Light as air, sweet, and perfectly spooky, Halloween meringue ghosts are the kind of treat that makes October baking feel like pure fun. With their crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture and ghostly white swirls, these little confections bring a playful charm to any Halloween table. They look impressive, but they’re delightfully simple to make – a whimsical mix of elegance and mischief that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Meringue ghosts start with a classic meringue base, made by whipping egg whites and sugar until glossy peaks form. The magic lies in the transformation: as the mixture bakes at a low temperature, it turns from silky and shiny to crisp and weightless, with a subtle sweetness that melts the moment it touches your tongue. Once piped into small, ghost-shaped swirls and baked, the final step is adding their mischievous faces, tiny dots of melted chocolate or edible ink that instantly bring them to life.
What makes meringue ghosts so charming is their personality. No two ever look the same, some end up tall and proud, others short and round, each with their own expression and attitude. They can be dainty decorations for cakes or cupcakes, or served on their own as light and crunchy Halloween sweets. For a festive twist, you can dust them with edible glitter or add a hint of vanilla, almond, or peppermint extract for extra flavor.
They’re also a perfect make-ahead treat, since meringues keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container. Set them out in a bowl at your Halloween party, package them in small bags for trick-or-treaters, or use them to top spooky desserts like chocolate mousse or chocolate pudding dirt cups. However you serve them, these playful ghosts capture everything we love about Halloween, a little creativity, a touch of sweetness, and plenty of fun. Each one may be simple, but together they bring a hauntingly delightful spirit to the season.
Ingredients
- 100 g egg whites approximately 3 large eggs
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar optional, for stabilizing
- as needed chocolate chips for eyes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until foamy.
- Gradually add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until just combined.
- Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
- Pipe ghost shapes onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Place two chocolate chips on each ghost for eyes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour until dry and crisp.
- Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside with the door ajar.
Nutrition
I tried this recipe but my ghosts deflated. Not sure what I did wrong. Too much sugar, maybe?
Ugh, who eats meringues anyway? They’re just sugar and air. 😂
I think meringues are awesome! They can be so cute and fun for Halloween. Plus, they’re like little clouds of sweetness! ☁️👻
They might just be sugar and air, but have you tried making them? It’s like magic when they whip up! 😍
These turned out amazing! Super cute and perfect for Halloween. Everyone loved them!
I’m so glad you liked them! They are super fun to make and a hit at parties! 🎃👻
Super easy! I made them with my kids and they had a blast piping the ghosts. Will definitely make again!
Didn’t know meringues could be so fun. Kids loved it, but I had to eat a bunch cause they were so sweet!
I’m glad you and the kids had fun! Meringues can be super sweet, but they look adorable, right? 🎃
The texture was off for me, not crunchy enough. My oven might not be working right. Need to test it out again.
I didn’t have cream of tartar, and they still turned out great! Saved me a trip to the store.
Too much work for ghost cookie. Cooking is hard!
Really? You expect us to make meringue? It sounds hard and messy. I’d rather just buy candy.
Mmm, sweet n spooky! Perfect for Halloween. I’m lovin it.
I tried making these, but my meringues didn’t turn out right. They were all sticky and sad.
Why do you even need the tartar stuff? Seems like a gimmick. Mine came out great without it!
So cute! But I would prefer chocolate ghosts instead. Meringue is way too sweet for me.
These are so adorable! I made them for my kid’s Halloween party and everyone loved them!
Super easy to make! The kids had a blast decorating them. Will make again for sure.
Great recipe! I didn’t have cream of tartar and they still turned out fine. Just beat well!