f you want a fun and festive treat for Christmas, Grinch cookies are a perfect choice. These soft sugar cookies are dyed bright green and topped with a little red heart, making them a fun way to bring holiday spirit to your kitchen. They’re easy to make and add a playful twist to your cookie collection.
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Grinch cookies give you a simple, tasty way to celebrate the holiday season with a nod to the classic Grinch story. Whether you’re baking for a family movie night or a Christmas party, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Their chewy texture and festive colors make them both delicious and eye-catching.
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Classic Grinch Sugar Cookies
Classic Grinch cookies use a simple sugar cookie dough. You start by mixing butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and flour. Add green food coloring to get that signature Grinch look. The dough is dropped onto a baking sheet, so no chilling is needed.
After baking, press a red heart candy or sprinkle in the center of each cookie to represent the Grinch’s small heart. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for Christmas parties or movie nights. You can make them ahead and store in an airtight container.
Grinch Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Green food coloring (gel or liquid, enough to reach a bright Grinchy green)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling, if making crinkle-style cookies)
- Red heart sprinkles or small red candy hearts
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Add green food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach your desired shade of green. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
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If making crinkle-style cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and coat each one in powdered sugar. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers are still soft. Immediately press a red candy heart onto each warm cookie. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Decorating Grinch-Themed Cookies
To decorate Grinch cookies well, focus on using the right icing techniques to get smooth, bright green colors. Adding fun, simple decorations like heart sprinkles can make your cookies look festive and playful without needing much effort.
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Best Icing Techniques
Start by using royal icing or a smooth sugar cookie icing dyed bright green for the classic Grinch look. Thin the icing to a flood consistency for easy spreading. You can use a piping bag with a small round tip to outline the cookie first, then fill the center with thinner icing.
Let the base layer dry completely before adding details. Thin layers dry faster and help keep colors sharp. Use a toothpick or small brush to fix any bubbles or uneven spots. For a glossy finish, add a clear glaze or use a slightly wetter icing in the last coat.
Creative Decorations for Kids
Kids love simple and colorful decorating. Use red heart sprinkles to mimic the Grinch’s growing heart. You can also add little sugar pearls or edible glitter to make the cookies more fun.
Provide simple tools like squeeze bottles or plastic bags with corner snipped for easy icing control. Let kids try patterns like swirls, dots, or zigzags. Stick to bright colors to match the Grinch theme—greens, reds, and whites.
Keep decorations minimal but playful, so kids stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed. This also helps your cookies look neat and festive.
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