When the holiday season rolls around, there’s an unmistakable excitement in the air, and nothing captures that spirit quite like a batch of Grinch Sugar Cookies. Picture this: a warm kitchen filled with the sweet scent of melting butter and sugar, while vibrant green dough takes shape under my hands. These cookies aren’t just treats; they’re festive moments waiting to happen.
With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 22 minutes, I can whip up these cheerful cookies that promise smiles with every bite. They're soft, buttery, and topped with a little red heart sprinkle that adds the perfect touch of whimsy. Whether you're baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or just to bring some cheer on a chilly day, these Grinch Sugar Cookies will surely be a hit with anyone who loves homemade goodies. So grab your apron, and let’s spread some holiday cheer, one sweet heart-shaped sprinkle at a time!
Why You'll Love This Grinch Sugar Cookies
- These Grinch Sugar Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip them up in just 22 minutes.
- Their delightful flavor combines buttery sweetness with a festive twist that everyone will adore.
- The vibrant green color and charming red heart sprinkles make these cookies visually appealing, perfect for any holiday setting.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to fit various occasions, whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy night at home.
- These cookies are sure to please a crowd, bringing smiles all around with each delicious bite.
Grinch Sugar Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
• Unsalted butter – 1 stick (4 oz / 8 tbsp), melted for a rich flavor and soft texture.
• Granulated sugar – ⅔ cup, plus extra for rolling to achieve a sweet, crunchy exterior.
• Egg yolks – 2 large, to provide moisture and richness without the whites.
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, enhancing the cookies' sweet aroma and taste.
• Green gel food coloring – 3–5 drops, for that iconic Grinchy hue to make your cookies festive.
• All-purpose flour – 1 ¼ cups, forming the backbone of the cookie for the perfect texture.
• Baking soda – ½ teaspoon, to help the cookies rise and achieve a delightful puff.
• Fine salt – ¼ teaspoon (omit if using salted butter), enhancing the overall flavor balance.
For the Topping
• Red heart sprinkles – 12 small, to add a whimsical touch and festive flair to each cookie.
How to Make Grinch Sugar Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick!
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Mix the melted butter in a bowl with ⅔ cup of granulated sugar, the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and green food coloring. Stir until everything is nicely blended and forms a light green mixture.
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Add the dry ingredients by sprinkling in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently stir the mixture just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—it should be smooth and slightly sticky!
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Divide the dough in half and flatten it in the bowl. From each half, form 6 equal balls, making a total of 12. This makes for perfectly portioned cookies that bake beautifully!
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Roll each dough ball in extra sugar for a sweet, sparkling finish. Then place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to spread while baking.
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Bake the cookies for 10–11 minutes until they're puffed and cracked. You’re looking for a softly set center and a lightly golden edge—just perfect!
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Press a red heart sprinkle into the center of each hot cookie right out of the oven. This adds that adorable Grinchy touch and makes them extra festive!
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Cool the cookies on the pan for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and keeps them from breaking apart.
Optional: Serve with a glass of milk for a perfect pairing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Grinch Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and avoid them becoming too hard.
Fridge: If you prefer a softer cookie, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating: To warm up frozen Grinch Sugar Cookies, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to bring back their original softness.
Make Ahead Options
These Grinch Sugar Cookies are a perfect choice for meal prep, making your busy holiday season a little sweeter! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix it, form the dough balls, and refrigerate them in an airtight container. To maintain the cookies' delightful texture, roll the balls in sugar just before baking. When you're ready to indulge, preheat your oven and bake them straight from the fridge for a few extra minutes. Trust me, they'll come out just as delicious and festive as if you made them fresh! With these make-ahead tips, you'll have more time to enjoy holiday festivities!
What to Serve with Grinch Sugar Cookies?
Imagine a delightful gathering, where the cheerful ambiance of the season is complemented by festive treats that bring joy to every bite.
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Hot Cocoa: A warm mug of cocoa pairs perfectly, enhancing the sweetness of the cookies while adding a cozy touch.
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Festive Fruit Platter: Bright fruits like strawberries and grapes add a refreshing contrast, bursting with juicy flavors that refresh the palate.
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Whipped Cream Dip: This fluffy dip provides a luscious complement, perfect for dunking the cookies and elevating their delightful sweetness.
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Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk beautifully balances the sweetness of Grinch Sugar Cookies, enhancing their buttery goodness.
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Spiced Chai: The warm, aromatic spices in chai create a comforting drink that harmonizes with the cookies’ festive flavors—perfect for chilly days.
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Gingerbread Men: Bring in the holiday spirit with these spiced cookies that echo the season, creating a whimsical dessert table that delights everyone.
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Peppermint Milkshake: A twist on traditional milkshakes, this minty treat adds a fun element, especially loved by kids during the holidays.
Grinch Sugar Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Grinch Sugar Cookies and make them your own with these delightful twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a similar texture without the gluten.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to keep the cookies rich and delicious without the dairy.
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Add Some Spice: Mix in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor that complements the sweetness.
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Flavor Infusion: Incorporate almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty kick that adds a delightful twist to your cookie experience.
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Festive Toppings: Top with colorful sprinkles or mini M&Ms instead of heart sprinkles for a fun, festive look that dazzles.
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Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing, holiday-inspired version that’s sure to impress.
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Chocolate Lover's Delight: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a rich, decadent flavor that balances perfectly with the sugary sweetness.
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Chewy Texture: For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies for a minute or two—they’ll continue to firm up while cooling!
With these variations, your Grinch Sugar Cookies will be as imaginative as your holiday spirit! Enjoy experimenting!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Grinch Sugar Cookies, ensure your butter is fully melted but not hot, as this can affect the dough texture.
- Always measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.
- For a more vibrant green color, add a bit more food coloring if desired, but remember to mix thoroughly to achieve an even hue.
- Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake, and remove them when they are just puffed and cracked, as they will continue to set while cooling on the pan.
Grinch Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right green gel food coloring?
Absolutely! For vibrant Grinch Sugar Cookies, I recommend using a high-quality gel food coloring. Look for brands that provide a rich green hue with just a few drops. If you notice your dough isn’t as green as you’d like, you can always add a couple more drops until you achieve that perfect festive shade.
How should I store leftover Grinch Sugar Cookies?
You can store your cooled Grinch Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them soft and chewy, consider refrigerating them for up to 5 days, ensuring they’re tightly sealed to maintain moisture.
Can I freeze Grinch Sugar Cookies? What’s the best way?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies for up to 3 months, I recommend wrapping each cookie individually in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature. If you want to warm them up, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their delightful softness.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very! If you notice your Grinch Sugar Cookies spreading too much, it could be due to a few factors. Ensure that your butter is melted but not hot, which keeps the dough from becoming too runny. Also, make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly; too little flour can result in overly flat cookies. If you encounter this issue again, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Are Grinch Sugar Cookies safe for pets?
It's essential to be cautious! While the ingredients in Grinch Sugar Cookies aren't toxic to pets, they do contain sugar and butter, which aren't suitable for their diets. It’s always safer to share dog-friendly treats instead if you want to include your furry friends in the festive fun!
Grinch Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Mix the melted butter in a bowl with ⅔ cup of granulated sugar, the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and green food coloring.
- Add the dry ingredients by sprinkling in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently stir until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half and form 6 equal balls from each half, making a total of 12.
- Roll each dough ball in extra sugar and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 10-11 minutes until they're puffed and cracked.
- Press a red heart sprinkle into the center of each hot cookie right out of the oven.
- Cool the cookies on the pan for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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