Festive Grinch Cookie Recipe for the Holidays

It’s the holiday season, and if there’s one thing we all crave, it’s a festive treat that screams Christmas! These Grinch Cookies are inspired by everyone’s favorite green grouch who manages to steal our hearts every year. Soft, chewy, and decked out in Grinch-y green with a single red heart sprinkle, they’re perfect for spreading some holiday joy—without stealing it!

If you’re looking for a treat that’s as whimsical as it is delicious, these cookies are here to save the day…or your Christmas dessert spread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to whip up, even for last-minute holiday baking.
• The vibrant green color and adorable heart are a total showstopper for kids and adults alike.
• Soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet with a subtle vanilla flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

Essentials:

• Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and helps create that soft, chewy texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A blend of the two gives the cookies the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the cookie’s flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cookies. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Green Gel Food Coloring: Essential for that iconic Grinch-y hue. Gel coloring works best for vibrant shades without thinning the batter.
• Heart Sprinkles: A single red heart on each cookie is the ultimate festive touch!
• Baking Soda & Salt: Baking soda gives the cookies their rise, while salt enhances all the flavors.
• Egg: Binds the dough together and makes it delightfully chewable.

Pro Tips:

• If you can’t find red heart sprinkles, red M&Ms or candy hearts are a good substitute.
• Gel food coloring is your best friend for bold colors—avoid liquid food coloring to prevent thinning the dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed.

Step 3: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is mixed evenly.

Step 4: Add in your green gel food coloring, starting with a small amount and gradually adding more until you achieve your desired Grinch green color.

Step 5: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two batches, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.

Step 6: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Press a single red heart sprinkle gently onto the surface of each dough ball.

Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too warm or sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before scooping to make it easier to work with.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft! Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set but the centers are slightly underbaked—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Add White Chocolate Chips: For an extra pop of sweetness and holiday cheer!
• Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1-to-1 substitute.
• Serve with Hot Cocoa: These cookies and a warm mug of cocoa are a match made in holiday heaven.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

Q: How should I store the baked cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’re just as soft and delicious on day 5 as they are on day 1!

Q: Can I double the recipe? Yes! This recipe doubles beautifully for holiday parties or cookie exchanges.

There you have it—Grinch Cookies that are irresistibly festive and so fun to make. I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on social media with #TheKitchensAid and share the joy. Happy baking!