If you love adorable, bite-sized treats that bring a smile and a little whimsy to the table, then you’re going to be head over heels for my Brownie Bite Gnome Cookies Recipe. These little cuties combine rich brownie bites, luscious cream cheese frosting, and fresh strawberries into the most charming gnome faces you’ve ever seen. I absolutely love how they’re both fun to make and delicious to eat — and they’re perfect for parties, holiday treats, or just surprising your family with something extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Cute & Fun: Who doesn’t love gnome-shaped treats? These instantly bring a smile to everyone’s face.
- No-Bake Simplicity: Using pre-made brownie bites means you skip the baking but keep all the flavor.
- Perfect Party Snacks: Bite-sized and easy to eat, these are a total crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
- Customizable & Quick: Swap toppings, adjust frosting, or pick your favorite cereal for the nose — it’s all about your personal touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I’ve found that keeping the ingredients simple and fresh really makes these Brownie Bite Gnome Cookies pop — and you probably have most of these on hand! Using fresh strawberries is key because they give the gnome’s hat that beautiful, vibrant color.
- Brownie bites: Store-bought brownie bites work perfectly here to save you time, but homemade ones add that extra homemade touch that I adore.
- Cream cheese frosting: The rich tanginess contrasts beautifully with the sweet brownie — use either store-bought or homemade for best results.
- Fresh strawberries: Make sure they’re washed and fully dried so the frosting doesn’t get soggy. I always pick the firmest ones with a nice pointed tip for the cutest gnome hats.
- Reese’s Puffs cereal pieces: These tiny circles make the perfect little noses — crunchy, peanut buttery, and just the right size!
Variations
Sometime I like switching up the toppings or tweaking the frosting to suit different occasions and dietary needs. Feel free to make this Brownie Bite Gnome Cookies Recipe your own — that’s part of the fun!
- Nut-Free Version: I swap out the Reese’s Puffs for mini chocolate chips or tiny marshmallows for a safe option when nuts are a no-go.
- Seasonal Flair: Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a touch of peppermint extract to the frosting really takes these into holiday territory — my family goes wild for it.
- Healthier Alternative: I’ve occasionally used Greek yogurt frosting and fresh blueberries as the hat; it’s a lighter, refreshing twist that still looks adorable.
- DIY Brownies: When I have time, I use my favorite fudgy brownie recipe for the base — it deepens the chocolate flavor in a way the store-bought just can’t match.
How to Make Brownie Bite Gnome Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Strawberries Like a Pro
The secret to a perfect gnome hat is how you prep the strawberries. Wash them gently, then dry them thoroughly — any moisture can cause the frosting to slide or get soggy. Use a small knife to carefully remove the green leaves and hollow out the stem just enough to create a tiny hole; this helps the strawberry sit nicely on top of the brownie bite without squishing it. Avoid slicing straight across the top — you want to keep that classic pointy hat shape!
Step 2: Get the Frosting Ready for Your Gnomes
Load your cream cheese frosting into a piping bag — or if you’re like me and sometimes forget, a small sandwich bag with just a tiny corner snipped off works wonders. Piping gives you control, allowing you to create the “beard” down one side of the brownie bite. Don’t be shy with the frosting; it’s what brings these gnomes to life!
Step 3: Assemble Your Brownie Bite Gnome Cookies
Pipe a generous beard of frosting over the top and down one side of each brownie bite, shaping it to mimic a fluffy beard. Press a strawberry on top to become the gnome’s hat — it should fit snugly but not squash the frosting. Finally, pop a Reese’s Puffs cereal piece on the frosting as the cute little nose. This part is so satisfying — I love watching these gnomes take shape on my baking tray!
Step 4: Chill and Show Off Your Work
Once your gnomes are assembled, refrigerate them immediately for about an hour. This chilling step firms up the frosting, keeps everything fresh, and makes them easier to handle. I discovered this small trick after a few floppy gnomes that lost their shape — no one likes a droopy beard! These treats are best enjoyed the day they’re made but can keep in the refrigerator for a day or two if needed.
Pro Tips for Making Brownie Bite Gnome Cookies Recipe
- Dry Strawberries Thoroughly: I always pat mine with a towel and let them air dry for 10 minutes to avoid sogginess — it really keeps your gnomes looking fresh.
- Use a Small Piping Tip: Using a small nozzle means you get nicer beard details without too much mess — I learned this after a few frosting blobs!
- Refrigerate Immediately: Don’t leave your assembled gnomes out — chilling preserves the frosting shape and keeps the strawberries firm.
- Avoid Overfilling Frosting Bag: I fill the bag only halfway; it’s less messy and easier to control than a fully stuffed bag.
How to Serve Brownie Bite Gnome Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I personally keep it simple with the classic Reese’s Puffs nose, but sometimes I add a dusting of powdered sugar for a light snowy effect around the gnomes during the winter months. Tiny edible glitter or colored sugar sprinkles can also add a magical touch for birthday parties — it’s all about what you’re feeling!
Side Dishes
These are sweet little bites, so I love serving them alongside a fresh fruit platter or a tangy yogurt dip to balance out the richness. For an afternoon tea vibe, pair with a nice cup of hot cocoa or chai — I tried this once for a book club meeting and it was a hit!
Creative Ways to Present
I once arranged mine on a wooden plank with a sprinkle of edible flower petals to create a whimsical garden look. Another time, I placed the gnome cookies inside a clear glass cloche with a tiny fairy light underneath — it made a fabulous centerpiece for a holiday party. Presentation really kicks these up a notch and makes your friends say “wow.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover Brownie Bite Gnome Cookies in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This keeps the cream cheese frosting nice and firm while preventing the strawberries from drying out. Typically, they’re good for up to two days — but full disclosure, they rarely last that long around here!
Freezing
I haven’t frozen the fully assembled gnome cookies because the fresh strawberries don’t freeze well and get mushy. However, you can freeze just the brownie bites ahead of time and assemble fresh when ready — that way, your gnomes look and taste their best.
Reheating
Since there’s no baking, reheating isn’t necessary here. I just bring refrigerated gnome cookies to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving so that the brownie and frosting are soft but still firm. It’s the perfect balance in texture.
FAQs
-
Can I use homemade brownies instead of store-bought bites for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade brownies give you full control over the flavor and texture, and they add a lovely personal touch to the Brownie Bite Gnome Cookies Recipe. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized squares that are firm enough to hold their shape when topped.
-
How do I prevent the frosting from sliding off the brownie bites?
Make sure your brownies are completely cooled and the frosting isn’t too runny. Piping frosting onto chunky, firm brownies helps it hold better. Also, chilling the assembled gnomes immediately helps set the frosting and keeps everything in place.
-
What can I use instead of Reese’s Puffs cereal for the gnome noses?
If you can’t find Reese’s Puffs, try mini chocolate chips, candy-coated chocolate buttons, or even small round sprinkles. The main goal is to find a small, round piece that sits nicely on the frosting without sliding off.
-
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! You can either buy gluten-free brownie bites or bake your own using gluten-free flour. Just ensure your cream cheese frosting and toppings are certified gluten-free to keep the entire recipe safe.
-
How long do Brownie Bite Gnome Cookies last once assembled?
For the best flavor and texture, enjoy these within 1-2 days of assembly. Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Strawberries are freshest on day one, so for peak appearance, eat them sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
I have to say, this Brownie Bite Gnome Cookies Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to treats for bringing a little magic to any occasion. They’re easy enough for beginners, playful enough to charm kids, and delicious enough that even the pickiest eaters can’t say no. Plus, assembling these gnome faces always brings a bit of kitchen joy—I hope you find the same joy when you make them. Seriously, give this recipe a try, and let the gnome magic brighten your day!
Print
Brownie Bite Gnome Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownie bite gnomes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delightful Brownie Bite Gnomes are a whimsical and delicious treat combining rich brownie bites, creamy cream cheese frosting, fresh strawberries, and crunchy Reese’s Puffs cereal. Perfect for parties or festive gatherings, they are easy to assemble and visually charming, featuring strawberry hats and frosting beards that bring each gnome to life.
Ingredients
Brownie Bites
- 24 brownie bites, store-bought or homemade
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting, store-bought or homemade
Fruit
- 24 fresh strawberries, washed and dried
Toppings
- 24 Reese’s Puffs cereal pieces
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly and let them dry completely. Remove the green leaves and carefully cut out the stem with a small knife to create a small hole, taking care not to cut straight across the tops of the berries so they keep their shape.
- Prepare Frosting Bag: Place the cream cheese frosting into a piping bag or a sandwich bag with one small corner snipped off to form a piping nozzle.
- Pipe Frosting Beard: Pipe the frosting over the top of each brownie bite and down one side to resemble a beard for the gnome face, making the frosting thickness even and visually appealing.
- Add Strawberry Hat and Nose: Place a strawberry on top of each brownie bite as the gnome’s hat. Press one Reese’s Puffs cereal piece gently onto the frosting as the gnome’s nose positioned beneath the strawberry.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled brownie bite gnomes immediately for at least one hour to let the frosting set. These treats are best served the same day but can be stored refrigerated for up to two additional days.
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are completely dry before assembling to avoid soggy treats.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, use a small plastic sandwich bag with a corner cut off to pipe frosting.
- Use fresh strawberries and enjoy these brownie gnomes within two days for best taste and appearance.
- Brownie bites can be homemade for a personal touch or store-bought for convenience.
- Refrigerate the finished gnomes right away to keep the cream cheese frosting firm and fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie bite gnome
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
