Gnome cookies are an adorable and festive treat that will bring cheer to any gathering, whether it’s a holiday party, a birthday, or just a cozy day at home. These whimsical cookies, shaped like charming little gnomes, are as delicious as they are delightful to look at. Let’s dive into making these show-stopping cookies step-by-step.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing and Decorations
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- Food coloring (red, green, and other colors for decorating)
- Small candies, sprinkles, or edible pearls for embellishments
- Piping bags and small decorating tips
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. - Chill the Dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up for easier rolling and cutting. - Roll and Cut:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use gnome-shaped cookie cutters or cut out gnome shapes freehand with a knife. Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. - Prepare the Icing:
In a bowl, mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth and of a piping consistency. Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint with food coloring as desired. - Decorate the Gnomes:
Use the colored icing to pipe hats, beards, and outfits on the cookies. Add small candies or sprinkles for accents, like eyes, buttons, or hat pom-poms. Allow the icing to set for 1-2 hours. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the icing is firm, your gnome cookies are ready to serve!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Arrange your gnome cookies on a decorative platter or package them in festive boxes for gifting. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or tea.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 3 months and decorate them as needed.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
2. What if I don’t have gnome-shaped cookie cutters?
No problem! You can use basic shapes like triangles for hats and circles for heads, or simply cut out freehand gnome shapes using a knife.
3. How can I ensure my icing sets properly?
Make sure the cookies are completely cool before decorating. Allow the icing to set in a dry, cool environment for at least 1-2 hours before handling.
4. Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-made sugar cookie dough works just as well. Just roll and cut as instructed, then decorate to your heart’s content.
PrintThe Cutest Gnome Cookies
These adorable Gnome Cookie Cups are a delightful treat, perfect for adding a whimsical touch to your holiday festivities. They’re simple to make and sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Cups:
- 1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough (24-count)
- For the Decorations:
- 24 fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup white frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- 24 pink candies (such as pink Skittles or M&Ms)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Cups:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place one piece of the refrigerated sugar cookie dough into each mini muffin cup.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and, while still warm, gently press the center of each cookie with a small spoon to create a cup shape.
- Allow the cookie cups to cool completely in the pan before removing.
- Assemble the Gnome Hats:
- Wash and hull the strawberries, cutting out the crowns in a V shape to create a hat shape when turned upside down.
- Decorate the Gnome Cookie Cups:
- Once the cookie cups are cooled, pipe a generous amount of white frosting into each cup.
- Place an upside-down strawberry on top of the frosting in each cup to form the gnome’s hat.
- Add a pink candy just under the strawberry to represent the gnome’s nose.
- Use a toothpick or piping bag to spread some of the frosting downward from the nose to create the gnome’s beard.
Notes
- Ensure the mini muffin pan is well-coated with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- You can use mini cupcake liners if preferred.
- For added variety, dip the strawberries in colored candy melts to create different hat colors.