Grinch Cookies – Soft, Gooey, and Grinch-Green with a Sweet Little Heart

Grinch Cookies – Soft, Gooey, and Grinch-Green with a Sweet Little Heart

These Grinch Cookies are everything a festive holiday treat should be — soft, chewy, gooey in the center, and dyed the perfect Grinch-green with a single red heart on top. Inspired by the classic Christmas story, these cookies are charming, whimsical, kid-friendly, and ultra-delicious. They start with a buttery sugar-cookie dough enriched with vanilla and almond for that irresistible bakery-style flavor. White chocolate chips add melty sweetness, and a dusting of powdered sugar gives the cookies a snowy, magical look. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap, making treats for kids, or adding something fun to your Christmas dessert table, these cookies are guaranteed to steal the show.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings: 20 Cookies

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Grinch Cookie Dough

½ cup unsalted butter softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp almond extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 –2 drops green gel food coloring
¾ cup white chocolate chips

Finishing

Powdered sugar for dusting
Red heart sprinkles

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Hand or stand mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cookie scoop
Cooling rack

Method

Step 1: Cream the Butter & Sugar

Beat together:
softened butter
granulated sugar
Mix 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Add:

egg
vanilla
almond extract
Mix until creamy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together:

flour
baking powder
baking soda
salt
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix on low until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Color & Add Mix-Ins

Add:

green gel food coloring (adjust until Grinch-colored)
Mix until evenly colored.
Fold in:
white chocolate chips

Step 4: Scoop & Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheet with parchment.
Scoop 1.5 tbsp dough balls and place 2 inches apart.

Bake 9–11 minutes, until:

edges are set
tops slightly puffy
centers still soft

Remove from oven and immediately:

Press 1 red heart sprinkle into each cookie.
Cool on a rack.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Freezing

Room Temperature: 4–5 days
Refrigerator: 1 week

Freezer:

Dough balls: 2–3 months

Baked cookies: 2 months

🥄 Variations

Grinch Crinkle Cookies
Roll dough in powdered sugar before baking.

Mint Grinch Cookies
Add ½ tsp peppermint extract.

Cream Cheese Grinch Cookies
Add 2 oz cream cheese to dough for extra softness.

Matcha Grinch Cookies
Add 2 tsp matcha powder for natural green color.

Frosted Grinch Cookies
Top with green buttercream and a heart sprinkle.

Chocolate Grinch Cookies
Fold in dark chocolate chips.

Lemon Grinch Cookies
Add lemon zest + lemon extract.

Sprinkle-Stuffed Grinch Cookies
Add red/white sprinkles into the dough.

Gluten-Free Version
Use GF 1:1 baking flour.

Extra Puffy Version
Chill dough 30 minutes before baking.

❓ 10 FAQs

Why did my cookies spread?
Dough too warm — chill 20 minutes.

Can I use liquid food coloring?
Yes, but gel gives stronger color without thinning the dough.

Are these soft or chewy?
Soft in the center, lightly crisp on edges.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely.

Can I freeze decorated cookies?
Yes — freeze single layer first.

Can I skip almond extract?
Yes — but it adds classic bakery flavor.

Can I make them thicker?
Scoop taller mounds + chill dough.

Do kids like these?
They LOVE them — perfect holiday activity.

Can I make them crinkle-style?
Roll in powdered sugar before baking.

Why place the heart after baking?
Keeps it from melting or bleeding color.

🏁 Conclusion

These Grinch Cookies are soft, festive, adorable, and full of holiday magic — the perfect Christmas cookie with a whimsical twist. With their bright green color, melty white chocolate, and signature red heart, they bring joy to cookie trays and taste just as amazing as they look.

Perfect for gifting, parties, family baking sessions, or cozy winter movie nights.