These Pilgrim Hat Cookies are a fun and easy treat to add to your Thanksgiving dessert spread. Using simple ingredients like fudge-striped cookies and peanut butter cups, you can create a festive snack in just a few minutes.
![Rows of pilgrim hat cookies displayed on counter.](https://semihomemadekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3-3-683x1024.jpg.webp)
Easy Pilgrim Hat Cookies
These Pilgrim Hat Cookies are not only charming but also incredibly easy to make, making them the perfect project for both novice and experienced bakers. Kids will love joining in on the fun of decorating these edible pilgrim hats, making them a wonderful family activity during the holiday season. Impress your guests with these tasty and festive treats that capture the fun of Thanksgiving in every bite!
If you love this easy no-bake recipe, check out these Cute Acorn Cookies!
![Discover a delightful stack of Pilgrim hat cookies – the perfect Thanksgiving treat](https://semihomemadekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2-3-683x1024.jpg.webp)
Ingredients
- Fudge-striped shortbread cookies – For the brim of the bat
- Yellow frosting – to create the band of the hat
- Reese’s Miniature Cups – The crown of the hat.
- Mini orange M&Ms – The buckle on the band of the hat.
![Ingredients displayed on counter in bowls.](https://semihomemadekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1-683x1024.jpg.webp)
Making the pilgrim hat cookies
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the cookies in a single layer with the fudge layer facing up.
- Add the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe a dollop of frosting, slightly larger than the Reese’s cup, in the center of the cookie.
- Press a Reese’s cup upside down (larger side down) into the center of the frosting allowing the frosting to seep out and create the hatband.
- Place an M&M onto the yellow band of the hat to create the buckle.
- Place the cookies in the refrigerator for 15-20 to allow the frosting to set before enjoying.
![Collage showing the four steps to make pilgrim hat cookies](https://semihomemadekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/6-1-683x1024.jpg.webp)
Variations and substitutions
Change up the ‘crown’ – Instead of Reese’s miniature cups, use Rolo candies to create the crown.
Switch up the ‘buckle’ – Make the buckle bigger and use a regular-size M&M or even Reese’s Pieces.
Change up the ‘band’ – I used yellow frosting for the band, but yellow candy melts would also be a great option.
Color combos – I kept a more traditional fall color scheme with yellow and orange accents. You can use whatever color combo your heart desires. A traditional pilgrim hat is brown all over so you could use brown frosting for the band and brown candy for the buckle.
![Close up shot of the cookie.](https://semihomemadekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/5-2-683x1024.jpg.webp)
Tips for success
- Use the right size cookie – I tested these cookies using fudge-coated peanut butter cookies but felt that the cookie to Reese’s cup ratio was off and didn’t create a big enough brim. I recommend using the fudge-striped cookies, as mentioned in the recipe, as they are larger and create a better hat shape. Store-brand fudge-striped cookies work great!
- Chill the Reese’s Miniature Cups– I recommend placing your Reese’s cups in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before you unwrap them. Putting them in the fridge will help them keep their shape better and stop the ridges from sticking to the foil. This tip is especially helpful if your kitchen is warm.
- Allow the frosting to set – Allow the cookies enough time for the frosting to set before serving them so the pieces do not slide off.
![An array of mouthwatering cookies beautifully displayed on a round platter](https://semihomemadekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4-3-683x1024.jpg.webp)
Storage
Store the cookies at room temperature in a single layer in an airtight container for up to a week.
The cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before enjoying them. The M&M hat buckles may appear cloudy after being thawed but are still perfectly fine to eat.
Pilgrim Hat Cookies FAQs
These cookies can be stored for about a week or more, making them the perfect make-ahead option.
Yes, absolutely! Just ensure the cookies are around 3 1/2 inches in diameter and have a flat top surface. Ensure you allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating so the frosting does not melt.
You can use a tube of store-bought yellow decorator’s icing or color some vanilla frosting with gold or yellow food coloring. I opted for the second method as I prefer the taste of vanilla frosting over the decorator’s icing.
![Easy no-bake pilgrim hat cookies with fudge-stripe cookies.](https://semihomemadekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pilgrim-Hat-Cookies-5-1024x683.jpg.webp)
Want more fall desserts?
Check out these easy recipes.
![Delight in charming Pilgrim hat cookies, a festive addition to your Thanksgiving table.](https://semihomemadekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pilgrim-Hat-Featured-Image-300x300.jpg.webp)
Pilgrim Hat Cookies
Ingredients
- 12 fudge-striped shortbread cookies
- ⅓ cup yellow frosting
- 12 Reese’s miniature cups unwrapped
- 12 mini orange M&Ms
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the cookies in a single layer with the fudge layer facing up.
- Add the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe a dollop of frosting, slightly larger than the Reese’s cup, in the center of the cookie.
- Press a Reese’s cup upside down (larger side down) into the center of the frosting allowing the frosting to seep out and create the hatband.
- Place an M&M onto the yellow band of the hat to create the buckle.
- Place the cookies in the refrigerator for 15-20 to allow the frosting to set before enjoying.
Notes
- Store the cookies at room temperature in a single layer in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated based on automated calculations and should be considered as an approximation. These estimates are provided as a courtesy. Please use your own brand’s nutritional values to verify accuracy.
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