Witch Hat Cookies

Every year around Halloween, I like to make at least one treat that feels extra fun—something that makes everyone stop and say, “Wow, that looks so cute!” For me, these Witch Hat Cookies always do the trick.

The first time I made them, I remember setting the plate on the table and watching my family hesitate for a second before grabbing one.

Not because they didn’t want them, but because they looked almost too adorable to eat.

Of course, that hesitation lasted about three seconds—then the chocolatey smell took over, and the plate was empty in no time.

What I love most about these cookies is how simple they are to put together. You don’t need fancy decorating tools or professional skills—just a little frosting, some colorful candy, and those classic chocolate kiss candies we all know and love.

The base is a soft, rich chocolate cookie that pairs perfectly with the sweetness on top. Kids can join in on the decorating, and honestly, they usually end up making the most creative hats of all.

For me, baking these feels like part craft project, part treat-making, and that’s what makes them so special.

They look playful, they taste delicious, and they bring a little extra magic to the table without taking all day to prepare.

Table of Contents

Witch Hat Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (70 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk

For Decorating:

Large chocolate kiss candies (unwrapped)
1 cup buttercream frosting, divided into 3 small bowls
Gel food coloring: orange, green, and purple
Small round yellow candies (like mini M&Ms or similar)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until combined.
Add milk and mix again until smooth, thick dough forms.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a smooth ball, and place on the sheet. Slightly flatten each ball with your palm to create a round cookie base.
Leave about 2 inches between cookies.
Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Take your buttercream and divide into three bowls.
Tint one bowl orange, one green, and one purple using gel food coloring. Stir until colors are vibrant.
Transfer each color into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
Once cookies are fully cooled, pipe a thick ring of colored frosting around the top center of each cookie.
Immediately press an unwrapped chocolate kiss candy onto the frosting ring to form the “hat.”
Use a small dot of frosting to attach two yellow candies on the front as a “hat buckle.”
Allow the frosting to set for at least 15 minutes before serving so the decorations stay in place.
Arrange on a serving tray or cake stand for a festive Halloween presentation.

How Do You Make Witch Hat Cookies From Scratch?

Making them from scratch is simple. You bake soft chocolate cookies, then decorate them to look like hats.

Use a soft cookie dough: A cocoa-based cookie dough works best because it stays chewy.
Chill the dough: Cold dough holds its shape better in the oven.
Decorate after cooling: Always wait until cookies are fully cool before adding frosting and candy.
Press chocolate kisses gently: Do it while the frosting is still soft so they stick well.

Can I Use Store-Bought Cookie Dough For Witch Hat Cookies?

Yes, you can. It saves time and still tastes delicious.

Choose chocolate dough: It gives the right look and flavor.
Slightly underbake: Store-bought dough can get dry if overbaked.
Add a splash of vanilla: Mixing in a little extra vanilla makes the dough taste homemade.

What Kind Of Frosting Works Best For Decorating Witch Hat Cookies?

The frosting is what makes the colorful bands stand out.

Buttercream frosting: Thick enough to hold candy and smooth to pipe.
Gel food coloring: Gives bright colors without making frosting runny.
Small piping bag: Makes it easier to draw neat bands around the hat.

How Do You Get The Candy Kiss To Stick On Top Of The Cookie?

The trick is all about using the frosting at the right time.

Use a ring of frosting: Pipe a circle of frosting where the candy will sit.
Press gently but firmly: Push the candy into the frosting without cracking the cookie.
Let it set: Allow cookies to sit 15 minutes so the candy stays in place.

Can Kids Help Decorate Witch Hat Cookies?

Yes, this is one of the easiest treats for kids to decorate.

Let them handle the frosting colors: Kids enjoy choosing their own hat band shades.
Give small tasks: Placing the candy kiss or adding a buckle candy is easy for them.
Expect a little mess: That’s part of the fun—just keep napkins nearby.

How Far In Advance Can I Make Witch Hat Cookies?

These cookies keep well if stored properly, so you can prepare them ahead.

1–2 days early: Best for freshness and softness.
Bake cookies first: Store plain cookies, then decorate the day you serve.
Store airtight: Keeps them from drying out or turning stale.

What Colors Look Best For The Witch Hat Bands?

Bright, bold colors make the hats look magical and playful.

Orange: Classic Halloween look.
Purple: Adds a fun, mystical touch.
Green: Bright and eye-catching.
Yellow dots: Great for buckle details.

Can I Make Witch Hat Cookies Without Eggs?

Yes, you can make them egg-free and still tasty.

Use applesauce: ¼ cup for each egg.
Use yogurt: Keeps cookies soft and moist.
Use flaxseed mix: 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg.

How Do I Store Witch Hat Cookies So They Stay Fresh?

Proper storage makes them last longer and keeps the decorations neat.

Use an airtight box: Keeps cookies soft and prevents them from drying.
Single layer if possible: So the frosting and candy don’t smudge.
Keep in a cool place: Avoid heat so the frosting doesn’t melt.

Can Witch Hat Cookies Be Frozen?

Yes, both the dough and baked cookies can be frozen safely.

Freeze cookie dough: Roll into balls, freeze, then bake fresh when needed.
Freeze baked cookies undecorated: Add frosting and candy after thawing.
Wrap well: Use plastic wrap plus a freezer bag to keep out moisture.