Free Elf on the Shelf Baking Printable: Poem & Gingerbread Recipe! (2024)

It's that magical time of year again when our little scout elves come down from the North Pole to sprinkle some Christmas magic and monitor the nice list. Each year, I get tons of requests for shelf ideas to make this tradition even more fun for young children. But here's the thing – while the holiday season is much fun, it can also be quite hectic. That's why, for those seeking some creative ways to keep the tradition alive without the stress, I've got a fantastic solution: an easy elf on the shelf baking printable!

A Little Treat from Me to You:

Every year, our mischievous little elf surprises us with something special, but this year was the sweetest surprise yet! One chilly morning, we woke up to find the kitchen filled with the warm aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies. It seems our elf traded his usual antics for a baker's hat! As we excitedly approached the tray of delightful treats, a little note caught our eye. It read:

A Little Treat from Me to You:
From the North Pole's frosty air,
To your cozy home, so snug,
I've brought ginger cookies to share,
Baked with magic and a loving Elf hug!

It melted our hearts. Not only did our elf sprinkle some holiday magic around, but he also left us with a taste of the North Pole's finest. Every bite was a mix of joy, warmth, and a sprinkle of elfish charm! What a wonderful way to start the day! And if you loved this little note as much as we did, guess what?

We have a treasure trove of printable elf notes available on our site! Here's what you can find:

• Arrival Letter: Perfect for that first day when your elf makes his grand appearance.
• Late Arrival Letter: For those times the elf might have gotten caught in some North Pole snowstorm and is running a bit behind.
• Departure Letter: A heartfelt note for when it's time for your elf to head back to Santa.
• Adoption Certificate: A beautiful token for when you first welcome your elf into your home.
• Naughty or Nice Letters: To give the little ones a gentle reminder or praise.
• Jokes: Light-hearted funnies to brighten up your day.
• Elf on the Shelf Ideas: A list of creative ways to place and play with your elf throughout December.
• Elf Bucks: A festive currency designed for holiday fun, Elf Bucks are delightful, elf-themed play money. Perfect for encouraging good behavior, completing holiday tasks, or as a whimsical reward during Christmas-themed activities.
• Elf Giving Poem: Encourage your kids to give with this cute poem.
• Scavenger Hunt: Fun elf scavenger hunt for all ages.
• 24 Days of elf: 24 days of Elf fun and ideas Calendar

Remember, each of these printables adds a touch more magic to the festive season. Dive in, explore, and let the Christmas spirit shine even brighter in your home!

What is the Elf on the Shelf Tradition?

For those of you in your first year with this lovely Christmas tradition, here's a brief overview:

• Origins: The shelf tradition revolves around a scout elf sent by Santa Claus from the North Pole.
• Purpose: The elf observes good behavior and reports back to Santa, ensuring children land on the nice list.
• Fun Factor: Every morning, the elf finds a new spot or gets involved in some mischief. It's a game for the whole family to find where the elf's adventures took him last night.

This tradition brings so much joy, but it also calls for some fresh and fun ideas each year.

Tips for Making Elf on the Shelf Even More Fun

• Personal Touch: Naming your elf adds a personal touch. Whether it's a cute elf name like Jingle or something unique to your family, it makes the experience more intimate.
• Printable Props: Instead of buying new props every year, why not use printable props? They're a great way to add variety without breaking the bank.
• Integration: Blend your elf's activities with other Christmas activities. For instance, if you're planning a movie night, maybe the elf brings some candy canes for a special treat.
• Storytelling: Let your elf leave a little note about his adventures. Maybe he got tangled in the Christmas tree lights or played a quick elf game with the reindeer.
• Consistency: Ensure the elf moves every night. It keeps the magic alive, especially for very young children who eagerly look forward to finding the elf's new location each day.

FAQ about Elf on the Shelf Baking Printable

1. What exactly is an "Elf on the Shelf Baking Printable"?
   • An elf on the shelf baking printable typically includes printable letters or notes from your scout elf, and sometimes even recipes. It's a fun way for the elf to share some North Pole-inspired treats with the family.
2. Can I use the printable more than once?
   • Absolutely! Print it out as many times as you need for personal use.
3. What if my child touches the elf?
   • According to the Christmas tradition, touching the scout elf might make it lose its magic. But don't worry, a sprinkle of Christmas magic (a little hug or a heartfelt apology) will set everything right.
4. Where should I place the printable for maximum surprise?
   • Fun spots like the kitchen counter, next to the cookie mix, or even held in the elf’s hands can be delightful.
5. Do I need to prep anything for the printable recipes?
   • Yes, you will bake a delicious batch of Gingerbread cookies to give with the printable. This is a cute idea close to elf’s arrival or any time of the month.

Key Takeaways

• Creative Ideas are Endless: From a candy cane hunt to simple shelf crafts, the possibilities to make the elf season special are infinite.
• Printables Save Time & Money: Using printable ideas like the one at the bottom of this post can be both cost-effective and time-saving.
• Make It Personal: Whether it's through naming your elf or through a welcome letter, personal touches make the experience memorable.
• Blend Traditions: Merge your elf's adventures with other Christmas activities for a seamless holiday experience.

Now, as promised, here's a delightful treat for all of you. I've put together a beautiful printable for you, featuring a heartwarming poem:

A Little Treat from Me to You:From the North Pole's frosty air,To your cozy home, so snug,I've brought ginger cookies to share,Baked with magic and a loving Elf hug!

Not just that, the printable also comes with a lovely gingerbread cookie recipe. Just imagine the scent of freshly baked gingerbread cookies filling your home!

Gingerbread Men Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2/3 cup molasses

Decorations (optional):

• Royal icing, candy buttons, colored sprinkles, raisins or currants, and red licorice laces.

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment.
2. Dry Mix: Whisk flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl.
3. Wet Mix: In another bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg, then molasses, mixing well.
4. Combine: Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mix to form a dough.
5. Chill: Divide and refrigerate dough for 1 hour.
6. Roll & Cut: Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut using a gingerbread man cutter and place on sheets.
7. Bake: 8-10 minutes until edges are golden.
8. Cool & Decorate: Let cookies cool, then decorate as desired.

Conclusion: Easy Elf on the Shelf Baking Printable

The elf on the shelf tradition is not just about finding new and creative ways to place the elf. It's about the memories, the laughter, and the time spent together as a family. This printable offers an adorable and fun way to add a sprinkle of North Pole magic to your Christmas season. So here's to the most wonderful time of the year, made even better with a touch of elf mischief and the sweet aroma of gingerbread cookies! Merry Christmas, everyone! (just click the image below. Save to your computer and print!)