These soft, buttery Grinch Crinkle Cookies are a delightful holiday dessert. Rolled in sugar and topped with a sweet red candy heart, they’re the perfect nod to the classic story of the Grinch, and they’re as fun to make as they are to eat! Whether for a family movie night or a classroom party, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Why You’ll Love These Grinch Cookies
- Whimsical & Festive: Inspired by the Grinch, these cookies are bright green with a cute red heart symbolizing his growing heart.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for holiday baking with little ones!
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies beginner-friendly.
- Customizable: Change the flavor or decorations to suit your taste.
Tips for Perfect Grinch Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Find the Hearts: Red heart sprinkles are widely available online or at craft stores during the holiday season.
- Double the Fun: Easily double the recipe to make more cookies for gift-giving or parties.
Storage & Freezing
- Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations
- Flavor: Substitute almond or vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
- Decoration: Roll cookies in powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar for a snowy crinkle look.
- Base Swap: Use a vanilla cake mix for a quicker version of the cookies.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
2. Can I skip the food coloring?
Absolutely. The cookies will taste just as delicious without the green color, though they won’t have the Grinchy aesthetic.
3. Where can I find red heart sprinkles?
Heart sprinkles are often available at craft stores, specialty baking shops, or online.
Wrap-Up
These Grinch Crinkle Cookies are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holidays. With their bright green color, sweet red hearts, and delightful flavor, they’re sure to steal the show at any gathering – just like the Grinch himself!
Grinch Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract optional for mint flavor
- Green gel food coloring
Toppings:
- ½ cup granulated sugar for rolling
- Red candy hearts
Instructions
Prep the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter & Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract (if using).
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in small batches, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Color the Dough:
- Add a few drops of green gel food coloring to the dough and mix until evenly colored. Adjust the amount of food coloring for your desired shade of green.
Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
Shape Cookies:
- Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated.
Add Hearts:
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie and press a red candy heart into the center.
Bake:
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
