The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread cheer than with adorable Easy Christmas Gnome Cookies?
These charming little treats are not only a delightful addition to any festive spread but also incredibly simple to make.
As someone who’s always on the lookout for fun and easy holiday baking ideas, I stumbled upon these gnome cookies last year and they’ve become a staple in my Christmas baking repertoire ever since.
Holiday baking is a cherished tradition in many households, mine included. It’s a time when the kitchen fills with warm, sweet aromas and the joy of creating something special for loved ones.
These Easy Christmas Gnome Cookies capture the magic of the season in each bite-sized treat. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for bringing a touch of whimsy to your holiday celebrations.
If you’re searching for a quick and impressive holiday dessert, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll guide you through each step of creating these adorable gnomes, from baking the perfect cookie base to adding those charming finishing touches. Let’s dive in and discover how easy it is to bring these festive little characters to life!
Ingredients and Quantities
Essential Ingredients for Easy Christmas Gnome Cookies
• 1 package Refrigerated Sugar Cookie Dough (24 cookies)
• 1 cup White Frosting (about 2-3 tubes of prepared frosting)
• 12-24 Fresh Strawberries
• 12-24 Pink Candies (such as Skittles or red M&M’s for alternative noses)
• Optional: Mini Muffin Liners, Cooking Oil Spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
Baking the Sugar Cookies
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. If you’re using a mini muffin pan, give it a light spray with cooking oil. Alternatively, you can use mini cupcake liners for easier removal and cleanup.
Bake the Cookies: Take your refrigerated sugar cookie dough and place one cookie into each muffin cup. Follow the package instructions for baking time, which is usually around 12-15 minutes. Once done, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
Shaping the Cookies
Cool and Shape: While the cookies are still warm but cool enough to handle, gently press them into a cup shape. I find that using the back of a small scoop or spoon works wonders for this. Let them cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove them.
Decorating the Gnome Cookies
Preparing the Strawberry Hats
Wash and Cut: Give your strawberries a good wash and pat them dry. Then, carefully cut out the crowns in a V shape to create the perfect gnome hat. I like to make the V-cut as small as possible to keep the strawberry intact and prevent juice from seeping into the frosting.
Alternative Decorations: If you’re feeling creative or want to adapt these for other holidays, try using orange frosting and green candy melts for a St. Patrick’s Day version, or red, white, and blue decorations for a patriotic twist on July 4th.
Assembling the Gnomes
Frosting and Strawberries: Once your cookie cups are cool, it’s time to bring these gnomes to life. Pipe a generous amount of white frosting into each cup. Then, gently place a strawberry on top, pointy side up, to create the gnome’s hat.
Adding the Nose and Beard: For the finishing touch, add a pink candy or red M&M for the nose. I like to nestle it right at the base of the strawberry. Then, use your piping bag to add a fluffy white beard below the nose. Don’t worry about being too neat – a little messiness adds character to your gnomes!
Tips and Variations
Creative Variations
While the sugar cookie base is delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment. I’ve tried using 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cup Cookies as a base, and they were a hit! Store-bought brownie bites can also work in a pinch if you’re really short on time.
For the nose, I’ve found that Reese’s Puffs Cereal can be a fun alternative. They’re the perfect size and add a little peanut butter flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookie and strawberry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered is dealing with juicy strawberries. To avoid this, make sure you cut the smallest hole possible out of the strawberry stem. This helps keep the juice contained and prevents it from soaking into your carefully piped frosting.
Final Thoughts
Creating these Easy Christmas Gnome Cookies is a joyful experience that brings out the kid in all of us. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can transform ordinary sugar cookies into charming holiday characters that are sure to delight guests of all ages.
I encourage you to get creative with your gnomes – give them different expressions, try various candies for noses, or even add little candy cane “arms” to the sides. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so much fun.
If you enjoyed making these festive treats, why not explore other holiday-themed desserts? Our Valentine’s Day Gnomes and Leprechaun Gnome cookies are equally adorable and just as easy to make. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with sweet moments and delightful treats!
