Elf Cookies

Directions

1. 1
   Make 1 batch royal icing as directed and tint using gel food color as desired.
2. 2
   Transfer 1/3 of each color to a separate pastry bag fitted with a fine tip.
3. 3
   Use a few drops of water to thin the icing remaining in the bowls for flooding; place in separate pastry bags fitted with small round tips.
4. 4
   Using the thicker icing, outline the hats, clothes, beards and faces of the elves on 24 Nutter Butter cookies.
5. 5
   Fill the hats and clothes using the thinner flooding icing.
6. 6
   Let dry between colors.
7. 7
   Use finely shredded coconut for Santa's beard (while icing is wet) and use icing to attach sliced almonds for the elves' ears.