Bugle Santa Hats Snack

5 from 1 vote

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Christmas has arrived and these Bugle Santa hats are a must make! This is a no-bake recipe that uses melted-colored candy melts, mini marshmallows, and Bugles to make Santa hats.

This sweet and salty dessert is easy to make and a kid-friendly Christmas treat for your next Christmas party.

Santa hat dipped Bugles with marshmallows on a white plate.

Edible Santa hats you can give as gifts, make for a family fun activity, or take for a snack idea for a crowd.

For more fun ideas, check out these cute Gnome hat cookies, add our hats to your Christmas snack mix, or make one of these Grinch-themed desserts.

Why I Love Bugle Santa Hats

  • A no-bake dessert recipe that is a fun cute Santa-themed treat.
  • Easy Christmas candy.
  • Sweet and salty all-in-one snack.
  • Great for cookie trays, gifting loved ones, or while enjoying your favorite holiday movie.

Ingredients Needed

Here is a preview of what you need for this dessert. Please see the ingredients and detailed instructions in the recipe card.

Santa had recipe ingredients in bowls labeled with text

Variations

Try these fun variations to decorate and make even more varieties of hat treats.

  • Use green candy melts to make an elf-themed hat. Add a yellow stripe and a red sprinkle to make a Buddy the Elf snack.
  • Place hats on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet so it is easy to move the treats around the kitchen.
  • Try using Caramel Bugles for a sweeter flavor.

How to Make It

This easy recipe is really fun to make with kids and most of the time is spent waiting for the chocolate to set!

A bowl of red chocolate with a bugle in it.

Step 1: Add the red candy melting chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second increments, stirring in between each session. I like to add a little shortening or coconut oil to the chocolate for a smoother finish.

A fork with a Bugle dipped in red melted chocolate over a white bowl.

Step 2: Dip each Bugle into the red melted candy and lift out with a fork, gently tapping so the excess chocolate drips back into the bowl.

Bugle Santa Hats arranged to dry on parchment paper.

Step 3: Place dipped Bugles on parchment paper and allow the chocolate to harden.

A person holding a red santa hat in over a bowl after dipping the end in white chocolate.

Step 4: Once the hats have set, melt the white candy melts in the same way. Then, take the wide end of the Bugle and dip it into the white chocolate.

Bugle Santa Hats arranged on a baking sheet

Step 5: Roll the dipped end in white sprinkles and place back onto the parchment paper to set.

Bugle Santa Hats cookies on a white plate.

Step 6: Add a drop of chocolate to a mini marshmallow and place it on the tip of the red Bugle point. Press the mini marshmallow on top to ensure it stays stuck to the tip and allow it to dry.

Once your Santa hat Bugles are completely set you can enjoy right away or add them to a snack mix.

Recipe Tips

  • Add 1/2 teaspoon of shortening to the candy melts to thin up the mixture and protect the chocolate from seizing in the microwave.
  • Almond bark or white chocolate chips can be used in replace of white candy melts.
  • Store in an airtight container or sealed bag and enjoy for up to two weeks.

Common Questions

Can I double this Santa hat recipe?

Yes, feel free to make as many of these Santa hats as you would like. Just work in batches and store the treats in a container until ready to serve.

How to prevent chocolate from clumping?

Make sure after you dip your Bugles in the chocolate, tap off the excess candy melts before you place them on the wax paper or parchment paper. This is going to help prevent the candy melts from pooling up around the bugles. You can also add a teaspoon of shortening or coconut oil to the melting chocolate to keep it smooth and consistent.

Do I need to use a double boiler to melt the candy melts?

You can melt your candy melts in a double boiler or the microwave. If you use the microwave heat for 30-second increments, stirring between each heat cycle. This will help prevent it from burning as you heat it. In a double boiler, stir constantly until melted and remove from the heat.

More Recipe Ideas

If you loved this recipe, please leave a star rating and/or comment below! 🌟

Bugle Santa Hats

5 from 1 vote
A sweet and salty snack perfect for holiday parties! Make this no-bake treat with melted chocolate, bugles, and candy.
Prep: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 15 servings

Ingredients 

  • 14.5 ounces Bugles
  • 12 ounces red candy melts
  • 1 cup white candy melts
  • 2 tbsp White nonpareils
  • 10 ounces mini marshmallows

Instructions 

  • Add the red candy melting chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second increments, stirring in between each session. I like to add a little shortening or coconut oil to the chocolate for a smoother finish.
  • Dip each Bugle into the red melted candy and lift out with a fork, gently tapping so the excess chocolate drips back into the bowl.
  • Place dipped Bugles on parchment paper and allow the chocolate to harden.
  • Once the hats have set, melt the white candy melts in the same way.
  • Take the wide end of the Bugle and dip it into the white chocolate.
  • Roll the dipped end in white sprinkles and place back onto the parchment paper to set.
  • Add a drop of chocolate to a mini marshmallow and place it on the tip of the red Bugle point. Press the mini marshmallow on top to ensure it stays stuck to the tip and allow it to dry.
  • Once your Santa hat Bugles are completely set, enjoy right away or add to a snack mix!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two weeks. 
For a smooth chocolate consistency, add a teaspoon (approximately) coconut oil or shortening during the melting process. 
Place parchment paper on top of a cookie sheet in case you need to move the hats while they are drying. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 296kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Sodium: 173mg, Potassium: 40mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 22g, Calcium: 38mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Desserts, Snacks
Cuisine: American

You May Also Like


About Andrea Updyke

Andrea Updyke is a married mom of two boys living in Raleigh, NC. She is a published author and blogger of more than 18 years and loves to celebrate the little things that make life awesome.

Whether she's sharing tasty recipes, traveling or hanging with the family, Andrea's goal is to help make your days a little easier and a lot more fun! Email inquiries to andreaupdyke@gmail.com.


5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.