Elf cookies for Christmas

Ingredients

185 g butter

1 cup castor sugar

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 cup flour 

1 egg

1 egg yolk

Icing sugar to dust (optional)

 

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C

In a food processor mix the butter, sugar and vanilla until smooth

Add the flour, egg and egg yolk and process until the mixture forms a soft dough

Take the dough out of the processor and knead slightly bringing it together in ball and wrap it in cling film and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Dough in mixer	Dough laid out on Clingfilm	Dough ready for fridge

Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface or between 2 sheets of baking paper until about ½ cm / 5mm thick

Cutters from Betty Bossi	Elf cutters and Snow flakes	Dough shapes cut out

Cut the dough into any shape you desire - you can use a Elf cutters or snow flakes. I got mine from Betty Bossi, Switzerland.

Place the dough on a baking sheet that has been lined with baking paper or a silicone mat

Bake for 10 – 12 minutes until golden brown. Don't over cook as they get burnt. I took mine out in 8 minutes.

Remove the biscuits carefully from the baking tray and place them on a wire rack to cool, if not they tend to overcook and turn brown. When cool, decorate as desired.

Parts with Royal Icing	Kept to Dry	Eyes for Elves

I used ready made eyes from Betty Bossi, Switzerland. I made a portion of Royal icing mixed with water, added it into different bowls and added gel food colouring into each. I took a paint brush (Mainly for food painting) and started with the white icing and did the beard and kept to set. Then coloured the balance parts and added sprinkles, mini M&M for the nose etc.

Let your ideas run wild!!

Coloured Royal Icing kept to dry	Added Decorations and kept to dry