Name: Best Witch Hat Halloween Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 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: 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 sugar using an electric mixer for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract to the wet mixture, mixing well and scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 1 to the wet mixture. Stir until a uniform dough forms. Incorporate purple gel food coloring a little at a time until the desired shade is reached, finishing by hand to ensure even color.

Step 5: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion dough into mounds and place them close together but not touching on the prepared tray. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line new sheet trays with parchment paper. Place Halloween sprinkles or sanding sugar in a small bowl. Roll each chilled dough mound into a smooth ball and coat completely by rolling in the sprinkles or sugar. Arrange balls 2 inches apart on trays.

Step 7: Bake for 9–11 minutes until cookies are puffed and beginning to crack. For a soft interior, slightly underbake as cookies will continue to set while cooling.

Step 8: Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes. While warm, gently press a chocolate kiss or Hug candy into the center of each cookie. Immediately transfer the tray to the freezer for 10 minutes to prevent melting.

Step 9: After chilling, transfer cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling and bake the remaining dough as needed.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.

Adjust the amount of purple food coloring gradually to reach your preferred shade without affecting dough texture.

Use festive Halloween sprinkles like bats or pumpkins for a more colorful decoration.

Chilling the dough overnight intensifies flavor and ensures thicker cookies.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chocolate instead of kisses?

Yes, small chocolate candies or mini chocolate chips can be used, but kisses work best for the signature witch hat shape and hold up well when pressed into warm cookies.

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling solidifies the fats in the dough, helping the cookies hold their shape and preventing excessive spreading during baking. It also enhances flavor and texture.