Why You’ll Love Witch Hat Halloween Cookies Recipe

They’re fun and festive — perfect for Halloween parties or to delight kids.
The prep is straightforward, using mostly pantry staples.
You can customize the color (purple, green, orange, etc.) to match your theme.
They store and freeze well, making them great to prepare in advance.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all purpose flour
cornstarch
baking powder
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
egg
vanilla extract
creamy peanut butter
gel food coloring (purple, or another Halloween color)
Halloween sprinkles or sanding sugar
Hershey’s Hugs or Kisses, unwrapped

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Using a mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes), scraping down the bowl as needed.
Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until incorporated.
Add the peanut butter and mix again until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low until just combined.
Add gel food coloring to the dough and mix thoroughly until you’ve reached your desired color.
Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Place the sugar or sprinkles in a bowl. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, then roll the ball in sugar or sprinkles. Place balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes — the cookies should puff slightly and show small cracks but not brown. Remove from oven and let sit on the sheet for 5 minutes.
Gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Hug or Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Place the cookie sheets into the freezer for 10 minutes to prevent the chocolate from melting. Then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Makes: 30 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cook time: 8–10 minutes per batch
Total time: About 2½ hours (including chilling)

Variations

Use different food coloring (green, orange, black) to suit your Halloween palette.
Swap the sanding sugar for small nonpareils or fine sprinkles.
Use mini peanut butter cups instead of Hugs or Kisses for a stronger peanut flavor.
Omit the chocolate top for simpler peanut butter cookies.
Add a drop of almond extract or cinnamon for extra flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

Room temperature: Store the fully cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing baked cookies: Layer cookies with parchment or wax paper in a freezer‑safe container; they keep up to 2 months.
Freezing dough: Scoop and roll dough into balls (without coating in sugar). Flash freeze on a sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or bake from frozen by adding a minute or two to the baking time.

FAQs

What if I don’t have creamy peanut butter?

You should use creamy peanut butter for best texture. Natural or oil‑separated peanut butter may alter the consistency and spread of the cookies.

Can I skip chilling the dough?

Chilling helps prevent spreading and ensures the dough holds its shape. Skipping it may result in flatter cookies, so chilling is strongly recommended.

Can I make them dairy‑free or vegan?

You can try using a vegan butter substitute and a vegan chocolate “kiss” alternative, but results may vary depending on binding strength.

Why did my cookies brown?

If your cookies are browning, your oven may be too hot or they might have baked too long. Bake just until puffed and cracked, and avoid overbaking.

My chocolate melted — what happened?

You pressed the chocolate too soon or didn’t chill long enough. That’s why the recipe uses a 10‑minute freezer step to set the chocolate.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes — doubling the ingredients works fine. Just ensure your bowl and mixer can handle the volume, and bake in batches if needed.

Can I use different shapes?

This recipe is designed for the “witch hat” effect, but the base dough works for other shapes too. Just adjust baking time slightly depending on size.

Is nut allergy a concern?

Yes — this has peanut butter as a key ingredient. It’s not suitable for people with peanut or tree nut allergies.

What if I want a less sweet version?

You could reduce the sugar slightly, but the balance of sweetness, texture, and structure might change. Be cautious reducing too much.

Why is there cornstarch in the recipe?

Cornstarch helps keep the cookies soft and tender, improving texture without making them heavy.

Conclusion

These Witch Hat Halloween Cookies are a delightful, festive treat that marries playful design with delicious peanut butter flavor. Easy enough to involve kids in making, and versatile enough to customize with colors and toppings, they make a memorable addition to any Halloween spread. With proper storage and optional freezing, you can even prepare ahead of time and have them ready for the spooky celebrations.