If you’re searching for a fun, colorful treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, the Nutter Butter Ghost Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into spooky, festive cookies bursting with vibrant green and purple hues. Perfect for any celebration or just a cheerful snack, these cookies feature a tender, buttery texture with just the right hint of sweetness. Trust me, once you try this Nutter Butter Ghost Cookies Recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple for cozy baking days and memorable gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is where the magic begins. Each item in this Nutter Butter Ghost Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the tender dough, adding just enough sweetness, or bringing those gorgeous colors to life.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light, soft texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality to every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies while contributing to a lovely, crisp edge.
- Eggs: Bind everything together, creating that perfect, chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Gel food coloring (green and purple recommended): Brightens up the dough with spooky, festive colors that make these cookies stand out.
How to Make Nutter Butter Ghost Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Begin by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is beautifully combined.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is vital for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your butter and egg mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the dough tender and soft.
Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough
Split the dough into two portions. Add green gel food coloring to one portion and purple to the other. Work the colors into the dough with your hands until the hues are evenly spread and vibrant.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap each colored dough ball in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for at least one hour. This step is crucial for making the dough easier to work with and helps preserve the bright colors during baking.
Step 6: Roll and Layer
Once chilled, layer the green dough on top of the purple. Roll them together lightly, then trim the edges for neatness. Carefully roll the layered dough into a log shape and wrap it up again. Chill for another hour to let everything set perfectly.
Step 7: Slice and Bake
Slicing the dough log into rounds about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick is where your cookie shapes come alive. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at the recommended temperature for 13-15 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Nutter Butter Ghost Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a spooky flair by decorating the cookies with white icing or edible marker faces to create ghostly expressions. A sprinkle of edible glitter or colored sugar on top can enhance their festive charm.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cozy cup of hot chocolate. For parties, arranging them alongside a platter of assorted Halloween-themed treats will make your spread irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
Try popping your Nutter Butter Ghost Cookies Recipe treats into clear cellophane bags tied with themed ribbons for delightful party favors. Alternatively, stack them on a decorative plate with a spooky centerpiece to create an eye-catching dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for seasonal celebrations.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, place them in freezer-safe bags or containers, and keep them frozen for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, simply pop them in the oven at a low temperature for 5-7 minutes. This revives their soft texture and brings out that freshly baked aroma you love.
FAQs
Can I use other colors of gel food coloring for this recipe?
Absolutely! While green and purple really bring out the Halloween vibe, feel free to get creative with any colors you like. Just remember to use gel food coloring so the dough stays firm and not too wet.
Do I have to refrigerate the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough is key to making it easier to handle and helps maintain the vibrant colors during baking. It also prevents spreading, so your cookies hold their ghostly shape.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is highly recommended for its flavor and texture. Margarine or oil can affect the dough’s consistency and taste, potentially resulting in a less tender cookie.
What is the best way to roll the colored doughs together?
Layer the doughs gently without pressing too hard to keep the colors distinct. Light rolling helps them join seamlessly while preserving those beautiful stripes when sliced.
Are these cookies suitable for kids to help make?
Definitely! Kids will love kneading and coloring the dough, slicing the cookie logs, and even decorating. Just supervise during baking, and you’ll have a fun family activity on your hands.
Final Thoughts
This Nutter Butter Ghost Cookies Recipe brings the perfect combination of playful colors, scrumptious flavor, and festive fun to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a party or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to brighten the day and bring smiles. I wholeheartedly encourage you to gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy creating these delightful ghostly bites with people you love. You won’t regret it!
Print
Nutter Butter Ghost Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These fun and festive Nutter Butter Ghost Cookies are a colorful twist on classic cookies, featuring vibrant green and purple swirled doughs rolled into ghostly shapes. Perfect for Halloween or any spooky celebration, these buttery, soft cookies are easy to make and sure to delight kids and adults alike with their playful colors and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Coloring
- Gel food coloring (green and purple recommended)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even mixture.
- Mix Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until a uniform dough forms.
- Divide and Color Dough: Split the dough into two equal portions. Add green gel food coloring to one portion and purple gel food coloring to the other. Knead each piece until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill Dough: Wrap each colored dough portion tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough.
- Roll and Layer Dough: After chilling, layer the green dough on top of the purple dough. Lightly roll them together to create a marbled effect and trim the edges to form straight lines.
- Form Dough Log: Carefully roll the layered dough into a log shape. Wrap the log in plastic wrap again and refrigerate for an additional hour to set.
- Slice and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the dough log into ¼ to ½-inch thick rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing evenly.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the slices for 13-15 minutes, until the cookies are set but still soft. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering dough consistency.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier slicing and better shape retention during baking.
- Ensure slices are evenly sized for consistent baking.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
