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Grinch Cookies – Vibrant Green Crinkle Cookies That Steal the Show
It’s not Christmas without a little bit of Grinchy fun — and these Grinch Cookies are here to bring the holiday cheer in the most colorful way!
Soft, chewy, and irresistibly vibrant, these bright green crinkle cookies are inspired by the classic Christmas character we all love (and laugh with). They’re rolled in powdered sugar, baked until perfectly crinkled, and finished with a tiny red heart — a sweet nod to the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes that day.
Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, classroom treats, or Christmas movie nights, these cookies aren’t just adorable — they’re deliciously buttery, soft, and full of vanilla flavor.
💚 Why You’ll Love These Grinch Cookies
- Eye-catching color: That festive green makes every cookie platter pop!
- Soft and chewy texture: Lightly crisp on the outside, tender inside.
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples and a few drops of food coloring are all you need.
- Kid-friendly and fun: A great baking project for families and Christmas parties.
- Customizable: Add peppermint extract, white chocolate chips, or sprinkles to mix it up.
🎄 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar – packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional for flavor depth)
- Green gel food coloring (start with ¼ tsp, adjust for vibrancy)
For Rolling:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
For Decoration:
- Red heart sprinkles or small red candies
💚 How to Make Grinch Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the oven.
Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the butter and sugars.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 4: Add wet ingredients.
Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using). Add green gel food coloring a little at a time until your desired Grinch-green color is achieved.
Step 5: Combine.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. The dough should be thick but soft.
Step 6: Chill the dough.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes — this step helps keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 7: Shape & coat.
Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and generously coat each one in powdered sugar.
Step 8: Bake.
Place on prepared sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are cracked but still soft in the center.
Step 9: Add the heart.
While cookies are still warm, gently press a red heart sprinkle onto each one.
Step 10: Cool & enjoy!
Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Grinch Cookies
Soft, chewy, and vibrantly green crinkle cookies topped with red heart sprinkles — festive, fun, and full of holiday cheer!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Beat in eggs, vanilla, almond extract, and green gel food coloring.
- Gradually add dry ingredients until dough forms.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll dough into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until crinkled and soft in the center.
- Press a red heart sprinkle into each cookie while warm.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
For a minty variation, replace vanilla extract with peppermint extract.
🎁 Tips for Perfect Grinch Cookies
- Use gel food coloring: Liquid coloring can thin the dough and dull the color — gel ensures bold, vibrant green!
- Chill the dough: Prevents over-spreading and gives those nice rounded crinkle tops.
- Coat well: Roll generously in powdered sugar for the perfect snowy contrast.
- Don’t overbake: They should look slightly soft in the center when removed; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Customize your flavor: Try peppermint extract for a cool, festive twist.
🍪 Serving Ideas
- Christmas cookie platters: These green gems brighten any holiday spread.
- Movie night treat: Serve while watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas with hot cocoa.
- Gift boxes: Wrap in festive cellophane and add a “Grow Your Heart” tag.
- Cookie exchange hit: Eye-catching and easy to transport.
🧁 Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate: Keep fresh up to 7 days in a sealed container.
- Freeze: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and dust again with powdered sugar before serving.
🎅 Variations You’ll Love
- Grinch Peppermint Cookies: Replace vanilla with ½ tsp peppermint extract.
- White Chocolate Grinch Cookies: Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips before baking.
- Frosted Grinch Cookies: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting on top for a rich twist.
- Grinch Cookie Sandwiches: Pair two cookies with marshmallow fluff or buttercream between them.
💚 Why These Grinch Cookies Steal the Show
From their bright green color to their sweet vanilla aroma, these cookies are pure Christmas joy in every bite. The red heart on top gives them that iconic Grinch look — charming, playful, and heartwarming all at once.
These cookies aren’t just about looks — they deliver buttery softness, a touch of vanilla, and that perfect crinkle texture that cookie lovers crave. Plus, they’re so easy to make that even your little “Cindy-Lou Whos” can help in the kitchen!
If you’re looking to add some holiday magic to your dessert table this season, Grinch Cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
