These Chocolate Chip Ghost Cookies are a fun and easy way to turn homemade chocolate chip cookies into a spooky Halloween treat! Made with soft chocolate chip cookies, fluffy marshmallows, and melted white chocolate, each cookie is decorated with a little ghost face using black sprinkles.
They're perfect for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, or a fun afternoon of baking with the kids. And the best part? You don't need any special decorating skills to make these adorable little ghosts.
Why You'll Love These Chocolate Chip Ghost Cookies
Fun for Halloween: A simple way to turn classic chocolate chip cookies into festive little ghosts.
Easy to decorate: Melted white chocolate, marshmallows, and a few black sprinkles are all you need.
Homemade from scratch: Start with a classic chocolate chip cookie base.
Great for parties: These cookies make a cute addition to any Halloween dessert table.
Kid-friendly decorating: Kids can help add the marshmallows and ghost faces once the chocolate is cool enough to work with.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Bake Time: Approximately 12 minutes per batch
Cooling and Decorating Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Oven Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Yield: Depends on cookie size
Ingredients:
Chocolate Chip Cookies
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups brown sugar, packed
⅔ cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons warm water
1¾ cups milk chocolate chips
Ghost Decorations
1 package white chocolate chips (approximately 300–340 g, or about 1¾–2 cups, depending on package size)
Approximately 1 tablespoon coconut oil, to thin the melted chocolate
Large marshmallows, one per cookie
Round black sprinkles, three per cookie, for the eyes and mouth
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Water
Add the eggs and warm water to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a cookie dough forms.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Add the milk chocolate chips and gently fold them into the dough until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop portions of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving room between each cookie for spreading.
Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centres are set.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Let them cool completely before decorating.
How to Make the Marshmallow Ghosts
Step 8: Melt the White Chocolate
Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler over gently simmering water.
Stir in approximately 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to help thin the chocolate and make it easier to spoon over the marshmallows.
Step 9: Attach the Marshmallows
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spoon a thin layer of melted white chocolate into the centre of each cookie.
Place one large marshmallow upright on top of the melted chocolate.
The chocolate will help hold the marshmallow in place.
Step 10: Cover the Marshmallows
Spoon additional melted white chocolate over each marshmallow, allowing it to flow down the sides to create the appearance of a little ghost.
You don't need to make each one perfect. The slightly uneven chocolate gives the ghosts their own fun character.
Step 11: Add the Ghost Faces
While the white chocolate is still soft, carefully press three round black sprinkles onto the side of each chocolate-covered marshmallow.
Use two sprinkles for the eyes and one for the mouth.
Step 12: Let the Chocolate Set
Allow the white chocolate to set completely before serving or storing the cookies.
Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Chip Ghost Cookies!
Tips for Making the Best Ghost Cookies
Cool the cookies completely. Decorating warm cookies can cause the white chocolate to melt or slide off.
Thin the white chocolate if needed. Adding a little coconut oil helps create a smoother consistency for spooning over the marshmallows. Start with a small amount and add more only if necessary.
Melt the chocolate gently. White chocolate can scorch easily, so use short microwave intervals and stir frequently.
Add the faces before the chocolate sets. Press the black sprinkles into the soft chocolate so they stay in place. Feel free to use edible marker or candy eyes or whatever sprinkle works for you.
Use large marshmallows. They give the ghosts their height and make them easier to decorate.
Make each ghost your own. A little unevenness in the white chocolate makes these cookies even more charming.
How to Store Chocolate Chip Ghost Cookies
Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for approximately 2–3 days for the best texture and appearance.
Keep them in a cool, dry place so the white chocolate doesn't soften.
If stacking the cookies, separate the layers with parchment paper, although storing them in a single layer is best to protect the decorations.
For making ahead, bake the cookies in advance and decorate them closer to the day you plan to serve them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the chocolate chip cookies ahead of time and decorate them once they've cooled completely. For the best appearance, add the marshmallow ghosts the day before or the day you plan to serve them.
Can I melt the white chocolate in the microwave?
Absolutely. Melt it in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent overheating. A double boiler works well too.
Why do you add coconut oil to the white chocolate?
The coconut oil helps thin the melted chocolate so it flows more easily over the marshmallows, creating the ghost shape.
Do I have to use milk chocolate chips?
Milk chocolate chips give these cookies a sweeter chocolate flavour, but you can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer.
A Fun Homemade Halloween Treat
These Chocolate Chip Ghost Cookies are proof that Halloween baking doesn't need to be complicated. With a homemade chocolate chip cookie, a marshmallow, and a little melted white chocolate, you can create the cutest spooky treats.
They're a fun recipe to make for Halloween parties, share with family and friends, or enjoy during a cozy afternoon of fall baking.
Cynthia Madeleine From Scratch
