Description

Get ready to embark on a delightful baking adventure with a festive twist by making Grinch Cookies! Inspired by the beloved Dr. Seuss character, these cookies are as vibrant and whimsical as the Grinch himself. With their striking green hue and delightful red candy heart topping, Grinch Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or simply bringing a smile to someone’s face. The cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with a burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Not only do they look amazing, but they are also incredibly easy to prepare, making them an excellent choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Whether you’re looking to spread some holiday cheer or simply indulge your sweet tooth, these cookies are a must-try!

Ingredients

• For the cookie dough:
• 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon green gel food coloring
• For the topping:
• 1 cup red candy hearts or red M&M's
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Preparation Method

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture. While the oven is heating, gather all your ingredients and set them out on your countertop. This makes the process smoother and more enjoyable, as you won’t be scrambling to find items in the middle of mixing.

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended. This step is crucial because it evenly distributes the baking soda and salt throughout the flour, preventing any clumps from forming in your dough. Set this mixture aside for the time being.

In a large bowl, take your softened unsalted butter and use an electric mixer to beat it together with the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is where the magic happens, as the air trapped in the butter-sugar mixture helps create tender cookies.

Once your butter and sugars are well combined, add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and almond extract, blending them into the mixture until fully incorporated. The extracts not only add flavor but also enhance the overall aroma of your cookies, making the baking experience even more delightful.

Now, it’s time to add the green gel food coloring to your mixture. Start with a small amount and mix it in thoroughly. You can always add more if you desire a more vibrant green color. The gel food coloring works wonderfully here, providing a bright and festive hue that embodies the spirit of the Grinch.

Next, gradually add your flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid flour flying everywhere. It’s important to combine them gently until just incorporated; overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and chewy.

Once the dough has come together, use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring that all ingredients are fully mixed. At this point, you can also fold in any additional mix-ins you might want, such as chocolate chips or chopped nuts, although the classic Grinch Cookies are best enjoyed as they are.

Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during the baking process.

Before you place the cookies in the oven, gently press a red candy heart or M&M into the center of each cookie dough ball. This adds a festive touch and guarantees that every bite has a delightful pop of sweetness. If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can arrange the candies in different patterns or shapes, making your cookies uniquely yours.

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit after you take them out of the oven, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaking them.

Once the cookies are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling time allows the cookies to firm up a bit, making them easier to move without breaking.

For a finishing touch, you can give your Grinch Cookies a light dusting of powdered sugar once they’ve completely cooled. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes them look even more festive and appealing.

Tips and Conclusion

For those looking to switch things up, consider making Grinch Cookie bars instead of individual cookies. Simply spread the cookie dough in a greased baking pan and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once cooled, cut them into squares and top with the red candy hearts for a fun twist on the classic cookie. Additionally, if you want to store your Grinch Cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking.



Baking Grinch Cookies is not just about creating a delicious treat; it’s about embracing the fun and festive spirit of the season. As you watch the vibrant green dough transform into delightful cookies topped with red candy hearts, you’ll find joy in the little things, just like our favorite green curmudgeon. These cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying during cozy nights at home with a glass of milk.

Once you’ve savored the delightful flavors of your Grinch Cookies, consider exploring other festive recipes on our site, such as peppermint bark or gingerbread houses, to keep the holiday spirit alive. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family; after all, there’s nothing quite like the joy of baking together. Happy baking, and may your holidays be as bright and joyful as a plate full of Grinch Cookies!