Grinch Sugar Cookies – Best Holiday Recipe

Grinch sugar cookies are a fun, festive treat that are perfect for holiday parties or as a special dessert for Christmas. With their bright green color and a single red heart sprinkle on top, these cookies are a playful nod to the Grinch himself. The best part? This recipe is quick, easy, and doesn’t require chilling time, making it ideal for busy bakers. Let’s dive into how you can create these delicious Grinch sugar cookies that will make your holiday season even sweeter!

Why Grinch Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Try

Grinch sugar cookies are more than just visually striking. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. With their soft, chewy centers and crisp edges, these cookies are sure to please both kids and adults alike. The festive green color, created by a few drops of food coloring, and the red heart sprinkle make these cookies a fun way to celebrate the holiday season.

This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers, alike. You can whip up a batch in just 20 minutes, and the dough doesn’t need to be chilled beforehand. Plus, the combination of melted butter, egg yolks, and just a touch of vanilla extract makes the cookies rich in flavor. These cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday treats lineup!

Ingredients for Grinch Sugar Cookies

For these easy Grinch sugar cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that are easy to find in your kitchen. Here’s the list:

• Unsalted Butter: Provides the rich, buttery flavor that makes these cookies so delicious.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and is also used to roll the cookie balls in before baking.
• Egg Yolks: Only egg yolks are used in this recipe, contributing to the chewy texture of the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Green Food Coloring: Gives the cookies their iconic Grinch green color.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, giving it structure.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them that slightly puffed appearance.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• Red Heart Sprinkles: The finishing touch that mimics the Grinch’s heart, adding a fun and festive detail.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to make swaps due to dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are some alternatives:

• Butter: You can use a dairy-free butter substitute for a vegan version.
• Egg Yolks: Replace the egg yolks with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).
• Green Food Coloring: If you prefer natural colorants, you can use spirulina powder or matcha powder for a green hue.
• Red Heart Sprinkles: If you can’t find heart-shaped sprinkles, regular red sprinkles or even small cinnamon candies work just as well.

How to Make Grinch Sugar Cookies

Making these Grinch sugar cookies is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of bright green cookies ready to enjoy!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a mixing bowl, melt the butter in the microwave, then stir in the granulated sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract.
3. Add 3-5 drops of green food coloring, mixing well until the dough reaches your desired shade of green.
4. Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are fully combined, and the dough is smooth.
5. Divide the dough in half, and use a small scoop to form 12 dough balls (6 from each half).
6. Roll each dough ball in extra granulated sugar, coating them completely.
7. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
8. Bake the cookies for 10-11 minutes, until they puff up and develop slight cracks on top.
9. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a red heart sprinkle into the center of each one.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Grinch Sugar Cookies

To ensure your Grinch sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:

• Do not overmix the dough: Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid tough cookies.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of baking. Overbaking can make them dry.
• Press the heart sprinkle right away: Press the sprinkle into the warm cookie immediately after removing them from the oven to ensure it sticks.
• Check for doneness: The cookies will look slightly cracked and dry on top when they’re ready.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

These Grinch sugar cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can roll the dough into balls, freeze them, and bake them as needed. Just be sure to let the dough balls thaw for a few minutes before baking.

For even more convenience, you can bake the cookies completely, press the heart sprinkle on top, and freeze them for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature, and you’re ready to serve.

Fun Pairing Ideas and Variations

Grinch sugar cookies are versatile and can be paired with a variety of treats or beverages. Try serving them with:

• Hot cocoa: A cup of creamy hot chocolate is the perfect companion for these festive cookies.
• Ice cream: Place a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream between two Grinch cookies for a fun holiday sandwich.
• Festive milk: Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or even a spiced eggnog for a special twist.

For variations, consider adding:

• Mint extract: Swap out the vanilla for mint extract for a minty version of Grinch cookies.
• Spiced cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy kick.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Grinch sugar cookies are the perfect combination of fun, flavor, and festivity. Whether you’re looking to surprise your family with a holiday treat or add a creative touch to your seasonal dessert table, these cookies fit the bill. With their chewy centers, crisp edges, and bright green color, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. The ease of making them, combined with the minimal prep time, makes this Grinch sugar cookie recipe a must-try for any Christmas celebration. Don’t forget to press that red heart sprinkle for the final touch, and watch these cookies disappear from the plate in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

More Relevant Recipes

• Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake: A rich and flavorful spiced cake that combines the warm, comforting flavors of apples with the richness of browned butter. Perfect for the fall season and pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
• Baked Pizza Tortellini – Cheesy Comfort Food: This cheesy, comforting dish takes pizza and tortellini to the next level. With a creamy sauce and melted cheese, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
• Pumpkin Spice Cookies – No Chill Recipe: A perfect fall treat with the warm and aromatic flavor of pumpkin spice. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of seasonal flavor, and best of all, they don’t require any chilling time before baking.

Print