Leprechaun Hat Cookies

Name: Leprechaun Hat Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup green icing; 24 chocolate candies (like Reese's Cups); Mini marshmallows

Highlighted under: Seasonal Celebration Recipes

I absolutely love making Leprechaun Hat Cookies, especially during St. Patrick's Day season. The rich chocolate cookies topped with vibrant green icing create a festive treat that's both adorable and delicious. Every bite is like a sweet celebration, and I enjoy getting creative with the decorations! Plus, these cookies are perfect for sharing with friends or family, making them an ideal addition to any gathering. I guarantee they will bring a smile to everyone's face when they see these fun little treats.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-18T14:18:18.606Z

When I first tried making Leprechaun Hat Cookies, I was amazed at how fun it was to assemble them! Using a simple chocolate cookie recipe as the base adds a fantastic depth of flavor that complements the decorations perfectly. I've discovered that letting them cool fully before icing helps the decorations set beautifully without sliding off.

Experimenting with different toppings, like using mini marshmallows and chocolate candies, can elevate these cookies even more. Every batch is a chance to customize and innovate, making baking them an enjoyable experience for everyone in my family.

Why You'll Love These Cookies
Delightfully chocolatey flavor paired with creamy frosting
Fun and festive appearance that sparks joy
Easy to make, perfect for baking with family and friends

Mastering the Cookie Texture

Achieving the perfect cookie texture is crucial for these Leprechaun Hat Cookies. You'll want them to be soft and chewy, with just the right amount of crispiness on the edges. When mixing your dough, be careful not to overbeat once you add the dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mixing until just combined ensures a tender bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy icing on top.

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, as this can dramatically affect the texture. Softened butter helps create air pockets during the creaming process, resulting in a light and fluffy dough. If you're in a hurry, you can cut the butter into small cubes and leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it in short bursts at low power until it's soft but not melted.

Decorating with Flair

The decorations are what make these cookies truly shine! When applying the green icing, use a small offset spatula or a butter knife to spread an even layer on the cooled cookies. This creates a nice smooth base and helps the toppings adhere better. If the icing is too stiff, you can thin it out with a few drops of water; just remember to mix thoroughly to maintain a consistent color and texture.

For the chocolate candies, I recommend using classic mini Reese's Cups or similar chocolates for their round shape and rich flavor. When placing the candies, do it while the icing is still wet; this helps them stay put. The mini marshmallows should be placed around the base of the chocolate candy, resembling a hat brim, adding both decoration and a fun texture that contrasts with the chocolate cookie beneath.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Decorations

1 cup green icing
24 chocolate candies (like Reese's Cups)
Mini marshmallows

Make sure you have all these on hand to create your delicious Leprechaun Hat Cookies!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your cookies:

Make the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.

Shape and Bake Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a lined baking sheet, and flatten them slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Allow cooling on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Decorate the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of green icing on top. Place a chocolate candy in the center, and use mini marshmallows around the bottom like a hat brim.

Enjoy your festive Leprechaun Hat Cookies!

Pro Tips

For extra flair, try adding edible glitter to the icing or using different colored icings for the decorations.

Storing and Freezing Tips

Storing your Leprechaun Hat Cookies properly is essential for maintaining their delicious taste and texture. Once decorated, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other; instead, layer parchment paper between them to prevent smudging the icing.

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze them! Bake and cool the cookies, then freeze them un-iced in a single layer on a baking sheet. After they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and decorate with icing and toppings.

Creative Variations

While the traditional Leprechaun Hat Cookies are a delightful treat, you can easily customize the colors and flavors to suit different occasions. Consider using different colored icing to match holiday themes—think pastel colors for Easter or red and green for Christmas. You can also experiment with flavor by adding peppermint extract to the icing for a refreshing twist.

For a healthier spin, substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to cut down on fat, which will give slightly different results but still yield delicious cookies. Additionally, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if desired, just ensure that your blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of frosting?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other colors and flavors of frosting to create your own unique hats.

→ How can I store leftover cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it before baking.

→ What can I substitute for cocoa powder?

If you want a non-chocolate version, you can use additional flour instead of cocoa powder, but it will change the flavor profile.