Introduction to the Recipe
Looking for a quick, no-bake Halloween treat that’s adorable, easy, and guaranteed to charm kids and adults alike? These White Chocolate Marshmallow Ghosts are spooky-cute and come together in minutes with just four ingredients. Marshmallows become little ghost bodies, dipped in creamy melted white chocolate, then finished with edible googly eyes and a pretzel stick handle. They’re perfect for Halloween parties, lunchbox surprises, or classroom treats.
This recipe is beginner-friendly — no baking, no candy thermometers, and no stress. It’s also a great one to make with kids. They’ll love dipping the marshmallows, sticking on the eyes, and even licking the spoon afterward. You don’t need advanced decorating skills to make these ghosts charming. A little messiness just makes them look more spirited.
The best part? You can make a whole batch in under 30 minutes and store them for later. They’re small enough to serve as party bites, but cute enough to be centerpiece-worthy on a spooky dessert table. These marshmallow ghosts are flexible too — swap the chocolate, tweak the toppings, and turn them into mummies, monsters, or skeletons with simple changes.
Need more Halloween inspiration? Check out these no-bake spooky treats or this roundup of easy Halloween recipes for kids.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
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White Chocolate Marshmallow Ghosts
Description
White Chocolate Marshmallow Ghosts are the perfect no-bake Halloween treat — quick, fun, and delightfully spooky for all ages.
Ingredients
- 12 marshmallows
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 24 edible googly eyes
- 12 small pretzel sticks
Instructions
- Insert one pretzel stick into each marshmallow. This will act as your “ghost stick.”
- Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Dip each marshmallow into the melted white chocolate, coating about ¾ of the way up. Let excess drip off.
- Place the dipped marshmallows onto a parchment-lined tray. While the chocolate is still wet, stick two edible eyes onto each one.
- Let the ghosts set at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes, or refrigerate for faster results.
- Serve once set or store in an airtight container for later.
Notes
Use lollipop sticks instead of pretzels for a sturdier grip.
For a spooky texture, drag a fork or toothpick through the chocolate before it sets to create “ghostly tails.”
Use good-quality white chocolate for best melting and coating results.
Keywords: White Chocolate Marshmallow Ghosts
Advanced Techniques
1. Add Flowing Ghost “Capes”
After dipping, use a spoon to gently drizzle extra white chocolate around the bottom of the marshmallow, letting it “flow” down like a sheet. This adds a draped ghost effect and makes them more animated.
2. Pipe Expressions for Personality
Use melted dark chocolate in a piping bag or ziplock with the tip cut off to add mouths or brows for extra expression. Try surprised “O” mouths, frowns, or cheeky smirks.
3. Use a Cooling Rack for Drip-Free Finish
Place dipped marshmallows upright in a cooling rack with holes just wide enough for the pretzel stick. Gravity helps the chocolate set evenly without pooling.
4. Dip Twice for a Smooth Shell
For extra ghostly white, dip once, let set slightly, then dip again. A second coating smooths out imperfections and gives that glossy finish found in store-bought treats.
5. Color the Chocolate for Variety
Add a drop of gel food coloring to white chocolate to create pastel ghost variations like blue, pink, or green. Just don’t overmix — white chocolate can seize if handled too much.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
1. Store at Room Temperature
Keep finished ghosts in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Avoid warm environments — the chocolate can melt or bloom.
2. Chill for Long-Term Storage
If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Let them come to room temp before serving for best texture.
3. Avoid Freezing
Freezing can cause white chocolate to crack or sweat upon thawing. Not ideal unless absolutely necessary.
4. Prevent Sticky Pretzels
Don’t dip the full marshmallow — keep a bit of pretzel exposed so hands don’t get messy when eating. If you prefer full coverage, insert pretzels after the chocolate sets.
5. Prep the Day Before
These treats can be made 1–2 days ahead with no drop in quality. Just be sure to store them properly to maintain freshness and appearance.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
1. Vegan-Friendly Version
Use vegan marshmallows (like Dandies), dairy-free white chocolate, and vegan candy eyes. Melt the chocolate gently with a splash of coconut oil for smooth dipping.
2. Gluten-Free Swap
Swap pretzel sticks for gluten-free pretzel rods or lollipop sticks. Most marshmallows and white chocolates are gluten-free, but always check the label.
3. Sugar-Free Option
Use sugar-free white chocolate and sugar-free marshmallows (like Max Sweets). Skip the candy eyes and use sugar-free icing to pipe small dots for eyes instead.
4. Nut-Free Adaptation
Stick to nut-free brands for chocolate and pretzels, especially if making these for school events. Choose allergy-friendly eyes or pipe chocolate dots for safe substitutes.
5. Add Natural Color with Freeze-Dried Fruit
Blend freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries into a powder and stir into white chocolate for naturally tinted pink ghosts. It adds flavor and avoids artificial dyes.

FAQs About the Recipe
1. Why is my white chocolate clumping?
White chocolate can seize if overheated or if water gets into the bowl. Melt it slowly in 20-second intervals and always use a dry bowl and spoon.
2. Can I use candy melts instead of white chocolate?
Yes. Candy melts are more forgiving and don’t seize as easily. They also come in various colors if you want to skip adding food coloring.
3. How do I get the eyes to stick?
Press eyes onto the ghost immediately after dipping while the chocolate is still wet. If it sets too quickly, use a dot of leftover melted chocolate as “glue.”
4. Can I use mini marshmallows?
Mini marshmallows are too small for dipping but great for other recipes. Stick with full-size marshmallows or jumbo for dramatic ghosts.
5. Do I need to temper the chocolate?
Nope. For this no-bake treat, basic melting is fine. If you’re storing for a party or want a glossy finish, you can temper it — but it’s not required.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts
White Chocolate Marshmallow Ghosts prove that Halloween treats don’t need to be complicated to be fun. They’re adorable, fast to make, and versatile enough for school parties, dessert trays, or just a festive afternoon in the kitchen. No baking. No stress. Just melt, dip, decorate — and enjoy.
Kids love decorating them, adults love eating them, and you’ll love how easy they are to pull together. You can even prep a big batch ahead of time and have them ready for your Halloween event or party table. Plus, with simple ingredient swaps, these ghosts can be made to fit almost any dietary need.
They’re lighthearted, whimsical, and just spooky enough without being scary. Once you make them, they’re sure to become a yearly tradition.