Gnome Christmas Cookies From Cake Mix

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Let’s get on a mouthwatering adventure this holiday season with Santa Gnome Cake Mix Cookies! These delectable treats are not only delightful to look at but also scrumptiously satisfying, making them the perfect addition to your festive spread. Inspired by the mythical creatures that are said to bring good luck and protect your home, Gnome Christmas cookies will cast a spell of joy and cheer that’s simply irresistible.

So, gather your loved ones, put on your aprons, and let’s make these gnome Christmas cookies – a charming tradition that’s guaranteed to brighten up your Christmas celebrations! Party foods are fun for many Christmas and holiday celebrations.

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How long does it take to make Gnome cookies? 

Prep Time: 15 minutes 

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Time: 25-27 minutes

Level: Medium

Servings: 24 

Ingredients needed to make Gnome Cake Mix Cookies:

• 1 15.25oz box red velvet cake mix
• 2 eggs
• ¼ all-purpose flour
• ½ c vegetable oil
• 1-2 c (or more if needed) red candy wafer melts 
• 1 16oz container of cream cheese frosting 
• 24 sugar cones 
• 1 c red sugar sprinkles
• 24 mini marshmallows
• 1 family-size package of Peanut Butter M&M’s
• Medium cookie scoop (2 tbsp)

*Not pictured in the ingredients photo, but helpful tools: parchment paper, aluminum foil, and pastry bag or quart-size freezer bag

How do you make Gnome Hat Cookies?

Preheat oven to 350℉. In a large mixing bowl add the cake mix, flour, eggs, and oil. Blend until well incorporated, but be careful not to over-mix. 

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a medium (2 tbsp) cookie scoop, scoop the dough onto the baking sheet, approximately 2-3” apart. 

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are set. Let cool on the pan for a few minutes, then move to a cooling rack.

Line another baking sheet with parchment paper (or to save paper and dishes, re-use the baking sheet from your cookies once completely cooled).

Pour red sugar sprinkles on a small flat plate.

Place ⅓ c of the red candy wafer melts in a glass bowl, and heat according to package instructions.

Once fully melted, pour the candy melts into the bottom of the parchment-lined pan.

Roll a piece of aluminum foil up, and place it inside a sugar cone, leaving some hanging out to use as a handle.

Holding the foil “handle”, roll the cone in the red candy melts.

In order to fully cover the cone, I used a silicone spatula to help spread the candy melts evenly.

Then immediately roll the cone in the red sugar sprinkles.

Dip the tip of the cone back in the candy melts, and then top with one mini marshmallow.

Place the finished hat at the top of the parchment-lined pan to set.

Repeat the process for the remaining cones.

The candy wafer melts harden pretty quickly, which is why I only heated ⅓ C at a time. 

How to decorate Gnome Cookies?

Next, we will add the gnome Santa hat to the cooled cookies.

Open a pastry or quart-size freezer bag, and drape it over your hand.

Fill the bag with cream cheese frosting. If using a pastry bag, use a wide tip. If using a freezer bag, cut the end of the bag at an angle.

Pipe frosting around the outer rim and also covers the center of the cookie.

Place the cone hat onto the frosting to secure it to the cookie.

Pipe a frosting beard onto the bottom of the cone hat, connecting to the cookie.

Immediately place a Peanut Butter M&M on the beard as the “nose”. I used the brown and green M&M’s, but I think using all the colors would be really cute.

Repeat the process until you have completed the Gnome Christmas Cookies that look like Santa Claus!

Let the frosting set, and then enjoy your Santa Gnome Cookies.

Gnome Cookie Cups

Can you use different flavors of cookie dough or icing to customize your gnome cookies?

Absolutely! Customizing your gnome cookies with various flavors of cookie dough or icing is not only a fun and creative way to put a personal spin on your baking adventures but also a delightful way to treat your taste buds to an array of flavors.

Experimenting with different cookie dough flavors can transform your gnome cookies into scrumptious little masterpieces. Swap out the classic sugar cookie dough for chocolate, gingerbread, or even a zesty lemon base. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even opt for a marbled dough that combines two or more flavors in a beautiful swirl.

Icing, on the other hand, can work like a magical paintbrush, adding vibrant colors and delectable flavors to your gnome cookies. Whether you choose a simple vanilla icing or dive into the world of flavored icings like strawberry, mint, or caramel, the possibilities are endless. You can even incorporate unexpected ingredients like spices, herbs, or edible flowers for a truly unique twist.

The beauty of customizing your gnome cookies lies in the freedom to experiment, mix and match, and, most importantly, have fun.

Santa Gnome Cake Mix Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday festivities, combining the charm of gnome designs with the convenience of cake mix. These cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat, offering endless customization options with flavors, icing, and decorations. Gather your loved ones and get on a baking adventure that brings smiles, warmth, and cheer to the holiday season. Happy baking!

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