Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe

I’ve got to tell you, these Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe are an absolute delight when you want to add a little spooky charm to your baking. They’re not just cute—they’re irresistibly tasty, with that classic Linzer cookie texture: buttery, crumbly, and filled with a bright, tangy jam. Honestly, whenever I make these for Halloween, they’re the first cookies to disappear from the platter at any party or family gathering.

The best part about this Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe is how easy they are to personalize. You get that festive ghost shape that’s perfect for the season, plus you can fill them with your favorite jam to suit your taste buds or your guests. If you’ve been looking for a recipe that feels special but won’t stress you out, this one’s definitely worth a try.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right balance of sweetness and almond nuttiness. When shopping, I recommend getting good-quality almond meal and fresh butter—that makes a huge difference, trust me.

• Unsalted butter: Softened is the key here so the dough blends smoothly without lumps.
• Icing sugar (powdered sugar): Provides that gentle sweetness and dissolves perfectly into the butter.
• Egg yolks: Makes the dough rich and helps bind everything together.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor that complements the almond perfectly.
• Plain flour (all-purpose flour): The base for the dough; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Almond meal (ground almonds): Gives the cookies a lovely nutty flavor and a tender crumb.
• Fine salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
• Raspberry jam, Apricot jam, or any jam of your choice: This is the star filling—choose a jam that you love to get that perfect fruity contrast.
• Icing sugar for dusting: A light dusting on top finishes them beautifully and adds that extra festive touch.

Variations

I love mixing it up based on whatever mood I’m in or who I’m baking for. This recipe is forgiving enough to take a few tweaks, so feel free to make it your own!

• Using different jam flavors: One year, I tried a homemade blueberry jam and it was a total hit with my kids—they loved the vibrant color peeking through the ghost cut-out.
• Gluten-free version: I’ve swapped plain flour with a gluten-free blend before, and it works well if you need a gluten-free Halloween treat.
• Chocolate twist: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder into the dough for a spooky chocolate ghost cookie variation I tried last year—it was divine!
• Decorative icing: Sometimes I use royal icing to draw ghostly faces instead of plain powdered sugar dusting, which makes them super fun for the kids to decorate themselves.

How to Make Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until you get a light, fluffy mixture. I usually use an electric mixer for this—it saves time and effort. Make sure the butter is really soft before you start, or you’ll get lumps that are hard to smooth out. This step is crucial because it forms the base of the tender cookie texture you’re aiming for.

Step 2: Incorporate Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Next, add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat everything well until it’s fully combined. If it looks a little curdled, don’t worry—that’s normal. The yolks add richness and bind the dough beautifully.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain flour, almond meal, and fine salt. Gradually add this to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding by hand. The dough should come together without being sticky—if it feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out and cut.

Step 4: Roll Out and Cut the Cookies

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about a 1/4-inch thickness. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut your cookies. For each pair, remember to cut a smaller “ghost face” shape out of the top cookie—this is where your jam will peek through later, giving it that Halloween charm. Don’t worry if your cutters aren’t ghost-shaped—you can get creative with any spooky shape!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye—they should be just lightly golden at the edges. Over-baking dries them out, and no one wants crumbly ghosts!

Step 6: Assemble with Jam and Dust with Sugar

Once the cookies cool completely, spread a thin layer of your chosen jam on the solid cookie base. Then gently sandwich the top cookie (the one with the cut-out) over it. Finally, dust the assembled cookies with icing sugar—the ghost shapes look so adorable with that light snowy finish, almost like they’re floating.

How to Serve Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar, but sometimes I add a tiny dab of icing for ghostly eyes or use edible markers. Adding a few silver sprinkles can also make them shimmer under the Halloween lights. It’s a fun little touch kids love helping with!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm spiced apple cider or a cup of hot chocolate—especially on chilly October afternoons. If you’re hosting a Halloween party, I like setting them alongside roasted pumpkin seeds and candied nuts for a full seasonal snack table.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged the cookies on a platter shaped like a pumpkin and sprinkled some edible glitter over everything for an extra magical effect. Another time, I packaged them individually in clear cellophane bags tied with orange and black ribbons to give as cute party favors. You could even string them together as a garland for a really quirky Halloween touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering parchment paper between them so they don’t stick or break. They stay fresh and tasty for about 3-4 days. Honestly, though, they rarely last that long around here!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, I freeze the baked cookie bottoms and tops separately—no jam yet—layered with parchment in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and then assemble with fresh jam. This way, the cookies taste just as freshly baked even weeks later.

Reheating

I don’t usually reheat Linzer cookies because I love their crumbly texture cold, but if you want to warm them up slightly, pop them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 3-5 minutes. Just keep an eye so they don’t overbake and dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making these Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe has become one of my favorite October traditions because it brings together fun shapes, delicious flavors, and the cozy spirit of the season. I really hope you give them a try and enjoy the process as much as the final bites. These cookies have a way of making any Halloween celebration feel extra special, and I know you’ll love sharing them as much as I do.

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