Name: Best Witch Hat Halloween Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp baking powder; 1/8 tsp fine sea salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup white sugar; 1 large egg; 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Purple gel food coloring, as needed; Halloween sprinkles or purple sanding sugar; 33 chocolate kisses or Hugs candies, unwrapped

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp cornstarch

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/8 tsp fine sea salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

1 large egg

3/4 cup smooth peanut butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

Purple gel food coloring

Halloween sprinkles or purple sanding sugar, for decorating

33 chocolate kisses or Hugs candies, unwrapped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a sheet tray with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt until evenly combined. Set aside.

Step 2: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar together using an electric mixer for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated. Then mix in the peanut butter and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a uniform dough forms. Mix in purple gel food coloring a little at a time until you achieve your desired shade. Finish mixing by hand to ensure even color without streaks.

Step 4: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into mounds and arrange them close together, but not touching, on the parchment-lined sheet tray. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Place Halloween sprinkles or purple sanding sugar in a small bowl. Roll each chilled dough mound into a smooth ball, then roll it in the sprinkles or sanding sugar to coat completely. Arrange the coated balls on new parchment-lined trays, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes until puffed and beginning to crack, slightly underbaking for a softer interior if desired.

Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes. While still warm, gently press an unwrapped chocolate kiss or Hug candy into the center of each cookie. Transfer the tray to the freezer for 10 minutes to set the chocolate. Then move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a different flavor, substitute the peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter.

If you prefer a more vibrant color, add gel food coloring gradually until you reach the intensity you like.

Chilling the dough overnight enhances the texture and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Use different colored sanding sugars or sprinkles for a variety of festive looks.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture.

What can I use instead of chocolate kisses?

If you don’t have chocolate kisses, mini chocolate chips, candy melts, or small round chocolates work well as a substitute to create the witch hat point.