Why Youโll Love This Recipe
These adorable gnome cookies are perfect for festive occasions, holiday gatherings, or as a fun baking project with kids. They not only look charming but also taste delicious with a buttery, sweet flavor and a delightful texture. Their whimsical appearance will bring a smile to anyone’s face, making them a standout treat on any dessert table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Red food coloring
- White chocolate or royal icing (for decorating)
- Mini chocolate chips or edible pearls (for eyes)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough, coloring a portion with red food coloring for the gnome hats.
- Shape the dough into gnome figures, using plain dough for faces and beards, and red dough for hats.
- Place mini chocolate chips or edible pearls for eyes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool completely before decorating with white chocolate or royal icing to add details to the beards and hats.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 gnome cookies. Preparation time: 20 minutes Baking time: 10-12 minutes Cooling and decorating time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Flavor Twists:ย Add almond extract or citrus zest to the dough for a unique flavor.
- Color Variations:ย Use different food coloring to create gnomes with blue, green, or festive holiday hats.
- Gluten-Free Option:ย Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Version:ย Use plant-based butter and an egg substitute.
Storage/Reheating
Store the gnome cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks. For extended storage, freeze the cookies for up to three months. If desired, warm slightly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds before serving to soften.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Chill the shaped cookies in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before shaping.
What type of icing works best for decorating?
Royal icing or melted white chocolate works great for detailed decorating.
Can I freeze the decorated cookies?
Yes, you can freeze decorated cookies. Place them in a single layer until frozen, then stack with parchment paper between layers.
Do I need special cookie cutters?
No special cutters are needed. You can shape the dough by hand or use basic shapes to create the gnome features.
How do I get vibrant red hats without using too much food coloring?
Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant colors with less quantity.
Are these cookies suitable for shipping?
Yes, they are sturdy enough for shipping if packed carefully with padding between layers.
Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes, natural food coloring options like beet powder can be used, though colors may be less vibrant.
How do I make the beards look fluffy?
Use a small piping tip with royal icing to create textured, fluffy-looking beards.
What if I donโt have mini chocolate chips for the eyes?
You can use edible pearls, black sesame seeds, or tiny dots of icing as alternatives.
Conclusion
The Cutest Gnome Cookies are a delightful, creative treat perfect for any occasion. With their charming design and delicious taste, they are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Enjoy making and sharing these whimsical cookies with your loved ones!
Print
The Cutest Gnome Cookies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: About 24 gnome cookies (depending on cutter size) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These adorable gnome cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or just for fun baking with the family. Made with soft, buttery sugar cookie dough and decorated with colorful royal icing, these little gnomes will steal the spotlight on any dessert table. Theyโre as fun to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Royal Icing:
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6 tablespoons warm water (adjust as needed)
- Gel food coloring (red, green, white, brown, or any colors for decorating gnomes)
Instructions
- Make the Sugar Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ยผ-inch thickness.
- Use gnome-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Royal Icing:
- In a large bowl, mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water until stiff peaks form (about 5-7 minutes with a mixer).
- Divide the icing into small bowls and color each portion as desired using gel food coloring.
- Adjust the consistency as neededโadd water for flooding and more powdered sugar for outlining.
- Decorate the Gnome Cookies:
- Use piping bags fitted with small round tips to outline and flood each section of the gnome: hats, beards, noses, and outfits.
- Let the icing dry between layers for a clean finish.
- Add details like buttons, stripes, or polka dots for extra charm.
Notes
- Chill your dough before cutting to help the cookies hold their shape.
- If you donโt have a gnome-shaped cookie cutter, use a triangle for the hat and circle shapes for the face and body to create your own design.
- Let the royal icing dry completely (6-8 hours or overnight) before stacking or packaging.
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