1-First, arrange the 12 fudge-stripe cookies with the fudge side facing up on a sheet of parchment paper. This step provides a stable base for building the hats and makes cleanup easy.

2-Next, pipe a dollop of the 1/3 cup yellow frosting onto each cookie. Make sure the dollop is slightly larger than the mini peanut butter cups to help it hold everything in place securely.

3-Then, press an inverted mini peanut butter cup into the frosting on each cookie. This forms the top and band of the hat, giving it that classic pilgrim look.

4-After placing the peanut butter cups, add a mini orange candy-coated chocolate to the frosting band. This creates the buckle and adds a pop of color to your treats.

5-Once assembled, chill the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the frosting set, ensuring the hats keep their shape until serving time. For the best results, refrigerate the peanut butter cups before unwrapping to avoid any melting or deformation.