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Grinch Sugar Cookies bring a festive pop of color and holiday cheer to any baking table. These bright green cookies are quick to prepare with no chill time required, and they feature a sweet red heart sprinkle that captures the spirit of the Grinch’s growing heart. Whether for a holiday party or a cozy afternoon baking with loved ones, these simple sugar cookies will brighten your season with a soft chewy texture and crisp edges.
I made these cookies during a busy December weekend and loved how fast they came together. My kids especially adored the red heart on top and insisted these were their new holiday favorite cookie.
Ingredients
- Butter: provides rich flavor and tender chewiness make sure it is unsalted and fresh for best results
- Granulated sugar: sweetens the dough and creates a crisp coating on the cookie surface
- Egg yolks: add richness and help create a tender crumb use only yolks for that perfect texture
- Vanilla extract: enhances the flavor with warm, sweet notes
- Green gel food coloring: delivers the signature bright color and is more concentrated than liquid for vibrant results
- All-purpose flour: forms the base structure of the cookie dough fresh flour ensures light cookies
- Baking soda: helps cookies rise and spread just enough for a soft texture
- Salt: balances sweetness and deepens overall flavor profile
- Red heart sprinkles: add the festive finishing touch and represent the Grinch’s growing heart
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 Celsius. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep cookies from sticking and help with even baking.
- Melt the Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until fully liquid. Immediately add granulated sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Add Food Coloring:
- Add a few drops of green gel food coloring at a time and stir. Continue adding until the dough reaches your desired shade of bright green, making sure the color is mixed evenly throughout.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, and salt over the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or spoon to fold everything together until the dough is fully incorporated with no streaks of flour remaining.
- Form Dough Balls:
- Press the dough flat in the bowl, divide into two equal halves. Scoop each half into six equal portions to make a total of twelve dough balls. Shape each ball firmly but not too tightly.
- Coat Dough Balls in Sugar:
- Pour some granulated sugar into a shallow bowl and roll each dough ball to coat it evenly on all sides. This gives the cookies a sweet and slightly crunchy exterior.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least two inches apart. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes or until the cookies are puffed and beginning to crack on top.
- Add the Heart Sprinkle:
- As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press one red heart sprinkle in the center of each warm cookie. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for two minutes to set before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Red heart sprinkles are my favorite part. They remind me of how holiday baking is about love and the warmth of family. Last Christmas, these cookies made their way to a neighborhood party where kids and adults alike admired their bright colors and fun story connection to the Grinch.
Storage Tips
Store your cooled Grinch Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to five days. You can freeze baked cookies by layering parchment paper between them and sealing tightly for up to three months. For dough balls, freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw slightly before rolling in sugar and baking.
Ingredient Substitutions
- For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with your favorite plant-based butter substitute that measures the same.
- Natural green coloring options include spirulina or matcha powders, which bring earthy tones and a less vibrant but still festive green.
- Gluten-free flour blends can replace all-purpose flour if needed, but be sure to check the blend contains baking soda and salt or adjust accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a steaming mug of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They also complement festive eggnog or spiced tea wonderfully. For a holiday cookie platter, mix them with gingerbread or snowflake cookies to add visual excitement and variety.
The Grinch-Themed Cookie Tradition
These cookies celebrate not just the holidays but also the classic story of the Grinch and his journey from grumpiness to heartwarming kindness. Baking these with family or friends can become a cherished tradition, sparking conversations about generosity and joy during the season. Their bright green color and symbolic sprinkle bring a bit of whimsy and meaning to your baking.
Pro Tips
- Don't skip rolling the dough balls in sugar as it creates the perfect delicate crust on the cookies.
- Avoid overmixing the dough once dry ingredients are added to keep cookies tender, not tough.
- Use gel food coloring for the brightest color results and add a little at a time to avoid an overpowering taste.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can dough be prepared in advance?
Yes, the dough can be rolled into balls and frozen for up to three months. Thaw shortly before baking, then roll in sugar and bake as usual.
- → Is liquid food coloring suitable?
While gel coloring provides the brightest green, liquid food coloring can be used but may require more and slightly affect dough texture.
- → How should the cookies be stored to keep freshness?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The high sugar content helps keep them tender.
- → What gives these cookies their chewy texture?
Egg yolks contribute a tender crumb and chewy center, balanced by butter and sugar for richness and a slight crisp outer layer.
- → Can these cookies be reshaped if they spread too much?
Yes, gently pressing them with a round cutter while warm helps maintain a neat shape after baking.