Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies
These spooky ghost brown butter pumpkin cookies are a delightful Halloween treat, featuring a secret ingredient for enhanced flavor and texture. Perfect for parties or a festive snack!
Equipment
- saucepan
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- electric mixer
- baking sheet
- piping bag (optional)
Ingredients
Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg yolk large
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon molasses THE secret ingredient!
Ghost Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decorations
- as needed mini chocolate chips
- as needed black food gel
Instructions
Brown Butter
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until browned and fragrant, then set aside to cool.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a medium bowl.
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and molasses.
Form Dough
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the cooled brown butter.
Chill and Bake
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
Prepare Frosting
- Beat powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Decorate Cookies
- Once cookies are cooled, pipe ghost shapes using the frosting. Use mini chocolate chips for eyes or black food gel for ghost faces.
Notes
The molasses is the secret ingredient that gives these cookies a chewy texture and depth of flavor!