Name: Witch Hat Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 chocolate cupcakes (homemade or from a boxed mix); 1 cup chocolate frosting (or any color of choice); 12 fudge-striped cookies or chocolate wafer cookies; 12 Hershey’s Kisses or chocolate-dipped sugar cones; Colored icing or decorating gel (for hat bands); Halloween sprinkles (optional); Food coloring (if making colored frosting)

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Witch Hat Cupcakes are a fun, festive treat I love making for Halloween parties, school events, or just a spooky-themed night at home. They’re chocolatey, colorful, and topped with adorable edible witch hats that make them almost too cute to eat — almost. Whether I’m baking with kids or just getting into the Halloween spirit, these cupcakes always bring smiles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how simple these are to make while still looking like a showstopper. I can use a boxed mix or homemade cupcakes, and the decorations come together with just a few ingredients. They’re perfect for getting creative — I get to play with colors, candies, and frosting styles. Plus, they’re just as delicious as they are fun to look at. Witch Hat Cupcakes

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chocolate cupcakes (homemade or from a boxed mix)
Chocolate frosting (or any color I like)
Fudge-striped cookies or chocolate wafer cookies
Hershey’s Kisses or chocolate cones
Colored icing or decorating gel (for hat bands)
Halloween sprinkles (optional)
Food coloring (if making colored frosting)

Directions

I start by baking the chocolate cupcakes and letting them cool completely. I use either a boxed mix or my favorite homemade recipe.
Once the cupcakes are cool, I frost the tops with chocolate or colored frosting, using a piping bag or a knife for a smooth swirl.
To make the witch hats, I flip a fudge-striped cookie upside down and pipe a small ring of icing in the center.
I press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss on top of the icing so it sticks, creating the pointed part of the hat.
I use decorating gel or colored icing to add a band around the base of the Kiss for a festive pop of color.
I place each witch hat on top of a frosted cupcake.
I sometimes sprinkle extra Halloween-themed sprinkles or edible glitter on the frosting for a fun touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 cupcakes and takes around 45 minutes total — 25 minutes for baking and 20 minutes for decorating.

Variations

I like using vanilla cupcakes with green or purple frosting for a brighter twist.
Instead of Hershey’s Kisses, I’ve used mini sugar cones dipped in chocolate for a taller witch hat look.
I sometimes add a surprise filling to the cupcakes, like chocolate ganache or marshmallow cream.
For a gothic look, I use black frosting and metallic sprinkles.

storage/reheating

I store these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days if it’s warm out. I let them come to room temperature before serving so the frosting softens up. These don’t really need reheating, but if the cupcake part feels a bit firm, I warm it in the microwave for just 10 seconds — without the hat. Witch Hat Cupcakes

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Yes, I often bake the cupcakes a day ahead and decorate them the next day. I store the undecorated cupcakes in an airtight container overnight.

Do I have to use chocolate cupcakes?

Not at all. I’ve used vanilla, red velvet, and even pumpkin cupcakes — any flavor works as long as it pairs well with the witch hat theme.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, I just use a gluten-free cupcake mix and make sure the cookies and chocolate I use for the hats are gluten-free too.

How do I get bright, spooky frosting colors?

I use gel food coloring rather than liquid — it gives a more vibrant color without watering down the frosting.

What if I don’t have Hershey’s Kisses?

No problem — I’ve used chocolate-dipped strawberries or small chocolate cones as a fun alternative.

Conclusion

Witch Hat Cupcakes are one of my favorite Halloween treats because they’re fun to make, adorable to serve, and delicious to eat. Whether I’m baking with kids or just feeling festive, these cupcakes always add a little magic to the dessert table. With simple ingredients and lots of room for creativity, they’re a spooky-season staple in my kitchen.