Witch Hat Cookies

Introduction:

These Witch Hat Cookies are a fun and festive treat perfect for Halloween. Featuring a peanut butter cookie base topped with a Hershey’s Kiss or Hug, these cookies are decorated with a splash of color and festive sprinkles to resemble witch hats.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ⅛ tsp fine sea salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Purple gel food coloring (or any color of choice)
• Halloween sprinkles or purple sanding sugar
• 33 Hershey’s Hugs or Kisses, unwrapped

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
   • In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
   • Add the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well incorporated.
   • Add purple gel food coloring to the dough and mix until evenly distributed.
2. Chill the Dough:
   • Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. Bake the Cookies:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Roll the chilled dough balls in Halloween sprinkles or sanding sugar before placing them on a lined baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced about 2 inches apart.
   • Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and starting to crack.
4. Add the Witch Hat:
   • Once the cookies are out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Hug or Kiss into the center of each cookie.
   • Immediately place the tray in the freezer for about 10 minutes to prevent the chocolate from melting.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 33 cookies. The total preparation time, including chilling and baking, is about 3 hours.

Variations

• Different Colors: Use gel food coloring in various colors to match different themes or celebrations.
• Sprinkles: Experiment with different types of Halloween-themed sprinkles or sanding sugar to add unique decorations.
• Alternative Toppings: Try using different types of chocolate or candy for the “hat” top, such as Reese’s Pieces or M&Ms.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, microwave the cookies for about 10-15 seconds, or until slightly warm. Be careful not to overheat, as it may melt the chocolate.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
   • Creamy peanut butter works best for this recipe to ensure the right texture. Natural peanut butter may affect the dough consistency.
2. What can I use instead of Hershey’s Hugs or Kisses?
   • You can substitute with other chocolates or candies that can be pressed into the cookie, such as caramel-filled chocolates or mini chocolate bars.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. What if I don’t have purple gel food coloring?
   • You can use any color gel food coloring you prefer or leave the dough uncolored for a classic look.
5. How do I get the perfect cookie shape?
   • Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly to help it hold its shape during baking.
6. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
   • Yes, baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure they are stored in an airtight container.
7. How do I prevent the chocolate from melting?
   • Place the cookies in the freezer immediately after pressing the chocolate into them to keep the chocolate from melting.
8. Can I use different types of flour?
   • All-purpose flour is recommended, but you may experiment with gluten-free flour if needed.
9. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
   • You can omit the cornstarch, though it helps with the cookie texture. The cookies will still turn out fine.
10. How can I make the cookies more festive?
    • Add additional decorations such as edible glitter or themed candy on top of the Hershey’s Kiss or Hug.

Conclusion

Witch Hat Cookies are a delightful Halloween treat that combines delicious peanut butter cookies with festive decorations. Perfect for parties or as a spooky snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Enjoy baking and decorating these charming cookies for your Halloween celebrations!

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