Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as charming to look at as it is delicious, this Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe is just the ticket. These little ghost-shaped cookies filled with sweet jam strike the perfect balance between buttery softness and a subtle almond crunch, making them a standout on any Halloween dessert spread. I love how they bring a bit of whimsy and nostalgia — plus, they’re a fantastic baking project for when you want to impress both kids and adults alike.

What I really appreciate about this Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily swap out jams to match your mood or color scheme, and the delicate dusting of icing sugar adds a spooky-but-elegant touch. Whether you’re making them for a classroom party, a cozy Halloween get-together, or just because you want to bake something seasonal, these cookies never disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe plays a role in creating those tender, flavorful cookies. The almond meal adds a wonderful depth and texture, while the jam brings that delicious burst of fruity sweetness that makes Linzer cookies so irresistible. Make sure to pick good-quality jams and fresh almonds for the best results.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key to getting that tender crumb. Avoid melted butter—it won’t give you the right texture.
• Icing sugar: Also called powdered sugar, it blends smoothly into the dough for a delicate sweetness.
• Egg yolks: Just the yolks enrich the dough without making it too cakey.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
• Plain flour (all-purpose flour): Provides structure without overpowering the almond flavor.
• Almond meal (ground almonds): This is what makes the Linzer cookies uniquely nutty and tender inside.
• Fine salt: A pinch balances sweetness and brings out the flavor.
• Jam: Raspberry, apricot, or your favorite jam works great for that classic Linzer filling.
• Icing sugar (for dusting): A light sprinkle gives the cookies a ghostly, powdery finish.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe, and I encourage you to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment—the classic combo is delicious, but changing jams or adding a twist can make it feel fresh every year.

• Almond-free version: I’ve replaced almond meal with finely ground oats or even hazelnut meal for a nutty variation when serving friends with nut allergies.
• Chocolate twist: Adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the dough makes for a spooky dark cookie that pairs wonderfully with raspberry jam.
• Different jams: I switched up the jam for pumpkin butter once, and it was a fantastic seasonal treat that added cozy autumn vibes.
• Vegan option: Use plant-based butter and flax egg substitutes; the texture is surprisingly close to the original.

How to Make Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Together

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with the icing sugar until the mixture feels light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. I use a stand mixer for this because it really makes the process effortless, but a hand mixer works just fine too. This step is crucial to getting a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.

Step 2: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Next, mix in the egg yolks one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mixing these in slowly helps the dough stay smooth and prevents curdling. You’ll notice the dough becoming silky and richer in color at this point—this is your flavor building!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate

In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain flour, almond meal, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix into the wet ingredients, folding carefully until just combined. Be gentle here to prevent overworking the dough; otherwise, the cookies can turn out tough. Once combined, chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes—this makes it easier to roll out and cut cleanly.

Step 5: Bake Until Just Set and Then Cool

Place the cookies on parchment-lined baking trays and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be set but still pale, not browned. Over-baking dries them out, which nobody wants! Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.

Step 6: Assemble Linzer Cookies with Jam

Spread a thin layer of your chosen jam on the whole cookie bases, then gently press the top cookie (with the cutout center) on top. I find raspberry jam ideal because it’s tart, but apricot and other bright jams work wonderfully too. Finally, dust generously with icing sugar using a fine sieve—this gives the ghostly look that’s so fun for Halloween.

How to Serve Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishing, I usually keep it simple with a dusting of icing sugar to maintain the ghostly vibe. Sometimes I add a few tiny edible eyes made of chocolate chips or black icing to give the cookies a playful personality—kids love this touch! You could also add a light drizzle of white chocolate for an extra festive twist.

Side Dishes

Pairing these with a warm drink like spiced apple cider or a rich hot chocolate turns them into a full-blown seasonal dessert experience. They also go great alongside a small cheese board, balancing the sweetness with some savory bites, if you're hosting a Halloween party.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged these ghosts standing upright on a platter by propping them against small jars filled with orange-colored jam—that visual was a hit! Wrapping them individually in clear cellophane with a Halloween-themed ribbon also makes for lovely party favors or classroom treats. Don’t be afraid to get creative with presentation to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They actually get a bit softer and more flavorful after a day, so sometimes it’s worth waiting before diving in! Just make sure they’re stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen the cookies both baked and unbaked. For baked, I separate layers with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and they thaw beautifully in a few hours. For unbaked dough shapes, flash freeze the cutouts on a tray, then transfer to a bag—this lets you bake fresh cookies whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

If you want to freshen up the cookies after some storage, I pop them in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for just 3-4 minutes. This revives the texture and aroma without drying them out. Just make sure to dust with a little extra icing sugar afterward to get that perfect ghostly look.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Halloween Ghost Linzer Cookies feel like a little slice of autumn magic every time I make them. They bring together buttery, nutty dough and bright, flavorful jam in a way that’s both nostalgic and delightfully seasonal. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the joy of sharing these cute, delicious cookies with your friends and family—because baking (and eating) these ghosts truly feels like a warm hug this Halloween!

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