Witch Hat Cupcakes with Chocolate Cones are here to cast a delicious spell on your dessert table! These festive Halloween treats are as fun to make as they are to eat, combining moist, chocolaty cupcakes with rich frosting and crispy chocolate-dipped cones that turn into adorable witch hats. Whether you’re throwing a spooky party or baking with your little goblins, these cupcakes are the perfect blend of cute, creepy, and absolutely craveable.
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What Are Witch Hat Cupcakes with Chocolate Cones?
These playful cupcakes feature a soft chocolate base, topped with luscious frosting, and finished with a “witch hat” made from an inverted ice cream cone dipped in melted chocolate. They’re a show-stopper at any Halloween gathering and surprisingly easy to make with just a few pantry staples. The cones give them height and drama, while the decorations let you get as spooky or sparkly as you like!
Why You’ll Love These Witch Hat Cupcakes
Oh, let me count the ways! I promise you’ll be obsessed after just one bite.
Kid-approved fun – Little hands love to help decorate!
Customizable – Play with frosting colors, candy decorations, or even swap in vanilla cupcakes.
Perfect for parties – These hold up beautifully on dessert tables and are made for “oohs” and “aahs.”
Make-ahead friendly – You can prep the hats and cupcakes a day ahead!
What Do Witch Hat Cupcakes Taste Like?
These cupcakes taste like pure October indulgence! Think rich, moist chocolate cake (not too sweet!), with a creamy frosting that balances the bittersweet crunch of the chocolate cone “hat.” Add a pop of Halloween sprinkles, and every bite delivers texture, chocolatey goodness, and festive flair. They’re anything but boring!!
Benefits of Making These Halloween Cupcakes
Beyond how cute they are, here’s why these deserve a spot in your seasonal baking list:
Encourages creativity – Great for classroom projects or family baking
No special tools required – Just cones, cupcakes, chocolate, and love!
Make-ahead & freezer-friendly – Save time for your Halloween costume planning
Ingredients for Witch Hat Cupcakes with Chocolate Cones
For the cupcakes:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
½ cup vegetable oil
1 egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup hot water (or hot coffee for depth)
For the frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2–2½ cups powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Food coloring (orange, purple, green—go wild!)
For the witch hats:
12 sugar cones
1½ cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother melt)
Sprinkles, edible glitter, or candy bands for hat “brims”
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Cupcake pan + liners
Electric mixer (hand or stand)
Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler (for melting chocolate)
Cooling rack
Piping bag + tips (or zip-top bag with the corner snipped)
Spoon or offset spatula for spreading
Additions and Substitutions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
Swap the chocolate base for vanilla, red velvet, or pumpkin spice cupcakes.
Use store-bought frosting if you’re short on time (no judgment here!).
Decorate with mini marshmallows, candy eyes, or licorice strips for added flair.
Make gluten-free with a 1:1 GF flour blend.
How to Make Witch Hat Cupcakes with Chocolate Cones
Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla. Add the wet to the dry ingredients, stir gently, then add hot water and mix until just combined.
Divide batter evenly among liners and bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before decorating.
Step 2: Prepare the Frosting
Beat the softened butter until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Add vanilla and cream, and beat until smooth. Tint with Halloween food coloring of your choice!
Step 3: Dip the Cones
Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil (if using) in the microwave in 30-second bursts. Stir until smooth. Dip each sugar cone in the melted chocolate, coating it fully. Let excess drip off and place upside down on wax paper to set.
Step 4: Frost the Cupcakes
Pipe or spoon the colored frosting onto each cooled cupcake, swirling it generously in the center to help support the “hat.”
Step 5: Assemble the Hats
Once chocolate has set, place each cone upside down on top of the frosted cupcake to form a witch hat. Add a sprinkle “brim” around the base, or use a fruit roll-up strip to mimic a hat band. Decorate as wildly as you dare!
What to Serve with These Cupcakes
These cupcakes shine solo, but pair beautifully with:
A bubbling witch’s brew punch (lime sherbet + ginger ale!)
Pumpkin spice latte or apple cider
Savory snacks like popcorn hands or monster pretzels
A spooky movie night lineup!
Tips for Perfect Witch Hat Cupcakes
Let cupcakes cool fully before frosting to avoid melting
Use a piping tip with height like a large star tip to anchor the cone
Dip cones ahead of time so you’re not rushing during assembly
Store leftover melted chocolate to drizzle over popcorn or fruit
Storage Instructions
These cupcakes keep well covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage:
Refrigerate for up to 4 days (let come to room temp before serving)
Freeze unfrosted cupcakes up to 2 months; add frosting and hats after thawing
General Info & Serving Size
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Perfect for: Halloween parties, school treats, spooky sleepovers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cake mix instead of homemade batter?
Absolutely! A boxed chocolate cake mix works great here—just follow the box instructions and keep the magic going with the decorations.
Can these be made dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free milk in the batter and a vegan butter alternative for the frosting.
How do I keep the cone from sliding off?
Pipe a generous mound of frosting so the cone can “sit” snugly. You can also dot melted chocolate under the cone for extra hold.
Can I make mini versions?
Sure! Use mini cupcakes and cut the cones shorter before dipping.
Conclusion
Witch Hat Cupcakes with Chocolate Cones are the ultimate treat to stir up Halloween excitement! They’re fun, festive, and totally unforgettable – whether you’re five or fifty-five. These charming little desserts are guaranteed to delight your party guests and make your kitchen smell like a cozy chocolate wonderland.
Let the decorating magic begin—don’t forget to snap a pic and show off your spooky sweet creations!
More Recipes You’ll Love
🎃 Pumpkin Swirl Brownies
👻 Ghost Meringue Cookies
🍎 Caramel Apple Blondies
Share Your Magic
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your version! Tag your cupcake creations on Pinterest and drop a comment below with your favorite spooky twist.
Nutritional Information (per cupcake, approx.)
Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 42g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 3g
Not a low-cal treat, but hey—it’s Halloween!