Grinch Cookies

These Grinch Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with festive cheer. Inspired by the classic holiday story, these green-tinted cookies feature a sweet flavor, chewy texture, and a cute red heart candy that makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or simply spreading some Christmas joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Fun: Bright green cookies with a red heart make them stand out on any dessert table
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time
Kid-Friendly: Perfect for getting the little ones involved in the kitchen

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

All-purpose flour: The base for the perfect cookie texture
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft
Salt: Enhances the sweetness of the cookies

Wet Ingredients

Unsalted butter: Softened for a creamy, buttery base
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cookies
Egg: Helps bind everything together
Vanilla extract: Adds a delicious depth of flavor

Color & Decoration

Green food coloring: For the signature Grinch-inspired hue
Red heart candies: Symbolizing the Grinch’s growing heart
Powdered sugar: For a light dusting, optional for extra holiday charm

Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat and Prep

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside

Step 3 – Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined

Step 4 – Add Color

Gradually add green food coloring, mixing until you reach the desired shade of Grinch green

Step 5 – Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined

Step 6 – Roll and Shape

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a red heart candy gently into the center of each cookie

Step 7 – Bake

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies chewy

Step 8 – Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired

Tips for Success

Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 20-30 minutes before rolling
Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so take them out while they’re still soft
Color Consistency: Add the green food coloring gradually to achieve the perfect bright green shade

Nutrition Facts (per cookie)

Servings: 20-24 cookies
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 75mg
Carbohydrates: 17g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 1g

FAQ

Q1: Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
A1: Yes, gel food coloring works great and provides a more vibrant green with less product

Q2: How do I store Grinch Cookies?
A2: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months

Q3: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, refrigerate it for up to 2 days, and bake when ready

Q4: What if I don’t have heart candies?
A4: Use red M&M’s, jelly hearts, or even pipe on a small red heart using icing

Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
A5: Yes, white or dark chocolate chips would add a delicious twist to the recipe

Q6: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A6: Ensure your butter isn’t too warm and chill the dough before baking to help the cookies hold their shape

Q7: Can I double this recipe?
A7: Yes, simply double all ingredients to make a larger batch for holiday events

Q8: Can I use a sugar substitute?
A8: You can replace granulated sugar with a 1:1 sugar substitute, but it may slightly alter the texture

Q9: Are these cookies kid-friendly?
A9: Absolutely! Kids will love their festive look and soft, chewy texture

Q10: How can I add extra flavor to the cookies?
A10: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique twist

These Grinch Cookies are perfect for adding holiday cheer to your dessert spread. With their bright green color and sweet heart decorations, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Spread some Grinch-y joy this season!

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