Christmas gnomes are a festive favorite, and what better way to celebrate the season than with adorable Christmas Gnome Cookies? These cookies are not just fun to make but also a delightful treat for the entire family. With their whimsical hats, bushy beards, and cheerful noses, they’ll be the star of your holiday dessert table. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying them with a cup of cocoa, these cookies bring the magic of Christmas to life.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
the Royal Icing (Decoration):
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 4-6 tablespoons water
- Gel food coloring (red, green, gray, and white)
For Additional Decorations:
- Mini marshmallows (for hats)
- Edible pearls or small candies (for noses)
- Shredded coconut or sprinkles (for beards)
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Use gnome-shaped cookie cutters (or round cutters and carve shapes manually) to create your cookies.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Royal Icing
- In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Beat until stiff peaks form (about 5 minutes).
- Divide the icing into bowls and tint them with gel food coloring. Use red for hats, gray for gnome bodies, white for beards, and green for accents.
Step 6: Decorate the Cookies
- Use piping bags fitted with small round tips to outline and flood the cookies with colored icing.
- Attach mini marshmallows to the tops of the hats and edible pearls or candies for noses.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut or use sprinkles to create fluffy beards. Let the icing set completely before serving or storing.
Variations
- Chocolate Gnome Cookies: Replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
- Spiced Gnomes: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Personalized Gnomes: Write names or festive messages on the hats using fine-tipped icing.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for a smooth dough.
- Chill the dough between batches if it becomes too soft to handle.
- Use gel food coloring to avoid altering the icing’s consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange the cookies on a festive platter for a holiday party centerpiece.
- Include them in Christmas cookie exchanges or gift baskets.
- Serve with hot chocolate, coffee, or spiced cider for a cozy treat.
Tips
- Storage: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Decorated cookies can be stored at room temperature for 3-5 days.
- Perfect Flooding: Outline the cookie first, let it set, then fill in with thinner icing for a smooth finish.
- Creative Shapes: If you don’t have gnome cutters, use triangle shapes for hats and round shapes for bodies.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 10 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 1.5g
- Sodium: 60mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: What if I don’t have meringue powder?
A: You can use pasteurized egg whites instead, but adjust the water accordingly for consistency.
Q: How can I make the cookies softer?
A: Avoid overbaking, and store them with a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.
Conclusion
Christmas Gnome Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining whimsy, flavor, and festive cheer in every bite. Whether you’re crafting them with loved ones or sharing them as thoughtful gifts, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and holiday magic. Try this recipe for a baking experience that’s as delightful as the season itself!
Print
Christmas Gnome Cookies Recip
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Royal Icing (Decoration):
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 4–6 tablespoons water
- Gel food coloring (red, green, gray, and white)
For Additional Decorations:
- Mini marshmallows (for hats)
- Edible pearls or small candies (for noses)
- Shredded coconut or sprinkles (for beards)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Use gnome-shaped cookie cutters (or round cutters and carve shapes manually) to create your cookies.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Royal Icing
- In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Beat until stiff peaks form (about 5 minutes).
- Divide the icing into bowls and tint them with gel food coloring. Use red for hats, gray for gnome bodies, white for beards, and green for accents.
Step 6: Decorate the Cookies
- Use piping bags fitted with small round tips to outline and flood the cookies with colored icing.
- Attach mini marshmallows to the tops of the hats and edible pearls or candies for noses.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut or use sprinkles to create fluffy beards. Let the icing set completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for a smooth dough.
- Chill the dough between batches if it becomes too soft to handle.
- Use gel food coloring to avoid altering the icing’s consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
Nutrition
- Calories: 140
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Protein: 1.5 g