Witch Hat Cookies

If you’re looking for a festive treat that will delight both kids and adults alike, these Witch Hat Cookies are just the thing! They bring together the comforting flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, all while being adorably spooky. Perfect for Halloween parties, school events, or even a cozy family night at home, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, they’re easy to make, so you can whip them up without any fuss!

What I love most about this recipe is how fun it is to decorate the cookies. You can get creative with the toppings and colors, making each batch uniquely yours. So roll up your sleeves and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll find this recipe a breeze to follow.
• Fun for everyone: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen—especially when it comes to decorating!
• Perfect for gatherings: These cookies are a hit at Halloween parties and make delightful gifts for friends.
• Deliciously sweet: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate kisses creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• Customizable decorations: You can mix up the colors and sprinkles to match your Halloween theme or personal taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these charming Witch Hat Cookies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything before we dive into the fun part—baking!

Cookie Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Purple gel food coloring
• Halloween sprinkles or purple sanding sugar
• 33 unwrapped chocolate kisses or Hugs candies

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! If you’re feeling adventurous or want to cater to different tastes, here are some fun variations you can try:

• Swap the nut butter: If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, try using sunbutter or soy nut butter instead of peanut butter.
• Change up the toppings: Use different types of candies on top of your cookies, like caramel candies or candy corn for a colorful twist.
• Add spices: For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough!
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Witch Hat Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, leading to light cookies. Next, beat in the egg, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. Once done, chill your dough for at least one hour—this helps prevent spreading during baking.

Step 2: Bake Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out your chilled dough until it’s about ¼-inch thick. Using a cookie cutter (or just a glass), cut out 2-2.5 inch rounds and place them on the prepared sheets. Bake these beauties for about 8-10 minutes until their edges are set but still soft in the center. Let them cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Assemble Hats

Once your cookies are completely cooled (this is important!), it’s time to assemble them into witch hats! Place an unwrapped chocolate kiss right in the center of each cookie. The warm cookie will help it stick nicely.

Step 4: Decorate

Now comes my favorite part—decorating! Using purple gel food coloring, paint a brim around the base of each chocolate kiss on your cookie. Work quickly; as soon as you’re done painting, sprinkle Halloween sprinkles or purple sanding sugar over the wet paint so it sticks nicely. Allow your decorations to dry completely before storing these delightful treats.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your whimsical Witch Hat Cookies! They’re bound to be a showstopper at any gathering and bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Witch Hat Cookies

Creating the perfect batch of Witch Hat Cookies can be a breeze with a little guidance! Here are some pro tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least an hour helps to firm it up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This ensures your witch hats maintain their shape!

• Use a Cookie Cutter: For uniformity in size, use a round cookie cutter for cutting the dough. This not only provides consistency but also makes stacking and decorating easier.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be slightly soft when you take them out of the oven; they’ll continue to firm up while cooling on the baking sheet.

• Be Creative with Decorations: Feel free to customize your decorations beyond purple! Use different colors of gel food coloring or assorted Halloween sprinkles to make each cookie unique and fun.

• Storage Matters: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and delicious for several days, allowing you to enjoy them longer!

How to Serve Witch Hat Cookies

Serving Witch Hat Cookies is all about creativity and presentation. These spooky treats can be showcased in various delightful ways, perfect for any festive gathering!

Garnishes

• Edible Glitter: Sprinkle some edible glitter over the top of the cookies after decorating for an extra sparkle that catches the eye!
• Candy Corn: Place a few pieces of candy corn around the cookies on a platter for a colorful, festive touch.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of pumpkin spice hot chocolate pairs perfectly with these cookies, adding a seasonal flavor that complements their sweetness.
• Ghostly Marshmallow Treats: Make simple marshmallow treats shaped like ghosts using rice cereal and white chocolate. They offer a contrasting texture and additional spookiness!
• Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: Fresh apple slices served with caramel dip provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cookies, making for a well-rounded snack table.
• Spooky Fruit Salad: Create a fruit salad using seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and grapes. Add some ghost-shaped banana slices or monster eyes made from blueberries to keep with the Halloween theme.

With these serving suggestions and tips, your Witch Hat Cookies will not only taste amazing but also look enchanting at your Halloween gatherings! Enjoy baking and sharing these whimsical treats with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Witch Hat Cookies are not only delightful but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance, allowing you to enjoy a fun treat anytime during the Halloween season or for any festive gathering.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• If they start to get soft, place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these whimsical Witch Hat Cookies, you’re in the right place!

Can I make Witch Hat Cookies without peanut butter?

Yes! You can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter, keeping in mind any potential allergies.

How do I decorate Witch Hat Cookies?

After placing the chocolate kiss on top, use purple gel food coloring to paint a brim and sprinkle with Halloween decorations. Let them set before serving!

How long do Witch Hat Cookies last?

These cookies will stay fresh when stored properly at room temperature for up to one week.

Can I freeze Witch Hat Cookies?

Absolutely! Just follow the freezing instructions above, and you’ll have ready-to-eat treats whenever you need them.

What occasions are best for serving Witch Hat Cookies?

These fun cookies are perfect for Halloween parties, school events, or any festive gathering where you want to add some spooky charm!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these enchanting Witch Hat Cookies as much as I do! They bring a playful spirit to any occasion and are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a spooky gathering or simply looking for a fun baking project, these cookies are a fantastic choice. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with joy and creativity!