Description
These Best Witch Hat Halloween Cookies are delightful peanut butter treats perfect for Halloween celebrations. Featuring a vibrant purple dough rolled in festive sprinkles and crowned with a classic chocolate kiss, these cookies combine a soft, slightly chewy texture with fun, spooky styling. Ideal for parties or as a seasonal snack, they provide a perfect balance of sweetness and peanut butter richness.
Ingredients
Scale
For the cookie dough:
- 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
For decorating:
- Halloween sprinkles or purple sanding sugar
- 33 chocolate kisses or Hugs candies, unwrapped
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Equipment and Dry Ingredients: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt until well combined. Set aside this dry mixture for later use.
- Make the Wet Cookie Dough Base: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and white sugar using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the large egg and mix until fully incorporated. Mix in the smooth peanut butter and vanilla extract thoroughly, scraping down the bowl sides as needed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients and Add Coloring: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a uniform dough forms. Gradually incorporate the purple gel food coloring, mixing well to achieve an even purple color without streaks. Finish mixing the color by hand for uniformity.
- Portion, Chill, and Prepare for Baking: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into mounds and place them on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them close together but not touching. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling helps the cookies bake thick and prevents spreading.
- Coat, Bake, and Decorate the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line new baking sheets with parchment paper. Place Halloween sprinkles or purple sanding sugar into a small bowl. Roll each chilled dough mound into a smooth ball, then roll in the sprinkles or sugar to coat. Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on prepared trays. Bake for 9–11 minutes until puffed and beginning to crack, slightly underbaking for a soft interior.
- Add Chocolate Kisses and Cool: Let baked cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes. While still warm, gently press an unwrapped chocolate kiss or Hug candy into the center of each cookie until it sticks. Immediately transfer the tray to the freezer for 10 minutes to prevent melting. After chilling, transfer cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling while baking remaining dough.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and ensure thick, soft cookies.
- Rolling the dough balls in sprinkles or sanding sugar gives a festive crunch and appearance.
- Slightly underbaking the cookies ensures a soft, chewy interior as they continue to set while cooling.
- Press the chocolate kisses into the cookies while warm but freeze immediately to maintain shape and prevent melting.
- This recipe yields 33 cookies, perfect for sharing at Halloween events.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Halloween cookies, witch hat cookies, peanut butter cookies, holiday treats, chocolate kiss cookies
