Looking for a fun and festive dessert that’s both adorable and easy to make? These Gnome Cookie Cups are perfect! With a soft almond flour sugar cookie base, creamy frosting “beards,” and strawberry hats, these fun treats bring joy to your holiday table. They’re naturally sweetened with honey and maple syrup, making them a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this cute and delicious dessert!
Gnome Cookie Cups Ingredients
Almond Flour: Gluten-free, rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E.
Honey: A natural sweetener packed with antioxidants.
Cream Cheese: Adds creamy richness and provides a good source of calcium.
Strawberries: High in vitamin C, antioxidants, and a touch of natural sweetness.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener with essential minerals like zinc and manganese.
Tips For Making Perfect Gnome Cookie Cups
Grease the Muffin Pan Well: Ensure the cookie cups release easily without breaking.
Let the Cookies Cool: Cool the cookie cups completely before frosting to avoid melting the icing.
Chill the Frosting: If the frosting is too soft, chill it for a few minutes to firm up before piping.
Decorate Just Before Serving: Add the strawberries and candies at the last minute for the freshest look.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese and butter in the frosting with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and coconut oil.
How should I store Gnome Cookie Cups?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. I recommend not adding the candies until right before serving, or sometimes the color bleeds off.
Can I make these in advance?
You can bake the cookie cups and prepare the frosting ahead of time. Assemble the gnomes on the day of serving to keep the strawberries fresh.
What can I use instead of almond flour?
You can try using oat flour, but the texture will differ slightly.
Other Christmas Recipes To Make:
These Gnome Cookie Cups are perfect for the holidays! Tag me on Instagram at @healthyholme to show off your Christmas creation!
Gluten-Free Gnome Cookie Cups
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Base:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp coconut oil melted
Sweet Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream
- 1.5 tbsp grass-fed butter melted
- 1.5 tbsp maple syrup
Toppings:
- 12 strawberries washed, dried, and stems cut off
- 12 red or pink candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
- Mix the almond flour, honey, vanilla extract, egg, and melted coconut oil in a bowl until well combined.
- Divide the dough evenly into the 12 mini muffin cups and press gently to shape.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- While the cookies cool, slice the strawberries and whisk together the cream cheese, melted butter, and maple syrup for the frosting. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
- Carefully remove the cookie cups from the pan. Pipe a 1/2-inch layer of frosting on each cup and add a triangular "beard" in front.
- Top each cookie with a strawberry hat and a red or pink candy for the nose.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
