Grinch Cookies
Festive and fun, these Grinch Cookies are bright green, chewy, and full of holiday cheer. They are quick and simple to make with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, decorated to mimic the mischievous Grinch, making them ideal for gifting or cozy winter snacking.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for vegan option)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring, as needed for vibrant color
Optional Add-Ins & Decorations
- ½ cup chocolate chips or candy eyes
- Optional: cinnamon or nutmeg (½ teaspoon each for spiced twist)
- Optional: finely chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup for nutty delight)
- Optional: white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light, fluffy, and creamy to create the perfect chewy texture.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Green Coloring: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Gradually add green food coloring until you reach a vibrant Grinch-green shade.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Fold in Optional Add-ins: Gently fold in chocolate chips or candy eyes if using, reserving some for decorating the tops.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly press reserved candy eyes or chocolate chips onto each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures a chewy interior with a firm edge.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to prevent tough cookies.
- Add food coloring gradually to avoid artificial taste and achieve perfect hue.
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets for easy cookie removal and even baking.
- To maintain chewiness, avoid overbaking and consider chilling dough.
- Decorate with colored icing, sprinkles, or candy red noses for extra festive charm.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freeze baked cookies between parchment sheets in sealed bags for up to three months.
- Reheat gently in microwave (10-15 seconds) or oven (300°F for a few minutes) to refresh chewiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Holiday Cookies, Grinch Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Chewy Cookies, Festive Treats, Green Cookies, Kid-friendly Baking