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Close-up of ghost sugar cookies with white icing, pink cheeks, and smiling faces, surrounded by fairy lights and pastel candies.

Cute Ghost Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

These ghost sugar cookies are as spooky as they are adorable, with bright little faces and playful pops of color. Perfect for Halloween parties, dessert tables, or gifting, these cookies bring festive charm and fun to every celebration.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 cookies
Author: Shilpa

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough 16–17 oz (such as Pillsbury)
  • All-purpose flour for dusting

For the Icing & Decoration

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
  • Black icing pen or melted candy melts
  • Pink or purple icing pen or melted candy melts

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut out ghost shapes with the cookie cutter. Transfer to prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool completely.
  • To make icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and corn syrup until smooth and glossy. Add a few drops more milk if too thick.
  • Spread icing evenly over cooled cookies. Let the icing set before adding details.
  • Use black icing for eyes and smiles, then dot on pink or purple cheeks. Allow decorations to dry fully before serving or gifting.

Notes

  • Always let cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.
  • For best results, allow the white icing to set fully before adding the ghost faces.
  • Icing pens give smooth, precise details for the eyes, smiles, and cheeks. Candy melts can be used as an alternative, but will create a more opaque finish.
  • Store decorated cookies in a single layer at room temperature for 2-3 days, or place parchment between layers if stacking.

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
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