Grinch Cookies Recipe: 5 Steps to Holiday Cheer

Name: Grinch Cookies Recipe: 5 Steps to Holiday Cheer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup green candy melts; 1 cup red sprinkles

August 28, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Oh my goodness, you guys! There’s just something magical about the holiday season, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of Grinch cookies?! These vibrant green delights are not only adorable but also taste absolutely scrumptious. Trust me, when you take a bite, you’ll feel the spirit of the holidays come alive. I remember the first time I made these cookies with my family; we were all giggling as we shaped the dough and sprinkled the red sprinkles on top. It quickly became a fun tradition that we look forward to every year!

What I love most about this Grinch cookies recipe is how easy it is to whip up a batch, and they’re perfect for spreading holiday cheer at gatherings or just for enjoying at home. The combination of buttery sweetness and festive colors makes them a hit with everyone, especially the kids. Plus, the smell wafting through the house while they bake? Absolutely heavenly! So grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into a delightful cookie adventure that’ll leave everyone smiling and full of holiday spirit!

grinch cookies recipe - detail 1

Ingredients for Grinch Cookies Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these fun and festive Grinch cookies. I promise, the ingredients are simple and straightforward, but they come together to create a masterpiece that’s bursting with holiday cheer!

1 cup butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature so it mixes easily into the dough.
1 cup granulated sugar: This adds that sweet touch you’ll love!
1 cup brown sugar, packed: For that extra richness and chewiness in every bite.
2 large eggs: These help bind everything together and give the cookies a nice lift.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla really enhances the flavor.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our cookie dough—this gives them structure.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This will help your cookies rise to perfection.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
1 cup green candy melts: The star of the show! These give our cookies that iconic Grinch color and a fun twist.
1 cup red sprinkles: For a festive finish—because what’s a Grinch cookie without a little sparkle?

Now that you have everything ready, you’re just a few steps away from baking up some holiday magic!

How to Prepare Grinch Cookies Recipe

Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—baking these delightful Grinch cookies! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive treats in no time!

Prepping the Oven and Ingredients

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps the cookies bake evenly and rise just right. While that’s heating up, gather all your ingredients and have them measured out and ready to go. It makes the process so much smoother, trust me! You don’t want to be scrambling around looking for the flour while the butter’s melting.

Creaming the Butter and Sugars

Now, grab your mixing bowl and let’s get creaming! Start by adding the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into the bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that perfect chewy texture. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and creamy. Yum!

Mixing in the Eggs and Vanilla

Next up, it’s time to add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Crack those eggs in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps create a smooth batter. Don’t forget the vanilla! It adds that warm, inviting flavor that makes your kitchen smell amazing. Mix until everything is well combined and you can’t see any streaks of egg. You’re doing great!

Combining Dry Ingredients

Now, let’s tackle the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour, which is so important for consistent baking. Once that’s done, gradually add the dry mix into your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps! This will keep your cookies soft and tender.

Forming the Cookies

Time to shape our cookies! Using a tablespoon, scoop out balls of dough and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little space between each cookie—about 2 inches—because they’ll spread as they bake. If you want perfectly round cookies, you can roll the dough in your hands before placing them on the sheet. It’s a fun little trick!

Baking and Cooling

Pop those cookies into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—look for lightly golden edges, but the centers can be a little soft; they’ll firm up as they cool. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This is crucial for getting that perfect chewy texture! After they’ve cooled completely, they’re ready to be devoured. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Appeal: These vibrant green cookies are not just delicious, but they also bring a cheerful holiday spirit to your dessert table!
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time—perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Great for Holiday Gatherings: Whether you’re hosting a party or going to one, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Customizable: Feel free to mix things up with different colored candy melts or add some peppermint extract for a fun twist!
Made with Love: Baking these cookies can become a fun family tradition, creating cherished memories with loved ones while spreading joy.

Tips for Success

To make sure your Grinch cookies turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips and tricks to share! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your cookie game. Let’s dive in!

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend more easily and creates a smoother dough.
Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and nobody wants that!
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Take them out when the edges are golden, and the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to cook a bit while cooling.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help your cookies hold their shape better and enhance the flavors.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a dash of peppermint extract for a festive twist. Just remember to adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for several days!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake up a batch of Grinch cookies that will impress everyone! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional side of our delightful Grinch cookies! Please keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re not set in stone. Here’s a rough breakdown per cookie:

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 30mg

So, whether you’re counting calories or just enjoying the holiday treats, these cookies are a fun indulgence. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQ About Grinch Cookies Recipe

Got questions about making these delightful Grinch cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my answers to help you bake with confidence.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking. If you prefer, you can even freeze the dough for up to a month—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking!

What can I use instead of candy melts?

If you can’t find green candy melts, you can substitute with green food coloring mixed into white chocolate or even use green frosting. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor might vary a bit, but it’ll still be festive!

How do I store leftover cookies?

To keep your Grinch cookies fresh, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delicious for about a week—if they last that long!

Can I add different flavors to the dough?

Definitely! If you want to add a twist to your Grinch cookies, try mixing in a few drops of peppermint extract or even almond extract. Just make sure to balance the sweetness, as these flavors can be quite strong.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Oh no! If your cookies spread too much, it could be that your butter was too warm or you didn’t chill the dough long enough. Make sure to use room temperature butter and consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.

There you go! With these answers, you’re all set to tackle any challenges while whipping up your Grinch cookies. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with sweetness!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.