If you’re looking for the perfect cookie for a school event or holiday gift, be sure to make “Santa Secret Hat Cookies.” These are festive elf-inspired holiday cookies.
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Santa Secret Hat Cookies : Elf-Inspired Cookie
These festive elf-inspired holiday cookies are sure to grab everyone’s attention, making this recipe a favorite during Christmas baking season.
Creative, cute, and a hit with everyone, these Santa Secret Hat Cookies deliver just that. Inspired by the classic elf hat, but with a fresh, modern twist, these cookies are buttery, chocolatey, and full of holiday cheer.
These cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, Christmas parties, school events, and holiday gifts.
These cookies look absolutely amazing when they’re made. The best part is eating them, which look absolutely stunning without requiring any advanced baking skills. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Why You’ll Love Santa Secret Hat Cookies:
- Perfect for Christmas Eve
- Much-loved elf hat design
- Great for kids
- Perfect for gift-giving and festive dessert trays
- Easily available in USA grocery stores
- Rich chocolate flavor with a creamy center
All the ingredients for Santa Secret Hat Cookies:
Ingredients for the chocolate cookies (hat base):
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Ingredients for decoration: Elf hat look –
- Money marshmallows or white chocolate balls
- Sanding sugar or white sprinkles
- Red fasting or red candy melts
- Chocolate Kiss candies – optional Center filling
All kitchen essentials:
- Parchment paper
- Spoons and measuring cups
- Wire cooling rack
- Mixing bowl
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions on how to make Santa Secret Hat cookies:
1. Preparing the Dough
- Use a large mixing bowl.
- Beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- This step is essential for soft cookies.
- Don’t rush this step; mix for about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and egg and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- Use a separate bowl – add the ingredients by volume and beat.
- Cocoa Powder
- Flour
- Salt
- Baking Powder
- Gradually add all the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix well until a soft chocolate dough forms.
- But be careful not to overmix.
3. Chilling the Dough:
- Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for 35 to 45 minutes. The chilling will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading.
4. Shaping the Elf Hats:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, 175°C.
- Use a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.
- Use small pieces of dough and roll them into cones or triangles.
- You should see small elf hats. Place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- If you want a surprise in the center, gently press in chocolate chips before baking.
5. Baking
- Continue baking for 11 to 12 minutes, until the edges are well set.
- The cookies should be slightly soft in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on a baking sheet for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Decorate like an elf hat
- When the cookies have cooled completely,
- melt red candy melts according to the package instructions.
- dip the tops of each cookie in the melted red coating.
- immediately place a mini marshmallow on the tip to create a fluffy white pom pom look.
- if desired, you can sprinkle white sanding sugar around the base.
- let the decorations set before serving.
- your Santa secret hat cookies are ready, and you can enjoy them.
best baking tips for Santa secret hat cookies:
- if you want a soft dough, use room temperature butter.
- don’t forget to chill the dough; this keeps the hat sharp and defined.
- be sure to cool the cookies thoroughly before decorating.
- if you make the red frosting from scratch, use gel food coloring.
Some variation suggestions:
- For Strawberry Elf Hats
- If you want a fruity twist, use strawberry cake mix instead of cocoa powder.
For Peppermint Elf Hat Cookies:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
For a low-bake version:
- Use store-bought chocolate cookies, then decorate generously with frosting and candy.
Storing Santa’s Secret Hat Cookies:
- Here are some tips for storing elf hat cookies for a long time:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
- Refrigerate: Keep fresh for 6 to 7 days.
- Freeze: Undecorated cookies can be stored well in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Some serving ideas:
- Serve with eggnog or hot Coke
- Put on a Christmas cookie platter
- Wrap neatly in a clear bag for holiday gift giving
- Use as a nice table decoration for Christmas dinner
Nutrition per serving of elf hat cookies:
- Protein – 2g
- Calories – 150
- Carbohydrates – 20g
- Sugar – 12g
- Fat – 7g
FAQ
Answers to questions about elf hat cookies and mistakes to make the best Santa’s Secret Hat cookies at home:
Q. Why do cookies spread too much?
This happens when you use too hot butter or the dough doesn’t chill long enough.
Q. Can I make elf hat cookies in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cookies two days in advance and decorate them the day you serve them.
Q. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! The best chocolate sugar cookie dough works best and saves time.
Q. Can Santa’s Secret Hat cookies be gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free baking flour in place of all-purpose flour to make elf hat cookies gluten-free 1:1.
Q. Are elf hat cookies suitable for children?
Absolutely! Kids love shaping and decorating these cookies. They’re perfect for holiday baking fun.
Final Thoughts
Santa’s Secret Hat Cookies aren’t just cookies; they’re a holiday experience, perfect with a festive look, rich flavor, and a fun way to decorate.
They’re sure to become a Christmas baking tradition at home. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just want to share some festive fun, these Elf Hat Cookies are sure to bring holiday magic to everyone.