Nothing says festive fun like a plate of Pilgrim Hat Cookies. These adorable no-bake cookies are not only delicious but also bring a touch of whimsy to any Thanksgiving gathering. Imagine the rich chocolate flavor of Fudge Stripe Cookies paired with the creamy goodness of Reese’s, all topped with a pop of color from orange Reese’s Pieces. The textures are simply delightful: the crispness of the cookie, the smooth chocolate, and the charming little buckle that makes these treats instantly recognizable.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Pilgrim Hat Cookies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Pilgrim Hat Cookies

I remember the laughter when my kids helped me make these cookies one Thanksgiving afternoon. Flour was flying, laughter echoed, and those little hats transformed into fun creations that they couldn’t wait to share with their friends. Just thinking about those moments fills my heart with joy, and I can’t help but smile. Now, it’s your turn to whip up some of these charming Pilgrim Hat Cookies. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just four ingredients and about 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these cookies faster than it takes to bake a pie!
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the cookie, creamy sweetness from the Reese’s, and a hint of fun from the icing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Perfect for Thanksgiving parties, classrooms, or family gatherings—everyone loves their charming pilgrim hat appearance!
Flexible Serving: Great for snacks, desserts, or even a whimsical breakfast treat, these cookies can brighten any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: If needed, you can choose gluten-free cookies or vegan alternatives to make these treats inclusive for everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 Fudge Stripe Cookies: These cookies provide a sturdy base with a fun chocolate stripe, perfect for the pilgrim hat look. You can substitute with any similar cookie, but their unique shape and flavor shine in this recipe.
1 Tube Yellow Cookie Icing: This icing makes decorating easy and mess-free while adding a delightful sweetness. If you prefer, you can use a homemade icing or substitute with melted yellow chocolate for a twist.
12 Reese’s: Use standard Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for a classic flavor combination. If you want to keep it nut-free, consider chocolate-covered caramel candies instead.
12 Orange Reese’s Pieces: They serve as the little buckle of the hat, adding a fun pop of color. If you can’t find them, any bright candy can substitute to keep that festive vibe.

How to Make Pilgrim Hat Cookies

Prepare the Base: Begin by laying out the Fudge Stripe cookies upside down on a sheet of parchment paper. This will give you a flat surface to work on and create the perfect foundation for your adorable pilgrim hats.

Decorate with Icing: Using the yellow cookie icing, carefully draw circles in the center of each cookie that are slightly larger than the width of the Reese’s. The icing acts as both a decoration and glue, so don’t be shy—make it nice and thick!

Add the Reese’s: Gently press the unwrapped Reese’s onto the yellow icing circles you just created. Make sure they adhere well, as this will hold the entire structure of your pilgrim hats together. Don’t worry if some icing oozes out; when everything comes together, it will just add to the charm.

Create the Buckles: For the finishing touch, place a small dab of yellow icing on the back of each orange Reese’s Piece and stick it onto the center of the Reese’s on each cookie. This little buckle is what really brings the pilgrim hat to life! Repeat this for all cookies and let them set for a few minutes.

Storing & Reheating

For best results, store your Pilgrim Hat Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them, but be mindful that the texture may change. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and they can last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to refresh the flavors.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid using too much icing, as it can cause the cookies to slip and slide; a little goes a long way!
Ensure your Reese’s are fully unwrapped before you begin assembling to keep the process smooth and mess-free.
If your cookies start drooping or looking uneven, place them in the refrigerator to firm up, about 10 minutes.
Experiment with different colored candies for the “buckle” to match party themes or to make this treat more festive.
These cookies can easily be made a day ahead, allowing you to save time on the big day.

There’s just something magical about making these Pilgrim Hat Cookies. With their whimsical charm and approachable recipe, they can bring joy to family gatherings, classroom celebrations, or even cozy nights at home. Don’t hesitate to tweak a few things—add sprinkles or different flavors. Whatever you choose, the important thing is to have fun and create beautiful memories to go with your delicious treats.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of cookie for the base?

Absolutely! While Fudge Stripe cookies bring a lovely chocolate flavor and texture, you can swap in any similar cookie, such as chocolate wafer cookies or even graham crackers. Just ensure the cookie is sturdy enough to hold the Reese’s on top.

How do I get the icing to stay put if it’s too runny?

If your icing is too runny, it may be best to refrigerate it for a bit to thicken. You can also try adding a little powdered sugar to help it hold its shape better. If you’re using melted chocolate, allow it to cool a bit before applying to thicken it slightly.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

Great question! You can use various colored icings for the buckle, or even sprinkle edible glitter on top for some sparkle. Additionally, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or candy bits for a fun surprise within the cookie!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make these gluten-free! Just check for gluten-free Fudge Stripe cookies and make sure that the other ingredients, like the Reese’s, are gluten-free. It’s a delicious option that everyone can enjoy!

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Pilgrim Hat Cookies

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Author: Nadia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

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Description

These festive Pilgrim Hat Cookies are easy to make with just four ingredients! They feature rich chocolate cookies topped with creamy Reese’s, making them a fun addition to any occasion. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings and guaranteed to bring smiles!

Ingredients

Scale

12 Fudge Stripe Cookies
1 Tube Yellow Cookie Icing
12 Reese's
12 Orange Reese's Pieces

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Instructions

Lay Fudge Stripe cookies upside down on parchment paper.
Draw circles with yellow icing in the center of each cookie.
Press unwrapped Reese's onto the icing circles.
Place a dab of yellow icing on each orange Reese’s Piece and attach to the center of each Reese's.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Refrigerate for freshness, but texture may vary.
Use different colored candies for festive variations.