Embrace the spooky season with these delightful Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies! These cookies are not only perfect for Halloween parties, but they also bring a warm blend of spices and molasses that makes them irresistibly soft and chewy. Decorated with royal icing to resemble adorable ghosts, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Their unique flavor and festive appearance make them a standout treat for both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The straightforward instructions allow bakers of any skill level to whip up these cookies without hassle.
- Deliciously Spiced: The combination of ground ginger, cinnamon, and allspice creates a warm, inviting flavor that is perfect for fall.
- Festive Appeal: With their ghostly shapes and charming decorations, these cookies are ideal for Halloween festivities.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for friends, family, or coworkers and spread the joy of these spooky treats!
- Versatile Treats: Enjoy them during Halloween or throughout the fall season as a cozy dessert option.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies, having the right tools can make the process smoother. Below are essential items you’ll need to gather before starting.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cookie cutter (ghost shape)
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Plastic wrap
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
- Cookie cutter: Gives your cookies their fun ghost shape, making them festive.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures your cookies bake evenly on the sheets.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decorating
- Royal icing (for decorating)
How to Make Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. In another mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Divide your dough in half. Flatten each half into a disk shape and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up; this will help maintain their shape while baking.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so that the cookies do not stick.
Step 4: Roll and Shape
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Carefully transfer these shapes onto your prepared baking sheets.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly soft. Once done, remove them from the oven and let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 6: Decorate
Once cooled completely, use royal icing to pipe cute ghost faces onto each cookie. Let the icing set before serving these delightful treats.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Share these festive Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies with friends and family during your Halloween celebrations!
How to Serve Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies
Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies are not just a treat; they can also add a festive touch to your Halloween celebrations. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make your spooky dessert table even more delightful.
Cookie Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with Halloween-themed decorations like mini pumpkins and cobwebs for an eye-catching display.
Gift Bags
- Place individual cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with orange or black ribbons. These make perfect party favors for guests to take home.
Dessert Table Centerpiece
- Create a centerpiece by stacking the cookies on a cake stand. Surround them with other Halloween treats like candies and cupcakes for a festive look.
Hot Beverage Pairing
- Serve the cookies alongside warm drinks like spiced apple cider or hot chocolate. The flavors of ginger and molasses complement these beverages wonderfully.
Themed Cookie Decorating Station
- Set up a DIY decorating station where guests can decorate their own Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies with various icing colors and sprinkles. This adds an interactive element to your gathering.
Halloween Movie Night Treats
- Offer these cookies as snacks during your Halloween movie marathon. They pair perfectly with classic scary films, enhancing the spooky atmosphere.
How to Perfect Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh spices: Ensure that your ground ginger, cinnamon, and allspice are fresh for maximum flavor impact.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances their texture.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they’re done when the edges are set but centers remain soft. This ensures they stay chewy.
- Royal icing technique: Practice piping techniques if you’re new to royal icing, as this will help you create cute ghost faces effortlessly.
- Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
- Experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for an extra layer of spice in your cookie dough if you want to try different flavor profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies
Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies can be complemented by several delicious side dishes that enhance the sweet experience. Consider these options for your Halloween gatherings.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: A warm, spiced beverage that pairs well with the flavors of ginger and molasses.
- Caramel Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices drizzled with caramel provide a crisp contrast to the soft cookies.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Sweet and salty snacks that offer a delightful crunch alongside your soft cookies.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and sugar add a savory touch that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Halloween Fruit Salad: Use seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, and grapes, cut into fun shapes for a refreshing side dish.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses accompanied by crackers can create a savory counterpoint to the sweet cookies while adding variety to your dessert table.
- Mini Pumpkin Pies: For those who love pumpkin flavors, mini pies can be an excellent addition to complement the holiday theme.
- Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn: Lightly sweetened popcorn sprinkled with cinnamon offers another fun snack that echoes the cookie’s flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies, a few common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Make sure to refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Incorrect measuring of ingredients: Using too much flour or sugar can change the texture. Always measure accurately using the spoon-and-level method.
- Overbaking the cookies: Baking them too long will make your cookies hard instead of soft and chewy. Keep an eye on them, and remove them while they’re still slightly soft in the center.
- Neglecting to use parchment paper: Baking directly on the pan may cause sticking. Use parchment paper to ensure easy removal and better cookie shape.
- Inconsistent cookie sizes: Uneven sizes lead to uneven baking. Use a cookie scoop for uniformity when portioning your dough.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking cookies.
Freezing Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 10-15 seconds until warm; avoid overheating as it may dry them out.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for about 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies special?
Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies are unique due to their warm spices combined with sweet molasses, creating a comforting treat perfect for Halloween.
Can I customize the icing on my Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies?
Yes! You can use different colors or designs for your royal icing to create various spooky themes that suit your celebration.
How do I store leftover Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Are Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! These festive cookies make charming gifts during the holiday season when packaged beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies are not only delightful treats but also versatile enough for any festive occasion. Their soft, chewy texture combined with spooky decorations makes them a hit among family and friends. Feel free to customize your ghost faces or add other seasonal spices to make this recipe truly your own!
Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Embrace the spirit of Halloween with delightful Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies! These charming cookies are soft and chewy, infused with a warm blend of spices that evoke the cozy flavors of fall. Adorned with whimsical royal icing to resemble cute ghosts, they make for a perfect treat at Halloween parties or cozy gatherings. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply indulging in a festive snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, Ginger Molasses Ghost Cookies are an essential addition to your autumn baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Royal icing (for decorating)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. In another bowl, cream softened butter with brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla; mix until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Divide dough in half into disks; wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disk on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness; cut out ghost shapes using a cookie cutter and place on prepared sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Once cooled completely, decorate with royal icing to create ghost faces.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (24g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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