Whimsical Elf Hats

When I was putting together cookie kits last fall, I stumbled upon this cute elf hat cookie cutter.  Not only was it the perfect addition to the cookie kits, it also became a staple in my personal cookie cutter collection.  When I got it out this year, this cute design quickly came to mind!  I used a sprinkle blend from a local shop, but you could also use white non-pareils for a more traditional look. 

Supplies

• Baked elf hat sugar cookies
• Buttercream icing
• Red gel food coloring
• Sprinkles
• Two pastry bags
• Two #4 pastry tips
• Two couplers (optional)
• One small bowl
• Spoons/spatulas for mixing the color into the icing and scooping into pastry bags

Tips

• A small amount of gel food coloring goes a long way.  Add one drop to your buttercream to start with.  If after mixing you'd like a more intense color, add more.
• Red gel color develops over time.  At first, the color may look a little pale, but it will darken over time.
• Couplers allow you to change the pastry tip on the pastry bag.  If you are only creating this design, you do not need to use a coupler.  You can put the pastry tip directly in the pastry bag.
• Fill each pastry bag with 3/4 to 1 cup of icing at a time.  If you put too much icing in the bag, the icing will soften from the heat of your hands and will be harder to pipe.

Directions
​1.  Scoop half of the buttercream into a small bowl and tint it with the red gel color.  
2.  Fit the pastry bags with the couplers (if using) and the pastry tips. 
3.  Fill one of the bags with 3/4 cup of red icing.  Fill the other bag with 3/4 cup of
     white icing.
4.  Starting with the white icing, outline the bottom of the hat and the pouf.  Fill in
     these sections with buttercream using a back and forth motion.

5.  Fill a shallow bowl or plate with sprinkles.  Gently press the cookie into the
     sprinkles.

6.  Using the red icing, outline the middle portion of the hat.  Then, fill it in with a
     back and forth motion.

​These elf hats are just the right amount of whimsy for this Christmas and I know they'll bring a smile to anyone who sees them.  Enjoy!