothly?
No need to worry! If your white chocolate or black candy melts are clumping or not melting evenly, try reheating in 10-15 second intervals in the microwave and stir between each interval. If it still appears lumpy, adding a small amount of coconut oil can help smooth it out. Just remember to work quickly once melted, as chocolate can set quickly!
Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Absolutely! For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed. Additionally, for a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of brown butter and dairy-free chocolate melts. Just ensure to check labels for hidden allergens if you're serving them to guests with specific dietary needs.
What should I do if the cookies flatten too much while baking?
If your Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies spread too much, there could be a couple of reasons. First, make sure your butter is at the right temperature—too warm can cause spreading. Second, check that you’ve chilled the dough adequately, as this helps prevent spreading. If you're still having trouble, you might add a bit more flour until the dough feels right. Each batch can be a learning experience, so adjust as you go!
Irresistible Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies for Fall Bliss
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- Piping Bags
- microwave
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- 1 cup Brown Butter Melted
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Maple Syrup
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
- ½ teaspoon Salt
For the Decorations
- 1 cup White Chocolate Melted
- 1 cup Black Candy Melts Melted
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt brown butter over medium heat until it turns brown and nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Mix with pumpkin puree, light brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a separate bowl. Fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just combined and chill dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rounded tablespoons of dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes until golden and slightly underbaked.
- Melt white chocolate and black candy melts separately in microwave-safe bowls in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Once cooled, pipe melted white chocolate over cookies to create ghost shapes and add black candy melts for eyes.
- Let cookies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to set the chocolate.
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