Festive Grinch Cookies Recipe

BySoha

Playful, nostalgic, and undeniably festive, Grinch cookies are more than a holiday novelty,they are a statement cookie. Designed to stand out on a winter dessert table, this recipe balances visual charm with true bakery-level quality. As a chef, I’ve focused on achieving a soft, buttery texture, controlled sweetness, and vibrant color without sacrificing flavor. These cookies look whimsical, but they taste refined.

Ingredients List

  • All-purpose flour
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Granulated sugar
  • Powdered sugar
  • Large egg, room temperature
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Baking powder
  • Fine sea salt
  • Green gel food coloring
  • Red heart-shaped sprinkles or candy hearts

Step-by-Step Instructions

grinch cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and powdered sugar until pale, smooth, and fluffy. Proper aeration ensures a tender crumb.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and glossy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even leavening.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Color with Precision

Add green gel food coloring in small amounts, folding gently until the desired vibrant green is achieved.

Step 6: Chill for Control

Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up and maintain shape during baking.

Step 7: Shape and Decorate

Roll dough into small balls, coat lightly in powdered sugar, and place on a lined baking sheet. Press a red heart sprinkle gently into each cookie.

Step 8: Bake Thoughtfully

Bake until the edges are set but centers remain soft, preserving a plush texture.

Cook Time

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10–12 minutes

Servings

Makes approximately 20–22 cookies.

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 170–190
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Sugar: 13 g

Storage Instructions

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Suggestions

Serve these cookies on a festive platter with hot cocoa or peppermint tea. They also make charming edible gifts when packaged in clear bags with ribbon for holiday sharing.

Seasonal Relevance

Grinch cookies are a natural fit for the winter holiday season, particularly Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, and themed celebrations. Their cheerful appearance and comforting flavor embody seasonal joy.

Conclusion

A successful Grinch cookie should delight before the first bite,and satisfy long after. This recipe merges festive personality with disciplined technique, delivering a cookie that is visually iconic and genuinely delicious. It’s proof that holiday baking can be both playful and professional.

Festive Grinch Cookies Recipe
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Festive Grinch Cookies Recipe

Recipe by Soha
Servings

22

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

12

minutes
Calories

190

kcal
Total time

22

minutes

These festive Grinch cookies are soft, buttery, and delightfully whimsical, featuring a vibrant green color and signature red heart center. Designed with professional technique, they balance playful presentation with bakery-quality flavor, making them ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and seasonal gifting.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • ¼ cup powdered sugar

  • 1 large egg, room temperature

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

  • Green gel food coloring

  • Red heart-shaped sprinkles or candy hearts

Directions

  • Cream butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
  • Add green gel food coloring and gently mix until evenly colored.
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes for easier shaping.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Roll dough into balls, lightly coat in powdered sugar, and place on baking sheet.
  • Press a red heart sprinkle gently into each cookie.
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft.
  • Cool slightly before transferring to a rack.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without altering dough texture.
  • Cookies will continue to set as they cool—avoid overbaking.
  • Dough or baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

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