Add a touch of holiday mischief to your dessert table with these Grinch-Themed Sugar Cookies. These adorable cookies feature a bright green hue, a soft, buttery texture, and a sprinkle of Christmas cheer. A single red heart candy on each cookie captures the whimsical charm of everyone’s favorite holiday grump.
These cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat! Perfect for baking with kids, sharing at holiday parties, or gifting to friends and family, they’re a sweet way to spread joy (and maybe grow a heart three sizes bigger).
Grinch-Themed Sugar Cookies are bright green sugar cookies with a soft, chewy texture and a festive red heart decoration. These whimsical cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations, baking with kids, or gifting to loved ones.
Quick and easy to make, these cookies bring a playful and delicious twist to your holiday baking.
Exciting Story
The first time I made these cookies, my kids couldn’t stop giggling at their “Grinchy” appearance. They loved placing the red hearts on each cookie and reenacting their favorite scenes from the movie. Now, baking these cookies has become a beloved family tradition, and they’re always a hit at holiday parties.
Why These Grinch-Themed Sugar Cookies?
- Fun and Festive: Perfectly themed for holiday celebrations.
- Kid-Friendly: A great recipe to make with little helpers.
- Soft and Chewy: The perfect texture for sugar cookie lovers.
- Customizable: Add your own decorations or frosting for extra flair.
- Great for Gifting: A playful and delicious homemade gift.
What You Need for Grinch-Themed Sugar Cookies
- For the Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Green food coloring
- For Decoration:
- Red heart sprinkles or candies
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
How to Make Grinch-Themed Sugar Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Add Food Coloring: Gradually add green food coloring until the desired Grinchy hue is achieved.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Flatten and Decorate: Slightly flatten each ball and press a red heart sprinkle or candy onto the center of each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies chewy.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Grinch-Themed Sugar Cookies
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before baking.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel coloring provides vibrant color without altering the dough’s texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter substitutes.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Frosted Grinch Cookies: Add a layer of green frosting or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup or use a sugar substitute.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Closing for Grinch-Themed Sugar Cookies
And there you have it—Grinch-Themed Sugar Cookies, a whimsical holiday treat that’s sure to steal the show (and maybe your heart). Perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with loved ones, these cookies bring a little holiday magic to any occasion. Let us know how yours turn out, and don’t forget to explore more of our festive recipes for holiday inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions for Grinch-Themed Sugar Cookies
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. - How do I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. - Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking or serving. - What’s the best way to flatten the cookies?
Use the bottom of a glass or your fingers to gently flatten each dough ball. - What if I can’t find red heart sprinkles?
Use a small red candy, such as an M&M, or pipe a red heart with icing. - Can I use a different flavor extract?
Yes, peppermint or lemon extract works well for a festive twist. - How do I make the green color vibrant?
Use gel food coloring for a bold, vibrant green without thinning the dough. - Can I make these cookies softer or crispier?
For softer cookies, slightly underbake them. For crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer. - What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
A hand mixer or even a whisk will work, though it may require more effort. - Can I add frosting or icing?
Absolutely! Decorate with green frosting or a drizzle of royal icing for extra flair. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily for larger batches. - Are these cookies good for gifting?
Definitely! Package them in festive tins or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons. - How do I keep the cookies fresh?
Store with a slice of bread in the container to maintain softness. - Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes, natural food dyes made from spinach or matcha can be used for a green hue.
Grinch-Themed Sugar Cookies
4
30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
2 3/4 cups 2 3/4 all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon 1 baking soda
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 baking powder
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 salt
1 cup 1 unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 granulated sugar
1 large 1 egg
1 teaspoon 1 vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 almond extract (optional)
Green food coloring
- For Decoration:
Red heart sprinkles or candies
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Add Food Coloring: Gradually add green food coloring until the desired Grinchy hue is achieved.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Flatten and Decorate: Slightly flatten each ball and press a red heart sprinkle or candy onto the center of each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies chewy.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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