Mummy Shortbread Cookies – Cute, Creepy, and Perfect for Halloween

Halloween is one of my favorite times to bake. There’s just something magical about mixing sweet flavors with spooky designs, and these Mummy Shortbread Cookies always make the biggest splash at parties. They’re buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and dressed up in icing “bandages” that kids (and adults!) can’t resist. If you’re looking for Halloween party cookie inspiration that’s simple but show-stopping, this is it.

I’ve been making these cookies for years, and every October they’re a must-bake in my kitchen. My kids love helping with the decorating, and honestly, I think I enjoy it even more than they do. This recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels—you don’t need special cutters, advanced skills, or hours of free time. Just a love of spooky fun and maybe a playlist of Halloween classics playing in the background.

Why You’ll Love These Mummy Shortbread Cookies

• Simple Ingredients: Everything is pantry-friendly. No tricky steps, no complicated tools.
• Kid-Friendly: Children love decorating the mummies with candy eyes.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake them ahead, decorate later, and they’ll still taste amazing.
• Versatile: You can customize the shapes and decorations however you like.

They’re not just cookies; they’re a fun Halloween activity wrapped into a dessert. Imagine a plate full of these on your table—your guests will be reaching for seconds before you can even snap a picture for Pinterest.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need for these spooky themed cookie recipes:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• Candy eyes (for decoration)
• Royal icing or melted white chocolate (for mummy “bandages”)

Ingredient Tips

• Butter matters: Use unsalted butter for better control over flavor.
• Candy eyes: If you can’t find them, mini chocolate chips work too.
• Royal icing vs. white chocolate: Both work—icing gives a cleaner look, while chocolate adds extra richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mummy Shortbread Cookies

This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on size.

1. Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add to the butter mixture until it comes together as a soft dough.

3. Chill the Dough

Roll into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to cut and helps the cookies hold their shape.

4. Shape the Cookies

Cut the dough into rectangles (about 2×3 inches) or use a simple oval cutter. No mummy-shaped cutter needed!

5. Bake

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

6. Cool Completely

Patience is key—let the cookies cool fully before decorating.

7. Decorate

Pipe bandages with royal icing or drizzle with melted white chocolate. Attach candy eyes while the icing is still wet.

Decorating Ideas for Extra Fun

• Ghost-inspired: Skip the bandages and coat with white icing to make ghost cookies. (Yes, a bonus DIY ghost cookie recipe!)
• Spooky faces: Add little mouths or eyebrows with black food gel.
• Party platter: Mix mummies with pumpkins, ghosts, and bats for a full Halloween cookies on a plate display.

This is where creativity really shines—let kids, friends, or guests join in the decorating fun.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to plan ahead.

• Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freeze undecorated shortbread cookies for up to 2 months. Just thaw, then decorate.
• Dough can be made 3 days ahead and chilled until baking.

FAQs About Mummy Shortbread Cookies

What ingredients do I need to make mummy shortbread cookies?

You’ll need butter, powdered sugar, flour, vanilla, salt, candy eyes, and icing or white chocolate.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! Bake and freeze them undecorated, or make the dough ahead of time.

How long do mummy shortbread cookies stay fresh?

About 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Do I need special cookie cutters for this recipe?

Nope! A simple rectangle or oval shape works perfectly.

Can I use store-bought dough instead of homemade shortbread?

You can. Homemade shortbread has the best flavor, but store-bought dough is a time saver.

My Personal Halloween Baking Story

When I first baked these cookies, I wasn’t sure they’d turn out. My little girl was three, and she insisted on “helping” by sticking candy eyes on all over the cookies. Some had four eyes, others had none. But they were adorable, and everyone at the party loved them. That’s when I realized Halloween baking doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be fun.

Now, every year, we turn our kitchen into a mini cookie-decorating workshop. It’s a tradition I’m so grateful for. These cookies always bring laughter, sticky fingers, and memories that matter far more than flawless frosting.

Related Spooky Recipes You’ll Love

• Learn how to decorate your spooky treats with royal icing for a Halloween-perfect finish.
• Explore more fun Halloween cookie ideas like these witch hat chocolate cookies and mummy shortbread cookies.
• Want a savory twist? Keep the spooky mummy theme going with both savory and sweet treats like Mummy Meatloaf.

Perfect for Pinterest

These Halloween cookies decorated with icing will look gorgeous on your boards. Don’t forget to pin them and follow me on Pinterest for more ghost-themed baking ideas and fun Halloween food: SophiaDecorStyle Pinterest.

Final Bite

These Mummy Shortbread Cookies are buttery, fun to make, and always a hit. Whether you’re throwing a party, baking with your kids, or just looking for Halloween food treats to brighten up the season, these cookies are the answer. So grab your mixing bowl, invite your little helpers, and let’s bake some mummies together.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your creations! Share your photos, tag me, and let’s keep the Halloween baking joy alive. Happy haunting, friends!

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