When Thanksgiving rolls around, I always look for recipes that bring joy to the kitchen without stressing me out. These Pilgrim Hat Cookies check every box—they’re no-bake, adorable, and impossible to mess up. Made with fudge-striped cookies, mini peanut butter cups, and a little frosting, they come together in minutes but look like you spent hours decorating.
The first time I made them, my kids were in charge of “assembly duty.” I laid out the cookies, frosting, and peanut butter cups, and before I knew it, we had a full tray of cute little hats ready to share. They’re the perfect Thanksgiving dessert to make with kids or when you need a last-minute sweet to bring to dinner.
If you enjoy easy, festive desserts like this, you might also love my Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites or the cozy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Both are quick to prepare and guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Pilgrim Hat Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep your workspace. Line a baking sheet or countertop with parchment paper.
- Flip the cookies. Place the fudge-striped cookies upside down (striped side facing down).
- Attach the hats. Using a small dab of chocolate frosting or melted chocolate, stick a mini peanut butter cup in the center of each cookie (narrow side down). Press gently so it sticks.
- Decorate. Pipe a small yellow “hatband” around the base of the peanut butter cup and add a tiny square buckle in front.
- Let them set. Allow the frosting to firm up for about 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
Ingredients for Pilgrim Hat Cookies
These are made from just a handful of simple store-bought items—no baking, no fancy tools.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fudge-striped cookies | 1 package (about 24 cookies) |
| Mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped | 24 pieces |
| Chocolate frosting or melted chocolate | ½ cup |
| Yellow decorating gel or frosting | ¼ cup |
If you love playful desserts like these, you’ll also enjoy my Honey Trick Recipe for a natural sweet drizzle or the Pistachio Martini Recipe if you want a festive drink for the grown-ups.
How to Make Pilgrim Hat Cookies
- Prep your workspace. Line a baking sheet or countertop with parchment paper.
- Flip the cookies. Place the fudge-striped cookies upside down (striped side facing down).
- Attach the hats. Using a small dab of chocolate frosting or melted chocolate, stick a mini peanut butter cup in the center of each cookie (narrow side down). Press gently so it sticks.
- Decorate. Pipe a small yellow “hatband” around the base of the peanut butter cup and add a tiny square buckle in front.
- Let them set. Allow the frosting to firm up for about 15 minutes before serving.
That’s it five simple steps to the cutest Thanksgiving cookies ever. No oven, no cooling rack, no cleanup stress. Just pure holiday fun.
If you like recipes that bring everyone together in the kitchen, try my Cottage Cheese Bagels Air Fryer or Bariatric Gelatin Recipe both are quick and perfect for family cooking time.
Tips for Perfect Pilgrim Hat Cookies
Use store-bought fudge-striped cookies for an instant hat brim. For cleaner lines, chill your peanut butter cups for a few minutes before assembling. If you want to get creative, swap the yellow gel for orange or gold frosting to match your table theme.
Pair these cookies with a cup of Costa Rican Tea or a mug of hot cocoa for a cozy after-dinner treat. They also make great edible decorations for your Thanksgiving dessert board.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Pilgrim Hat Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
2. Can I use other candies instead of peanut butter cups?
Absolutely. Chocolate truffles or marshmallow candies work too—just make sure they have a flat base for stability.
3. How do I make them nut-free?
Use small chocolate cups or marshmallow candies instead of peanut butter cups.
4. Can kids help make these?
Definitely. This recipe is kid-friendly and fun for all ages—no heat, no knives, just creativity.
For more kid-approved treats, try my Honey Memory Trick Recipes or Apple Cider Vinegar Drink Recipe. Both are family favorites!
Serving Ideas
These Pilgrim Hat Cookies make a fun addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table. Arrange them on a platter with pumpkin pie slices or cranberry tarts for a festive look. You can also wrap them in small treat bags tied with ribbon for gifts or school events.
For a full Thanksgiving menu, pair them with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls and a warm side of Creamed Corn Thanksgiving. Sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced.