When I was growing up, December always meant one thing—our kitchen smelled like chocolate, peppermint, and a hint of mischief. My mom used to make these funny little cone-shaped treats and call them “elf hats.” She’d melt chocolate over the stovetop while I lined parchment paper on the counter, waiting to decorate each one with sprinkles and marshmallows. The best part was that we never needed the oven—just a saucepan, a spoon, and a little Christmas magic. Every time I make these No Bake Elf Hat Cookies, I can almost hear her humming carols and telling me, “A little extra syrup never hurt, sweetheart.” Trust me on this—these cookies take you straight back to those cozy, twinkly kitchen moments.
Why These No Bake Elf Hat Cookies Work So Well
These no bake elf hat cookies come together in minutes using simple stovetop techniques. The melted white chocolate binds crunchy chow mein noodles and chewy marshmallows, creating that perfect sweet-and-salty bite. A quick shape-and-set method means no oven time—just chill or air set depending on your kitchen’s humidity. Each cookie looks like a tiny elf hat topped with a candy “pom-pom,” making them perfect for gifting, parties, or family movie nights. Between you and me, these treats deliver everything you love about holiday cookies—fun, festive, and stress-free—all in under fifteen minutes.
No Bake Elf Hat Cookies
Equipment
- Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cookie scoop or small spoon
- Parchment Paper
- baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 2 cups chow mein noodles or thin pretzel sticks
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup red and green M&Ms
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles
- 20 mini marshmallows for “hat pom-poms”
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, melt white chocolate and maple syrup over low heat, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and fold in chow mein noodles and mini marshmallows until coated.
- Scoop small portions onto parchment paper and gently shape into cone-like “elf hats.”
- Decorate with sprinkles and press a mini marshmallow on top for the hat’s pom-pom.
- Let set at room temperature for 5 minutes, or refrigerate briefly for quicker firming.
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
- Freezing: Freeze flat in a single layer, then store in bags for up to one month.
- Humidity Tip: If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate for 10 minutes to set faster.
- Troubleshooting: If mixture feels too dry, add 1 teaspoon more syrup or melted chocolate.
Nutrition
Conclusion
Every Christmas, I find myself reaching for the parchment paper and a handful of sprinkles, ready to make another batch of these No Bake Elf Hat Cookies. And when the kitchen fills with laughter, I love pairing them with my favorite No-Bake Christmas Lights Cookies or a tray of No-Bake Christmas Cookie Wreaths. Between you and me, nothing brings that cozy holiday glow faster than a counter full of No-Bake Candy Cane Crunch Cookies and No-Bake Christmas Tree Cookies.