Boo-tter Bites

Spooktacularly Simple Nutter Butter Ghosts: The Ultimate Easy Halloween Treat!

Get ready to conjure up some delightful frights this Halloween with our incredibly simple Nutter Butter Ghosts recipe! If you’re searching for an easy, no-bake Halloween treat that will bring smiles and a touch of spooky fun to any gathering, look no further. These adorable ghosts, crafted from classic Nutter Butter cookies and a few basic ingredients, come together in minutes, making them the perfect project for busy parents, enthusiastic kids, and anyone who loves a quick and charming holiday dessert.

Halloween is a season bursting with magic, mystery, and, of course, delicious treats. While elaborate costumes and haunted house decorations often steal the show, the true spirit of Halloween for many lies in the joy of sharing festive goodies. These Nutter Butter Ghosts perfectly embody that spirit: they’re effortlessly cute, wonderfully tasty, and incredibly fun to make. Imagine the delight on children’s faces as they help transform a simple peanut butter cookie into a whimsical, edible ghost. It’s an activity that creates lasting memories and results in a treat everyone will adore.

Overhead shot of a plate full of Nutter Butter Ghosts for Halloween.
Nutter Butter Ghosts: A charmingly spooky addition to your Halloween table.

For me, Halloween holds a special place in my heart. The anticipation of dressing up, decorating, and embracing all things delightfully ghoulish always fills me with excitement. My passion for spooky and fun creations extends right into the kitchen, and these Nutter Butter Ghosts are a prime example. They’re a staple in my home during the Halloween season, consistently bringing cheer and wide grins to all who encounter them. Let’s dive into how you can easily create these enchanting spectral snacks!

Why These Nutter Butter Ghosts Are a Must-Make Halloween Treat

There are countless reasons why these Nutter Butter Ghosts deserve a spot on your Halloween menu. They strike the perfect balance between ease, fun, and deliciousness, making them an ideal choice for any festive occasion:

  • Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires hardly any time in the kitchen. You won’t need to turn on your oven or spend hours mixing and baking. It’s a true no-bake wonder, perfect for last-minute party preparations or spontaneous Halloween fun.
  • Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can transform ordinary cookies into extraordinary Halloween characters. Most items are readily available at any grocery store, simplifying your shopping list.
  • Kid-Friendly Activity: These ghost cookies are not just treats to eat, but also a fantastic activity for children. Little hands can easily help with dipping, placing candy eyes, and arranging the chocolate chip mouths, fostering creativity and making cherished holiday memories.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a grand Halloween party, preparing snacks for a school event, or simply want a festive treat for a cozy movie night, these Nutter Butter Ghosts fit the bill perfectly. Their charming appearance makes them a delightful centerpiece or a fun addition to any dessert platter.
  • Delicious and Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of crunchy Nutter Butter cookies with a sweet candy coating is undeniably delicious. These ghosts are a hit with both kids and adults, offering a satisfying blend of peanut butter and sweet vanilla flavor that’s hard to resist.

Essential Ingredients for Your Spooky Ghost Cookies

Creating these delightful Nutter Butter Ghosts requires just a few key components. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on readily available items that come together to form a truly magical Halloween snack.

Ingredients needed to make Halloween Nutter Butter Ghosts.
Gather your simple ingredients for these fun Halloween treats!
  • Nutter Butter Cookies: The star of our show! Their iconic peanut shape and creamy peanut butter filling make them the ideal base for our ghost figures. Their texture holds up well to dipping, and the flavor complements the sweet candy coating perfectly.
  • Bright White Candy Wafers (or Candy Melts): These are crucial for creating that smooth, white, ghostly exterior. Candy wafers melt easily and dry quickly, providing a professional-looking finish. Opt for bright white for the most classic ghost appearance.
  • Candy Eyes: These edible eyeballs instantly bring your ghosts to life (or rather, undeath!). They add a whimsical and slightly spooky touch that makes each ghost unique and endearing.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: A small chocolate chip serves as the perfect mouth for our Nutter Butter Ghosts, completing their friendly or slightly surprised expressions.

For precise quantities and detailed measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Nutter Butter Ghosts

Creating these Nutter Butter Ghosts is a breeze, even for beginner bakers or those who prefer no-fuss recipes. Follow these simple instructions to bring your adorable cookie ghosts to life. This is an overview; more detailed guidance can be found in the recipe card below.

A collage of four images showing how to make Nutter Butter Ghosts for Halloween.
The simple steps to creating your Nutter Butter Ghosts.
  • Step 1: Melt the Candy Wafers. Begin by placing your bright white candy wafers into a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 2 minutes. After this initial interval, give the wafers a good stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second bursts, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the candy wafers are completely melted and have a smooth, pourable consistency. For best results, avoid overheating, which can cause the candy to seize.
  • Step 2: Dip the Cookies. Carefully dip each Nutter Butter cookie into the melted white candy coating. Ensure about three-quarters of the cookie is submerged, leaving a small portion uncovered at the bottom to mimic a ghost’s flowing shape. Gently lift the cookie and allow any excess coating to drip back into the bowl. A small fork or a dipping tool can be helpful here to achieve an even coat and avoid mess.
  • Step 3: Add the Facial Features. While the candy coating is still wet and pliable, quickly attach two candy eyes onto the top portion of the dipped cookie. Below the eyes, gently press one semi-sweet chocolate chip to form the ghost’s mouth. The warmth and stickiness of the fresh coating will help these decorations adhere securely. Work relatively quickly, as the coating sets fast.
  • Step 4: Set the Ghosts. As each ghost is assembled, carefully place it onto a baking sheet that has been lined with wax paper or parchment paper. This prevents the ghosts from sticking as the coating hardens. Continue this process with the remaining Nutter Butter cookies until all your little ghosts have been assembled and are resting on the lined baking sheet. Allow them to set completely at room temperature or, to speed up the process, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes until the coating is firm.

Pro Tip: If you prefer not to use a microwave or are working with a larger batch, the double boiler method is an excellent alternative for melting the candy wafers. This method provides more gentle, even heat and reduces the risk of burning or seizing the chocolate.

Creative Recipe Variations and Substitute Ideas

While the classic Nutter Butter Ghost is undeniably charming, there’s plenty of room to get creative with this recipe. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and decorative elements to customize your spooky treats!

  • White Chocolate Coating: For a richer flavor profile, substitute the white candy coating with high-quality melted white chocolate. Be sure to temper the white chocolate properly or use melting wafers specifically designed for easy melting and setting.
  • White Almond Bark: Similar to candy wafers, white almond bark is another excellent option for dipping. It melts smoothly and sets firmly, offering a slightly different texture and flavor that complements the peanut butter well.
  • Black Frosting for Faces: If you don’t have candy eyes and chocolate chips, or simply want a different look, use black gel frosting or a fine-tipped food-safe marker to draw on the eyes and mouths. This allows for even more expressive ghost faces!
  • Chocolate Chip Eyes: Out of candy eyeballs? No problem! Use mini chocolate chips, placed upside down (flat side facing out), for a more minimalist and equally cute eye design. You can also use melted chocolate to draw small dots for eyes.
  • Alternative Cookies: While Nutter Butters are perfect, other cookies can also be transformed into ghosts. Milano cookies, shortbread, or even vanilla wafers could work. Just ensure the cookie is sturdy enough for dipping and offers a good surface for decoration.
  • Colorful Ghosts: Add a drop or two of food coloring designed for candy melts (oil-based) to your white candy coating to create vibrant, colorful ghosts. Imagine green monster ghosts, purple phantom ghosts, or even orange pumpkin ghosts!
  • Sprinkle Fun: Before the candy coating fully sets, sprinkle some Halloween-themed sprinkles over your ghosts for an extra festive touch. Think orange and black jimmies or tiny ghost-shaped sprinkles.
Close up side shot of a corner of a plate with Nutter Butter Ghosts, as a Halloween Treat.
The charming detail of a Nutter Butter Ghost.

Sharing is Caring – Connect with Us on Social Media!

If you’re loving these spooky treats, be sure to connect with us on our social media channels! We share more delightful recipes, tips, and behind-the-scenes fun regularly. Your likes, shares, and comments help us continue creating content you love!

Find us on Facebook: The Cagle Diaries

Necessary Gear: Equipment

One of the many joys of making Nutter Butter Ghosts is how little specialized equipment you need. You likely already have most of these items in your kitchen, making this an even easier recipe to tackle!

All you’ll need are a few basic kitchen tools:

  • Small Microwave-Safe Bowl: Essential for melting your candy wafers efficiently and safely. A glass bowl works perfectly.
  • Stirring Spoon or Spatula: To ensure your candy melts evenly and to achieve that smooth consistency.
  • Baking Sheet: To hold your finished ghosts while they set.
  • Wax Paper or Parchment Paper: Crucial for lining your baking sheet, ensuring your ghosts don’t stick once the coating hardens. This makes for easy cleanup and prevents breakage.
  • Optional: A fork or candy dipping tool can make the dipping process cleaner and easier, though it’s not strictly necessary.

That’s it! With these simple items, you’re all set to create a batch of charming Nutter Butter Ghosts.

More Halloween Recipes I Think You’ll Love

If you’ve enjoyed making these Nutter Butter Ghosts and are looking for more spooky inspiration, you’re in luck! Halloween is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen. Here are some other fantastic Halloween recipes from our collection that are sure to be a hit at your next ghoulish gathering:

  • Mummy Oreos
  • Zombie Cupcakes
  • Halloween Grilled Cheese
  • Ghost Cupcakes with Marshmallow
  • Breadstick Rattlers
  • Halloween Cookies with Sprinkles
  • Halloween Jungle Juice Recipe
  • Monster Meatloaf Recipe
  • Spider Web Brownies

How to Store Your Spooky Leftovers

If by some miracle you have any Nutter Butter Ghosts left over (they tend to disappear quickly!), proper storage will keep them fresh and delicious for several days. Store your ghosts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their quality for up to 5 days.

For best results and to prevent any moisture buildup that could make the cookies soggy or the coating sticky, line the bottom of your storage container with a paper towel. This small step helps absorb any condensation and keeps your ghost cookies perfectly preserved.

Pro Tips from the Kitchen

Don’t let any leftover melted candy coating go to waste! Transfer it to a piping bag (or a ziptop bag with the corner snipped off). You can then use it to create delightful Nutter Butter Mummies by drizzling thin lines over entire cookies, mimicking bandages. Add two candy eyes before the coating sets for an equally adorable, mummified treat!

If your candy melts appear too thick or are difficult to work with, you can thin them out slightly. Add a tiny amount (about ½ teaspoon at a time) of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to the melted wafers and stir until you reach your desired consistency. Coconut oil is generally preferred as it doesn’t interfere with the setting process as much as other oils might.

For an extra festive touch when serving, arrange your Nutter Butter Ghosts on a dark platter or a bed of shredded black or purple paper for a dramatic, spooky presentation. They also look fantastic nestled amongst other Halloween candies and treats.

Up close shot of a Nutter Butter Ghosts Halloween Treat.
A friendly Nutter Butter Ghost ready for a bite!

Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs

Do I have to use Nutter Butters for this recipe?

While Nutter Butter cookies are highly recommended due to their ideal ghost-like shape and delicious peanut butter flavor, you can certainly experiment with other cookies. Milano cookies are a popular alternative that also work wonderfully for dipping and decorating. Shortbread cookies or even larger oval-shaped vanilla cookies could also be used to create different ghost variations.

Can I dip the entire cookie?

Yes, you absolutely can! For a fully coated ghost, you might find it easier to insert a lollipop stick between the two layers of the Nutter Butter cookie before dipping. This allows for full immersion and provides a convenient handle for eating. These “Nutter Butter Halloween Ghost Cookies on a stick” make for an even more fun party treat!

Can I make these Nutter Butter Ghosts ahead of time?

Absolutely! These ghosts are perfect for making in advance. Once the candy coating has fully set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and festive for up to 5 days, making them an excellent option for party prep or gift-giving.

My candy melts are too thick. What should I do?

If your candy melts become too thick to dip smoothly, you can thin them out. Add a small amount (about ½ teaspoon) of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to the melted candy and stir well. Continue adding tiny amounts until you reach a smooth, dippable consistency. Avoid adding water or milk, as this will cause the candy to seize and become unusable.


If you’ve tried this Nutter Butter Ghosts Recipe or any other fantastic recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below how it turned out! We genuinely love hearing from our readers and seeing your delicious creations.

If you love this recipe as much as we do, please consider giving it a 5-star rating! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Your feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy these fun recipes.

You can also follow me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes, holiday inspiration, and behind-the-scenes fun!

Close up shot of a plate of nutter butter ghosts for Halloween.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Nutter Butter Ghosts

These Halloween Treats are perfectly simple, Nutter Butter Ghosts are quick and delicious to make. They’re a kid-friendly, no-bake favorite for any spooky celebration!
Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
15
Cuisine:
Cookies, Halloween Recipes
Author:
Melanie Cagle

Video Overview

A quick video demonstrating the simple steps to create these Nutter Butter Ghosts.

Equipment

  • Small Microwave-Safe Bowl
  • Stirring Spoon or Spatula
  • Baking Sheet
  • Wax Paper or Parchment Paper

Ingredients

  • 15 Each Nutter Butter Cookies
  • 12 Ounces Bright White Candy Melts (or candy wafers)
  • 30 Each Candy Eyes
  • 15 Each Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

Instructions

  1. Add the candy melts to a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 2 minutes.
    12 Ounces Bright White Candy Melts
  2. Give the candy melts a thorough stir, then continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the candy melts are completely smooth and have a good, dippable consistency. Dip each Nutter Butter cookie ¾ of the way into the melted coating.
    15 Each Nutter Butter Cookies
  3. Allow any excess coating to drip off, then immediately attach two candy eyes and one semi-sweet chocolate chip for the mouth onto the still-wet coating.
    30 Each Candy Eyes, 15 Each Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
  4. Lay the dipped cookies on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Repeat the process for all remaining cookies until all the little ghosts are assembled. Allow them to set completely at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for quicker setting.

Notes

If you prefer to thin out the candy melts a little more for easier dipping, add a touch of coconut oil (this is the best oil to thin it out with, as it helps maintain consistency).
For a cleaner dipping process, use a fork or a candy dipping tool.
Ensure the candy eyes and chocolate chip mouths are placed while the coating is still wet to adhere properly.

Did You Make This?
Please consider Leaving a Review!

Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving)

Serving Size: 1 ghost |
Calories: 471kcal |
Carbohydrates: 80g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 18g |
Saturated Fat: 11g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g |
Cholesterol: 33mg |
Sodium: 98mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 50g

Sign Up for My Emails and Never Miss Another Recipe!

I’ll never share your email or send you spam. Pinkie Promise!

[Email Signup Form Placeholder – Please imagine a form here.]

Discover More Halloween Fun: Recipe Roundups

Looking for even more spooky inspiration to make your Halloween celebration unforgettable? Dive into these curated collections of our favorite Halloween-themed recipes. From creepy concoctions to delightful desserts, these roundups are packed with ideas for every taste and skill level.

  • The Best Kid-Friendly Halloween Recipes
  • Halloween Treats Made With Oreos
  • Fun and Spooky Halloween Pie Recipes