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Halloween always brings out my playful side in the kitchen and these whimsical Witch Hat Cookies could not be simpler or more delightful. Last-minute party treat or baking with the kids these sweet little hats never fail to get big smiles and playful shrieks.
Last year I whipped up a batch for our neighborhood block party and I had parents asking for the instructions before the kids even finished their cookies. Watching everyone giggle at the table mixing sprinkles and icing is half the magic for me.
Ingredients
- Fudge covered Oreo cookies: These form the perfect hat brim Opt for a glossy batch so the hats really shine
- Plain Hersheys Kisses: Look for ones with intact tips for the authentic hat point
- Orange icing: Choose a thick formula or a piping gel for crisp edges Avoid runny frosting so the hats keep their shape I went with a ready tub for ease
- Orange and black sprinkles: Go for small shapes or jimmies for best coverage The more color the bigger the wow effect
Instructions
- Prep the Icing:
- Fill either a piping bag or a ziptop bag with orange icing then snip just the very tip of the bag to make your own mini piping tool A narrow opening will give you the best control and neater dots on your cookies
- Ice the Cookies:
- Pipe a generous dot of orange icing in the very center of each fudge covered Oreo This acts as the glue for your hat tip so take care to aim for the middle and press lightly so you do not crack the cookie
- Add the Witch Hat Point:
- Set an unwrapped Hersheys Kiss directly onto the dot of icing and press gently enough to secure it but not so firmly you smush out all the icing
- Decorate:
- While the icing is still soft scatter orange and black sprinkles over the exposed orange icing These little details really make the cookies pop and look festive
- Snap a Photo:
- Snap a photo when you finish you might want to remember how cute your creation turned out
The first time I made these with my niece she giggled at every sprinkle she added For me that silly afternoon makes every Halloween feel special Baking is my way of passing on joy and tradition
Storage Tips
Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and they will remain crisp and flavorful for three to four days Lay parchment between layers so the icing decorations do not smudge Each year I make a day ahead for our party and they are always perfect
Ingredient Swaps
No fudge Oreos available Try any flat chocolate coated cookie or even a thin chocolate wafer topped with a dab of melted chocolate so the Kiss sticks For a different flavor color the icing purple or green and use gold star sprinkles for a magical twist Dairy free frosting and alternative chocolate kisses let everyone join in
Serving Suggestions
Serve on a platter surrounded by gummy worms or candy corn for a playful Halloween spread Pair with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat after trick-or-treating Stack them upright on a cake stand with paper bats for extra spooky fun
Why they are a Halloween Icon
Witch hats shout Halloween the moment you see them and these little cookies channel all that charm with almost no effort The combination of chocolate and icing is always a winner in our family and guests love making their own
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap the colors for red and green if you want Santa hats in December Use pastel icing for whimsical wizard hats at birthday parties Match to your school or favorite team colors for a year round treat Black icing works just as well for dark hats If you chill the cookies before serving the icing firms up and keeps decorations in place Sprinkle sanding sugar for a sparkly finish
Success Stories
Friends of mine adapted this idea to gluten free cookies and even brought a vegan version to our last Halloween bash They tell me the DIY decorating part is just as popular as the eating I love seeing everyone put their own spin on it and the tradition keeps growing
Freezer Meal Conversion
These cookies can go in the freezer Just set them on a baking sheet for an hour to firm up then layer them in a container with parchment paper in between Defrost uncovered at room temp so condensation does not spoil the icing texture I like making a big double batch and saving some for after the big day
The best part about these cookies is how much laughter and creativity they invite into any kitchen Each batch is its own little work of edible art and the memories last much longer than the treats themselves
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use regular Oreos instead of fudge-covered ones?
Fudge-covered Oreos create a smoother look and richer taste, but plain Oreos work if needed.
- → How do I make the icing stick better to the cookies?
Ensure cookies are at room temperature and use a generous dollop of icing for secure attachment.
- → Are other candies suitable in place of Hershey's Kisses?
Chocolate drops or sugar cones can substitute the Kisses for a similar hat shape and chocolate flavor.
- → Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them a day in advance and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- → What's the best way to apply sprinkles neatly?
Gently press sprinkles onto the damp icing right after piping to ensure they stick well and stay tidy.