Grinch Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grinch Cookies bring a pop of color and fun to your holiday cookie platter. The soft sugar cookie base pairs perfectly with a vibrant green frosting that’s sweet, creamy, and easy to decorate. These cookies are simple to make, customizable with your favorite frostings and toppings, and sure to be a hit at holiday parties, school events, or festive gatherings. Plus, their playful look adds a joyful spirit to your baking!

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)

• Green food coloring

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 2-3 tbsp milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Green food coloring

• Red and white sprinkles or candy decorations for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cookie Dough:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

   • Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).

   • Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.

   • Add green food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach your desired shade.

3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:

   • Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

   • Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.

   • Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are just starting to turn golden.

   • Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Frosting:

   • Beat softened butter until creamy.

   • Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until smooth and spreadable.

   • Mix in vanilla extract and green food coloring until desired color is achieved.

5. Decorate:

   • Spread or pipe the green frosting onto cooled cookies.

   • Garnish with red and white sprinkles or candy decorations to resemble the Grinch’s festive look.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Let the frosting set for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Bake time: 8-10 minutes

• Decorating time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Grinch Faces: Use icing pens or colored frosting to pipe Grinch faces or expressions on the cookies.

• Different Shapes: Use holiday-themed cookie cutters like Christmas trees or stars and decorate with green frosting.

• Chocolate Grinch Cookies: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate version.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

• Vegan Option: Substitute butter and eggs with vegan alternatives and use dairy-free frosting.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Freeze baked and frosted cookies in a single layer, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Serve cookies at room temperature. Avoid microwaving frosting-covered cookies as it may melt the frosting.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes, but the signature Grinch green look is part of the fun. You can skip or use natural food coloring alternatives like spinach powder.

How do I get the frosting so smooth and creamy?

Make sure the butter is softened before mixing, and add milk slowly to achieve the perfect spreading consistency.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, store-bought green frosting can be used to save time.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help cookies hold their shape.

Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?

Absolutely! Royal icing works well for detailed decorations and dries hard.

Are these cookies soft or crispy?

They are soft with slightly crisp edges, perfect for a tender bite.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.

How do I store decorated cookies without smudging?

Place parchment paper between layers and store in a single layer if possible to protect frosting.

Can I use almond extract?

Yes, almond extract adds a nice depth of flavor but is optional.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

Add edible glitter, colored sugar, or shaped sprinkles to enhance their holiday appeal.

Conclusion

Grinch Cookies are a fun, festive, and delicious way to celebrate the holidays with a playful nod to the beloved green character. Soft, buttery cookies with vibrant green frosting and cheerful decorations make these treats irresistible for kids and adults alike. Easy to make and customizable, Grinch Cookies bring joy and holiday spirit to your cookie platter every season.

Grinch Cookies

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• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Grinch Cookies are soft, chewy, and festive treats inspired by the iconic green character from Dr. Seuss’s classic story. Featuring a tender sugar cookie base with vibrant green frosting and playful red and white decorations, these cookies add holiday cheer to any celebration. Easy to make and decorate, they’re perfect for holiday parties, school events, or gifting.

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Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)

• Green food coloring

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 2-3 tbsp milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Green food coloring

• Red and white sprinkles or candy decorations for garnish

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Instructions

• Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

• Make Cookie Dough: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Gradually add dry ingredients. Add green food coloring until desired shade.

• Shape and Bake: Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Flatten slightly. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges just turn golden. Cool 5 minutes on sheets, then transfer to wire racks.

• Prepare Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until smooth and spreadable. Mix in vanilla and green food coloring.

• Decorate: Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies. Garnish with red and white sprinkles or candies to mimic the Grinch’s festive look.

• Serve: Let frosting set before serving.

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Notes

Chill dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.Use natural food coloring alternatives like spinach powder if desired.Store-bought frosting can be used for convenience.Decorate with royal icing for detailed designs.Dough can be refrigerated up to 2 days before baking.Store decorated cookies with parchment paper between layers to prevent smudging.Almond extract is optional but adds nice flavor depth.