Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful, festive treat that brings a touch of whimsy to your Halloween celebrations, this Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These charming little ghost-shaped cookies filled with luscious jam are not only adorable but also pack a buttery, nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible. I’ve made Linzer cookies before, but adding the ghost shape for Halloween always makes the baking process more fun — and they’re a huge hit with kids and adults alike!

What I love most about this Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, packing spooky lunchbox snacks, or just want to bake something festive and tasty, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. Plus, they keep wonderfully well, so you can prepare them in advance and enjoy the spooky sweetness long after the big day is over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe balances simple pantry staples with a handful of special ingredients that create the perfect texture and taste. You’ll notice almond meal plays a starring role here—trust me, it adds a subtle richness that really sets these Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies apart.

• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature so it creams easily with the sugar—this makes your dough tender and rich.
• Icing sugar (powdered sugar): Provides a smooth sweetness and a delicate crumb; be sure to measure carefully for just the right texture.
• Egg yolks: Add richness and help bind the dough together without making it tough.
• Vanilla extract: A splash enhances all the other flavors, making your cookies smell heavenly.
• Plain flour (all-purpose flour): The base of your dough, giving the structure needed to hold the shape.
• Almond meal (ground almonds): This is the secret to that soft, crumbly texture and a subtle nutty flavor that makes the cookies extra special.
• Fine salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors perfectly.
• Raspberry or apricot jam: Choose your favorite jam for that fruity, sticky center—raspberry is my personal go-to for the tart contrast against the buttery cookie.
• Icing sugar (for dusting): Just a light snow of sweetness to finish the look and bring out the jam’s vibrant colors.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Whether you prefer different flavors or need to accommodate dietary preferences, there’s a variation that’ll work for you. I often experiment with different jams or nuts depending on the season or what I have on hand.

• Use different jams: Cherry, strawberry, or even fig jam works beautifully. I once tried a passion fruit jam which gave the cookies a tropical twist that was unexpectedly delicious!
• Nut-free option: Swap almond meal for extra plain flour or a seed-based meal like sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies.
• Spiced dough: Add a little cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to the dough for extra seasonal warmth — perfect for autumn vibes.
• Vegan adjustment: Use vegan butter and a flax egg substitute; the cookies still hold together wonderfully and taste just as festive.

How to Make Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with the icing sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Trust me, this step can’t be rushed — it’s key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use room temperature butter so it combines easily and you don’t end up with chunks in your dough.

Step 2: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Mix in the egg yolks one at a time followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of your bowl occasionally to keep everything well incorporated. The dough should start to look creamy and velvety by now.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain flour, almond meal, and fine salt. This helps to evenly distribute everything before adding it to the wet ingredients — I always find this makes the dough more consistent and less likely to be dry or crumbly.

Step 4: Form the Dough and Chill

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Avoid overmixing here, or your cookies might end up tough. Once your dough comes together, form it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least an hour. This resting time is crucial—it helps the dough firm up so your ghost shapes hold their edges nicely.

Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out double the number of shapes (you’ll sandwich them). On half of the shapes, use a smaller ghost or oval cutter to cut out “windows” for the jam to peek through. Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges start to just turn golden. Don’t overbake; these cookies are meant to stay tender. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.

Step 6: Assemble Your Ghosts

Once cooled, spread a tiny spoonful of your favorite jam on the solid ghost cookie bases and gently press the cut-out cookies on top. Dust the tops lightly with icing sugar for that classic Linzer look, almost like a ghostly mist. If you want to get creative, you can pipe little eyes with melted chocolate or an edible marker to make your ghosts extra spooky!

How to Serve Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I typically keep garnishes simple – just a dusting of icing sugar. But for a fun twist, I’ve also added mini chocolate chips or tiny dots of melted dark chocolate for the eyes, which really brings the ghosts to life. Fresh raspberries on the side also add a refreshing burst that pairs beautifully with the jam inside.

Side Dishes

These cookies make a fantastic treat alongside a hot cup of spiced tea or even creamy hot cocoa during your Halloween gatherings. I’ve also served them with a pumpkin soup for a seasonal lunch spread—that surprising combo steals the show every time!

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m hosting, I like to arrange these Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies on a vintage cake stand dusted with powdered sugar “fog.” Adding a few plastic spiders or edible glitter dust around the plate makes the whole presentation festive and eye-catching. If you’re packing them for a party, clear cellophane bags tied with black and orange ribbons give a cute, homemade gift vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies actually hold up really well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I recommend placing layers of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking or breakage. After a day or two, the jam softens the cookie slightly, which some people (including me) find even more delicious!

Freezing

If you want to freeze these Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies, I suggest freezing the cookie dough portion before baking. Roll and cut out the shapes as instructed, then flash-freeze on a baking sheet before transferring them to a sealed freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy fresh, homemade cookies anytime without the wait.

Reheating

If you want to refresh your cookies, especially if they’ve softened, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Let them cool slightly before eating—you’ll get that just-baked crispness back with a warm jam center. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, baking these Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies always brings back fond memories of baking with my family during the spooky season. I love the way their delicate texture melts in your mouth and how the jam peeking through makes the ghosts look so inviting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable yet special enough to impress. Give it a try this Halloween—you’ll find it’s a perfect way to add a little magic (and sweetness) to your celebrations.

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