Grinch Cookies

These festive and vibrant Grinch Cookies are a whimsical addition to your holiday treats. With their bright green color, soft texture, and a little red candy heart on top, they are a delightful nod to the beloved Christmas character. Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or a fun baking project with kids, these cookies will bring joy to your celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Festive: Their bright green hue and heart decoration capture the holiday spirit.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
• Customizable: Add sprinkles, frosting, or different candies for a personal touch.
• Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy cookies that everyone will love.
• Great for Kids: Little ones will enjoy decorating these playful treats.

Ingredients

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

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Green food coloring
• Red heart-shaped candies

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in the green food coloring until the dough reaches your desired shade of green.
7. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Gently press a red heart candy into the center of each cookie.
9. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Frosting Option: Top the cookies with a thin layer of frosting and sprinkle with edible glitter for extra sparkle.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Different Shapes: Use a cookie cutter to shape the dough into festive designs like Christmas trees or stars.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: For a freshly baked texture, warm the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes.

FAQs

What kind of food coloring works best?

Gel food coloring is recommended as it provides a vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

Are there substitutes for the heart candies?

You can use red M&M’s, gumdrops, or small red icing decorations.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Ensure the butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe can easily be scaled up for larger batches.

How do I make them chewier?

Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar for a chewier texture.

Do I need a stand mixer?

No, you can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a little extra effort.

What’s the best way to add the heart candies?

Press the candies gently into the dough right before baking to ensure they stay in place.

Conclusion

Grinch Cookies are a playful and delicious treat that will bring holiday cheer to any gathering. Whether you’re baking with family or sharing with friends, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Try them this holiday season and watch everyone’s hearts grow three sizes with each bite!

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