Grinch Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these Grinch Cookies because they’re easy to make, irresistibly soft, and wonderfully festive. The cheerful green color and red candy heart make them a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they come together quickly and use simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Green food coloring
• Red candy hearts or red M&M’s
• Powdered sugar (for rolling, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
5. Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed. Adjust the shade to your liking.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
7. Scoop the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll them in powdered sugar if desired for a snowy effect.
8. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
10. Remove from the oven and immediately press a red candy heart onto the top of each cookie.
11. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: approximately 25 minutes.

Variations

• Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a minty holiday twist.
• Mix in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Use cream cheese in the dough for a tangier, softer cookie.
• Add festive sprinkles for extra color and texture.
• Make them into sandwich cookies with marshmallow fluff or frosting in between.

Storage/Reheating

Store Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh slightly, warm them in the microwave for 5–10 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Why are they called Grinch Cookies?

They’re inspired by the green character from the beloved holiday story, with a red heart symbolizing the moment his heart grows three sizes.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Do I have to roll them in powdered sugar?

No, that step is optional—it just gives them a fun “snowy” look.

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes, gel food coloring works great and gives a more vibrant green without affecting the dough’s texture.

What kind of red hearts should I use?

You can use red candy hearts, red M&M’s, or even heart-shaped sprinkles.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, roll dough balls and freeze them on a tray. Once firm, transfer to a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t too soft and that you chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter gives the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

How do I get perfectly soft cookies?

Bake just until the edges are set and avoid overbaking. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

Grinch Cookies are the ultimate festive treat—soft, colorful, and full of holiday cheer. With their signature green hue and little red heart, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone at your holiday table. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, family gathering, or just to enjoy during a Christmas movie marathon, these cookies are sure to make your season a little brighter.

Grinch Cookies

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Grinch Cookies are soft, chewy sugar cookies dyed a festive green and topped with a red candy heart. Inspired by the classic holiday story, they’re fun, easy to make, and perfect for Christmas parties, cookie swaps, or cozy movie nights.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Green food coloring (4–6 drops, or as desired)
• 24 red candy hearts or red M&M’s
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling, optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
5. Mix in green food coloring until the dough reaches your desired shade.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
7. Roll dough into 1-tablespoon balls and coat in powdered sugar if desired.
8. Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
10. Remove from oven and immediately press a red candy heart onto each cookie.
11. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Add a touch of peppermint extract for a minty twist.
• Chill dough for 15–20 minutes if your kitchen is warm to prevent spreading.
• Rolling in powdered sugar adds a fun snowy look but is optional.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 65mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg