Ah, Halloween! It’s that magical time of year when the air gets crisp, the leaves crunch underfoot, and the spirit of spooky fun fills our hearts. I absolutely adore this season, especially when it comes to baking! There’s something so delightful about whipping up treats that are both delicious and a little eerie. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Chocolate Peppermint Cut Out Ghost Cookies! These little ghastly goodies are not just a feast for the taste buds but also a hit at any Halloween gathering. Imagine the joy on your friends’ faces as they munch on these perfectly shaped ghost cookies, with a rich chocolate flavor and a refreshing hint of peppermint. Trust me, they’ll vanish faster than you can say “Boo!” So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking some spooky snacks that are sure to impress!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- Chocolate chips for decoration
How to Prepare Chocolate Peppermint Cut Out Ghost Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven ensures your cookies bake evenly. While that’s warming up, go ahead and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps to ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is key for that perfect rise!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Now, grab another bowl and cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. I like to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s like giving your cookies a cozy, sweet home!
Combining Ingredients
Next, add in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to this wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this will keep your cookies tender!
Shaping and Baking
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to roll it out! On a floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick, then use your ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out those spooky shapes. Place the cookies on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Wow, your kitchen will smell divine!
Cooling and Decorating
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here! Once cooled, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk to create a simple icing. Use this to decorate your ghost cookies, adding chocolate chips for those adorable eyes. Trust me, it’s going to be a Halloween hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for last-minute spooky snacks.
- The rich chocolate flavor combined with refreshing peppermint is absolutely delightful!
- Shaping the cookies into ghost forms adds a fun and festive touch to your Halloween celebrations.
- They’re perfect for kids and adults alike—everyone loves a good spooky treat!
- These cookies are great for sharing at parties, school events, or simply for a cozy night in.
- They look adorable on a Halloween dessert table, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Plus, they’re easy to customize—use different cookie cutters or add your favorite sprinkles!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make these adorable Chocolate Peppermint Cut Out Ghost Cookies, here are some handy tips to ensure your spooky snacks turn out perfectly every time!
- Adjusting the Peppermint: If you really love that minty kick, don’t hesitate to increase the peppermint extract a bit! Just remember, a little goes a long way, so add it gradually to find your perfect balance.
- Cookie Cutters Galore: The ghost shape is just the beginning! Feel free to use other cookie cutters to mix things up. Think bats, pumpkins, or even classic circles for a fun variety that all fit the Halloween theme!
- Proper Storage: To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn!
- Don’t Skip the Cooling: Once baked, let your cookies cool completely before icing. This helps the icing set better and keeps it from melting into a gooey mess. Trust me, waiting is worth it!
FAQ Section
Can I use different extracts?
Absolutely! If you’re not a huge fan of peppermint, you can switch it up with other extracts like almond or orange for a unique twist. Just remember that different extracts can have varying strengths, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste. You’ll be amazed at how a simple change can create a whole new flavor profile!
How do I store the cookies?
To keep your Chocolate Peppermint Cut Out Ghost Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for about a week—if you can resist eating them all before then! Just make sure they’re completely cooled before you store them, so they don’t get soggy. If you want to save some for a later date, they can be stored in a container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these cookies! Just make sure they’re fully cooled, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for a couple of hours. Once they’re firm, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and they’ll be good as new! No need to worry about losing that delightful flavor and texture!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to enjoying my Chocolate Peppermint Cut Out Ghost Cookies, it’s good to have a general idea of the nutritional content. Just remember, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this as a guideline rather than precise measurements.
For a serving size of 1 cookie, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
These delightful cookies are a sweet treat worth every calorie, especially during the festive Halloween season! Just remember to enjoy them in moderation, and you’ll be just fine. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made these delightful Chocolate Peppermint Cut Out Ghost Cookies, let’s talk about how to elevate your Halloween experience even further! These cookies are not just tasty on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a few fun treats and beverages.
- Warm Beverages: Picture this: a cozy cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa. These cookies are the perfect dipper! The warm drink complements the rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavor, making each bite a delight.
- Spooky Milk: What’s better than cookies and milk? Try serving these ghostly treats with a glass of spooky milk! You can add a drop of green food coloring to regular milk to create a fun, festive drink. The kids (and adults!) will love it!
- Halloween-Themed Platters: Get creative and arrange your ghost cookies on a platter along with other spooky snacks like gummy worms, candy corn, and mini pumpkins. It makes for a fun, colorful display that’s sure to impress your guests!
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a real treat, sandwich a scoop of peppermint ice cream between two cookies. The combination of textures and flavors is out-of-this-world delicious, and it’s a great way to cool down during those warm Halloween nights!
- Pair with Fruit: To balance out the sweetness, consider serving these cookies with slices of fresh fruit, like apples or strawberries. The tartness of the fruit complements the richness of the cookies beautifully.
So, gather your friends and family, whip up some of these delightful pairings, and enjoy a Halloween celebration that’s both delicious and memorable. Happy Halloween baking!
Print
Chocolate Peppermint Cut Out Ghost Cookies for Spooky Fun
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate peppermint cookies shaped like ghosts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- Chocolate chips for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add egg, vanilla, and peppermint extracts to the butter mixture.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Roll dough out and cut into ghost shapes.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cookies cool completely.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to create icing, and decorate cookies.
- Add chocolate chips for eyes.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase extract quantity.
- Use different cookie cutters for variety.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Chocolate Peppermint Cut Out Ghost Cookies, spooky snacks
