Elf Cookies

Elf Cookies

1/2 tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough, softened

1/3 cup all purpose flour

1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, divided

3 tablespoons milk, divided

1/2 teaspoon lemon extract, divided

6 drops red food coloring, divided

140 milk chocolate M&M’s (about 2/3 cup)

56 almond slices (about 4 teaspoons)

56 brown M&M’s miniature baking bits (about 1 tablespoon)

28 red M&M’s miniature baking bits (about 1-1/2 teaspoons)

In a small bowl, beat cookie dough and flour until combined. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut with a floured 1-3/4 inch x 3-1/4 inch diamond cookie cutter. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 7-9 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

For one batch of glaze, in a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, 4-1/2 teaspoons milk and 1/4 teaspoon extract. Remove 1 tablespoon glaze to another bowl. Tint remaining glaze with 3 drops food coloring.

Working with one cookie at a time, spread red glaze over top half of cookie. Place one M&M at top for tassel and four M&M’s across edge of glaze for hat brim. For ears, place two almonds above M&M’s on each end. Dip baking bits in plain glaze; place brown bits on cookie for eyes and a red bit for nose. Repeat with 13 more cookies.

Make second batch of glaze with remaining confectioners’ sugar, milk, extract and food coloring. Decorate remaining cookies as above.

Recipe and picture from TasteOfHome.com