DIY Ghost Cups: The Easiest Halloween Treat Ever

by - 10/01/2025 06:00:00 AM

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Happy October 1st, friends! Can you believe spooky season is officially here? I'm kicking off the month with what might be the easiest, cutest Halloween treat I've ever made – and trust me, if you need a last-minute idea for a party or just want to surprise your kiddos on a random Tuesday afternoon, this is IT. 
The Inspiration

You know those moments when you want to do something festive but don't have the time (or energy) for an elaborate Pinterest project? That's exactly how these ghost cups were born. I was staring at my pantry, spotted some marshmallow fluff, and suddenly had a lightbulb moment. Twenty minutes later, my kitchen counter was filled with the most adorable little ghosts, and my kids were absolutely losing their minds with excitement. 

 


What You'll Need

The beauty of this project is that you probably already have everything on hand:
That's it. Four ingredients. No baking, no complicated techniques, no special tools required. 
How to Make Your Ghost Cups

Step 1: Create Your Ghosts Generously dollop marshmallow fluff on top of each clear cup. Don't be shy here – you want enough fluff to create that classic ghost shape flowing down the sides. I like to use about 2-3 tablespoons per cup, but honestly, there's no wrong amount. The fluff will naturally drape over the edges in the most perfectly ghostly way.

Step 2: Draw the Faces Here's where the magic happens! Use your black marker to draw eyes and a mouth directly on the outside of the cup, right through where you can see the fluff. Classic round eyes and an "O" shaped mouth give you that surprised ghost look, but feel free to get creative. We made some with silly faces, some with spooky faces, and one with a mustache (my son's idea – don't ask).

Step 3: Fill and Serve Add ice to the cup, then pour in your apple cider. Watch as your ghost comes to life! The cold cider makes this especially refreshing, and there's something so fun about drinking from a cup with a little ghost friend perched on top. 
Why I'm Obsessed With This Idea

Let me count the ways:

It's ridiculously fast. I made a dozen of these in less than 30 minutes, including the time I spent taking photos and stopping my kids from eating all the fluff straight from the jar.

Kids can help. Even my youngest could draw the ghost faces (with supervision, of course – permanent markers and toddlers are a bold combination). It's the perfect activity to keep little hands busy while you prep for a party.

Adults love them too. Don't let the simplicity fool you. I brought these to my friend's Halloween party last weekend, and the grown-ups were just as charmed as the kids. Pro tip: You can absolutely spike the cider for an adult version. A splash of bourbon or spiced rum makes these ghost cups very grown-up indeed.

Zero stress factor. There's no way to mess this up. Crooked ghost face? That just makes it cuter. Fluff sliding off to one side? Even better. These are wonderfully forgiving. 
Serving Suggestions

While I'm absolutely obsessed with the apple cider version, these ghost cups are incredibly versatile: 
  • Fill with hot chocolate for a cozy autumn treat
  • Use orange soda for a bright, festive look
  • Try lemonade for early October when it's still warm
  • Go with grape juice for a purple potion effect
  • Make them with milk for the kiddos 
The Perfect Last-Minute Solution

Here's the thing about Halloween – it's a whole month of opportunities to celebrate. You don't need to wait for the 31st to break out the spooky fun. 
These ghost cups are perfect for:
  • After-school surprises
  • Classroom parties (check your school's policy on outside treats first!)
  • Weekend playdates
  • Adults-only Halloween cocktail parties
  • Movie night marathons of your favorite scary films
  • Literally any time you want to see people smile
Make It Your Own

Once you've mastered the basic ghost cup, the possibilities are endless. Some ideas I'm planning to try:
  • Add a drop of food coloring to the fluff for tinted ghosts
  • Use chocolate markers for brown ghost faces
  • Layer different colored drinks for an ombre effect
  • Top with sprinkles before adding the fluff for extra pizzazz
  • Make mini versions in shot glasses for a party appetizer table
In a world where we're all busy and over scheduled, I love finding little ways to make ordinary moments special. These ghost cups take almost no effort but deliver maximum joy – and isn't that what the best traditions are all about?

So grab those clear cups, break out the fluff, and get ready to create some boo-tiful memories this October. Your inner child (and your actual children) will thank you.

Happy haunting, friends! 👻

Have you made these ghost cups? I'd love to see your creations! What other last-minute Halloween treats do you love? Share your ideas in the comments below!

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