Grinch cookies are hands down the cutest Christmas cookies I make every year, and my kids lose their minds over them. Like, literally jumping up and down when they see me pulling out the green food coloring because they know what’s coming. Last December, my 6-year-old told his teacher that “mommy makes cookies that look like the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes” and I honestly got a little teary-eyed hearing that.
I started making these maybe three years ago after seeing them all over Pinterest and Instagram, and I was like “okay those are adorable, I need to try this.” First batch? Complete disaster. Used way too much food coloring and my hands were green for two days. My husband thought it was hilarious. I did not.
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Why These Green Grinch Cookies Actually Work
Look, I’ve tried probably five different Grinch cookies recipes over the years. The ones with cake mix, the ones from scratch, the ones that require chilling the dough for four hours (who has that kind of time?). This easy Grinch cookies version is my favorite because it’s basically a soft sugar cookie with peppermint flavor, green food coloring, and those cute little red heart sprinkles.
The key is—oh wait, I forgot to mention—you need gel food coloring, not the liquid stuff. The liquid makes your dough too wet and the color isn’t as vibrant. I learned this after my first green-hand disaster in 2022.
These homemade Grinch cookies have that perfect crinkle effect that makes them look fancy, but they’re actually super simple. The powdered sugar coating creates those cracks as they bake, revealing the bright green underneath. It’s like magic but edible.
What You Need for Grinch Cookies From Scratch
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour (I use King Arthur)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (not melted—learned that the hard way)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (McCormick works great)
- Green gel food coloring (I use Wilton leaf green)
For Coating
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Decorating
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles or Red Hots candies
Quick story—I once forgot to buy the heart sprinkles and tried using regular red sprinkles instead. My daughter looked at them and said “Mom, those aren’t Grinch cookies, those are just green cookies.” Kids are brutal, man.
How to Make Grinch Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Dry Stuff
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set that aside.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper because these WILL stick otherwise. Trust me on this one.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In your stand mixer (or large bowl with a hand mixer), beat the softened butter with both sugars on medium speed for about 3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is important—don’t rush it. The beating incorporates air and makes your cookies tender.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat until everything’s combined.
Step 3: The Green Part
Here’s where it gets fun. Add your green gel food coloring. I usually start with about ½ teaspoon and add more until I get that perfect Grinch green. You want it bright but not neon alien green, you know?
Mix on low speed until the color is evenly distributed. Your dough will be this gorgeous bright green and honestly it’s so satisfying to look at.
Step 4: Add the Flour
Turn your mixer to low and gradually add the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix or your cookies will be tough. The dough should be thick and not sticky. If it’s sticky, add a tablespoon more flour.
Step 5: Chill Time
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. I know, I know—waiting sucks. But cold dough is easier to work with and helps the cookies keep their shape. Sometimes I make the dough the night before and bake them the next day.
Step 6: The Powdered Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch. This is what creates that beautiful crinkle effect.
Scoop out about 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. Roll the ball in the powdered sugar mixture until it’s completely coated—like, really coat it. Don’t be shy.
Place the coated balls on your prepared baking sheets about 3 inches apart. They spread quite a bit.
Step 7: Add the Hearts
Press one red heart sprinkle into the center of each cookie ball before baking. This is the Grinch’s heart, obviously. My kids fight over who gets to do this part.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done when they’ve spread out, the edges are set, and the tops look dry with those gorgeous cracks showing the green underneath. Don’t overbake—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. They’re delicate when hot.
Best Grinch Cookies Recipe Tips
Use gel food coloring: I cannot stress this enough. Gel coloring gives you vibrant color without making the dough wet. Wilton, Americolor, or any gel brand works.
Don’t skip chilling: Room temperature dough is too soft and the cookies will spread too much and lose their shape. An hour minimum in the fridge makes a huge difference.
Coat generously: Really roll those dough balls in the powdered sugar mixture. That thick coating is what creates the dramatic crinkle effect.
Watch them closely: These go from perfect to overbaked pretty quickly. Set a timer and check at 10 minutes.
Store properly: Keep these cute Grinch cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze great for up to 3 months.
Grinch Cookies Decorating Ideas
Want to get creative with these Grinch-themed cookies? Here are some fun variations:
Add white chocolate drizzle: Melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a snowy effect.
Use different hearts: Some people use Red Hots candies instead of heart sprinkles. Both work!
Make them extra minty: Crush some candy canes and mix them into the dough for extra peppermint flavor.
Skip the peppermint: If you’re not a mint fan, just use 3 teaspoons vanilla extract instead. Still delicious.
These fun Christmas Grinch cookies have become our family tradition. Every year around December 1st, we have a “Grinch night” where we watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the Jim Carrey version—don’t @ me), make these cookies, and drink hot chocolate. It’s become the thing my kids look forward to most about the holidays.
The best part? They’re so stinking cute that people think you spent hours making them. Meanwhile, you mixed some dough, rolled some balls, and called it a day. That’s my kind of holiday baking.
Let me know if you make these for your Christmas cookie exchange! And if you end up with green hands like I did that first time, vinegar and baking soda paste will get it off. You’re welcome 💚🎄
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