Pilgrim Hat Cookies

$- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup chocolate frosting - 24 chocolate fudge cookies (like Oreos) - 24 small edible candies (e.g., candy corn or chocolate disks) - You can use salted butter instead of unsalted. Just skip the salt. - Brown sugar can be replaced with white sugar, but the flavor will change. - If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. - You can swap chocolate frosting for vanilla frosting if you prefer. - Choose fresh butter with a creamy texture. Check the date on the package. - Look for brown sugar that feels moist and clumps together. - Buy eggs that are large and have a clean shell. - Always check the expiration date on your frosting. Go for brands you trust. - Select cookies that are fresh and have a good crunch. This helps the hat wear well. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until it looks light and fluffy. Next, add the eggs one by one. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for flavor. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined. Now, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly to help them bake evenly. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. Once done, take them out and let them cool on the pans for a couple of minutes. After that, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling process keeps them from getting soggy. Once the cookies are cool, it's time to decorate! Spread a thick layer of chocolate frosting on top of each cookie. This will be the base of your pilgrim hat. Now, place an Oreo cookie on top of the frosting. This Oreo acts as the brim of the hat. For the buckle, attach a small edible candy to the top of the Oreo. You can use candy corn or chocolate disks for this. If the candy doesn't stick, add a bit more frosting to secure it. After decorating, let the frosting set for a few minutes. This helps it harden slightly and stay in place. Avoid moving the cookies around too soon, as this may mess up the design. If you want the frosting to set faster, place the cookies in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This will give you perfectly decorated cookies ready to impress your guests! Baking cookies is fun and easy. Here are some key tips to ensure success: - Use room-temperature butter. Softened butter mixes better, making your dough smooth. - Don’t overmix the dough. Mix just until all the ingredients blend. This keeps cookies soft. - Chill your dough. If you have time, chill it for 30 minutes. This helps cookies hold their shape. - Space cookies apart. Leave 2 inches between each scoop on the baking sheet. This lets them spread nicely. Frosting should be thick and spreadable. Here’s how to get it just right: - Start with softened frosting. If your frosting is cold, it will be hard to spread. - Add a bit of milk. If it's too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until smooth. - Mix well. Stir the frosting until it is fluffy and easy to work with. Use a whisk for the best results. Add your unique twist to Pilgrim Hat Cookies with these fun ideas: - Use different candies. Try mini chocolate bars or colored sprinkles for the hat buckle. - Change the frosting color. Use orange or yellow frosting for a festive look. - Add edible glitter. A sprinkle of edible glitter makes cookies sparkle and shine. - Create themed shapes. Use cookie cutters to make various shapes for a fun mix. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth and creamy batter. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until combined to keep the cookies tender and prevent them from becoming tough. Customize the Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the edible candies for the hat buckles. Use M&Ms or mini chocolate bars for a fun twist! Cool Completely Before Decorating: Allow the cookies to cool completely before applying frosting to ensure it doesn’t melt and slide off. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of Pilgrim Hat Cookies easily. Try adding spices for warmth. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg brings a cozy taste. You could also swap the vanilla extract for almond extract. It gives a sweet twist that surprises the taste buds. If you want a richer flavor, use dark chocolate frosting instead of regular chocolate. This adds depth and makes the cookies even more delightful. While these cookies look like hats, you can play with shapes! Use cookie cutters to make stars, leaves, or pumpkins. This adds fun to your baking. You can still use the same dough and frosting. Just make sure to adjust the baking time for different sizes. Smaller cookies will bake faster, so watch them closely. These new shapes can fit any season, not just Thanksgiving. Don’t stop at autumn themes! For winter, add some white frosting and sprinkle edible glitter. It makes your cookies look like snow-covered hats. For spring, use pastel colors and flower-shaped candies. This transforms your cookies into a festive treat for Easter. In summer, think about bright colors and tropical flavors. You could use fruit-flavored frosting or even lemon zest in the dough. The possibilities are endless with Pilgrim Hat Cookies! To keep your Pilgrim Hat Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and tasty. If you stack the cookies, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to five days. You can freeze both cookie dough and baked cookies. For dough, scoop it onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. Baked cookies can also freeze well. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for up to three months. The shelf life of Pilgrim Hat Cookies is about five days at room temperature. To keep them fresh longer, freezing is best. When ready to eat, thaw the cookies overnight in the fridge. For best taste, enjoy them warmed slightly in the oven. Always check for any signs of spoilage before serving. To decorate Pilgrim Hat Cookies, start with a base of chocolate frosting. Spread a thick layer on top of each cookie. Next, place an Oreo cookie on the frosting to form the hat's brim. Finally, add a small edible candy on top of the Oreo. This candy acts as the buckle. You can use candy corn or chocolate disks for a fun and festive look. Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. Bake the cookies and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage. Just thaw them before decorating. This way, you can enjoy the fun of decorating closer to your celebration. The best candies for the hat buckle are small and colorful. Candy corn is a classic choice, adding a nice touch of color. Chocolate disks also work well for a richer look. You can even use mini chocolate bars or gumdrops if you want something different. The key is to choose candies that fit nicely on the Oreo. You now have all the tools to make delicious Pilgrim Hat Cookies. We covered the right ingredients, step-by-step baking, and clever decorating tips. I shared useful tricks and fresh ideas for these treats. Remember to store your cookies well for the best taste. Baking should be fun and creative, so don’t hesitate to add your unique flair. Enjoy making these cookies and sharing them with others. Happy baking!$

Festive cookies resembling pilgrim hats, perfect for Thanksgiving.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate frosting
24 pieces chocolate fudge cookies (like Oreos)
24 pieces small edible candies (e.g., candy corn or chocolate disks)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until well combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pans for a couple of minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Once the cookies are cool, spread a thick layer of chocolate frosting on the top of each cookie.
Place an Oreo cookie on top of the frosting to represent the brim of the pilgrim hat.
Attach a small edible candy to the top of the Oreo for the pilgrim hat buckle, securing it with a little extra frosting if needed.
Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with small pumpkins or autumn leaves for a festive display.

Keyword cookies, dessert, thanksgiving