Name: Delightful Christmas Gnome Cookies
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp almond extract (optional); ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; 4 cups powdered sugar; 3 tbsp meringue powder; 5-6 tbsp water; 1 large egg; Gel food coloring (pastel green, pink, white); Edible silver glitter or sugar pearls; Edible gold paint (optional); Small round candy for noses; Piping bags with fine tips; Toothpicks

Celebrate the holiday season with our enchanting Christmas Gnome Cookies. These whimsical, gnome-shaped treats are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful addition to any festive gathering. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just a fun baking activity at home, these cookies bring a unique flair and charm to your dessert table. The combination of buttery cookie dough and sweet royal icing allows for creative decoration, transforming simple cookies into festive masterpieces!

With a delicate blend of flavors from vanilla and a hint of almond, these cookies are not only cute but delicious too! The ease of the dough preparation and the fun of decorating them with vibrant colors and edible glitter make them an ideal project for bakers of all ages. Plus, involved in this process are the kids, building memories while nurturing their creativity. This Christmas Gnome Cookies Recipe will surely become a cherished tradition for years to come!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Gnome Cookies

Festive Fun: The adorable gnome shapes and vibrant icing decorations make these cookies perfect for the holiday spirit.
Endless Creativity: With various colors and decorations, everyone can personalize their cookies.
Taste Amazing: Buttery cookies paired with sweet icing create an irresistible flavor.
Family-Friendly: Making these cookies is a delightful activity for children and adults, bringing everyone together.
Great for Gifting: These cookies can be beautifully packaged and gifted to friends and family.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the creation of these delightful Christmas Gnome Cookies, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by clearing a workspace and ensuring you have all your ingredients measured and ready. This not only streamlines the baking process but also makes it enjoyable.

Gather essential baking tools such as mixing bowls, measuring cups, and a whisk for dough preparation. A rolling pin will be needed to roll out the cookie dough, while cookie cutters are essential for achieving the gnome shapes. For decoration, have piping bags equipped with fine tips ready for icing application. Toothpicks can aid in shaping details, and don’t forget to have a couple of cooling racks set up to let the cookies cool properly after baking.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract (optional)
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
4 cups powdered sugar
3 tbsp meringue powder
5-6 tbsp water
1 large egg
Gel food coloring (pastel green, pink, white)
Edible silver glitter or sugar pearls
Edible gold paint (optional)
Small round candy for noses
Piping bags with fine tips
Toothpicks

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. This will ensure even distribution of the leavening agent throughout the cookie. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until you achieve a light and fluffy texture. This process incorporates air, which is critical for achieving the perfect cookie texture. Once fluffy, add the large egg along with the vanilla extract and almond extract if you choose to include it, mixing until well combined. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up for easier rolling later.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

After chilling the dough, the next step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Using a gnome-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place them on a lined baking sheet, evenly spacing them to allow for spreading during baking. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Royal Icing

While the cookies cool, it’s time to make the royal icing. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Whisk until smooth and glossy. Depending on your design preferences, you can divide the icing into separate bowls to add gel food coloring, creating a pastel palette for your decorations. Once colored, transfer the icing to piping bags fitted with fine tips for detailed decorating.

Step 4: Decorate the Cookies

Begin decorating by flooding the cookie shapes with the base icing colors. For the gnome hats, use pastel pink icing and fill it generously. Allow this layer to dry for a short time, then add details with green icing to create the gnome’s body. Use a toothpick to create textures in the frosting or to help with icing consistency. Pipe white icing for the gnome’s beard and add embellishments like edible silver glitter or sugar pearls to elevate your design. Don’t forget to attach small round candies as noses under the hats. The unique decorations will give each cookie a personality of its own!

Step 5: Final Touches

If desired, apply edible gold paint to add an extra touch of sparkle. This can be used to highlight certain areas of the gnome shapes or as an accent around the edges. Once all decorations are completed, allow the cookies to dry completely to ensure the icing hardens and maintains its shape.

Variations

Protein: Add finely chopped nuts or sprinkles within the cookie dough for added texture and taste.
Vegetables: Consider adding grated carrots for a carrot cake twist, making the cookies moist and flavorful.
Spices: Enhance the flavor with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday warmth in every bite.

Cooking Notes

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Ensure the dough chills adequately; this helps avoid spreading during baking.
Consider using a kitchen scale for measuring ingredients for utmost precision.
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Share these cookies at your next holiday gathering for a delightful treat.
Package them beautifully as gifts for friends, family, or neighbors.

Tips

Be patient with the drying process of the icing; it may take several hours for full hardening.
For precise decorating, practice piping on parchment paper before icing the cookies.
Change up colors and themes based on personal preference or holiday themes.
Store any leftover dough in the refrigerator for up to a week for future baking.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approx. 150 calories per cookie
Protein: 1.5g per cookie
Sodium: 30mg per cookie

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

How can I store the decorated cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.

Can I use different flavors of extracts?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with flavors like peppermint or lemon for a unique twist.

How can I prevent the icing from becoming too runny?

Use less water for a thicker icing or add more powder sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Creating these whimsical Christmas Gnome Cookies is not just about baking; it’s about bringing joy to the holiday season. Their playful designs and delicious flavor make them a must-have for your festivities. Whether you share them at gatherings or gift them to loved ones, these cookies are sure to spread cheer. We encourage you to experiment with your own decorations and flavors, making this recipe a true reflection of your holiday spirit. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and start making unforgettable Christmas memories!