Nothing says Christmas joy quite like a batch of Grinch sugar cookies soft, chewy, and tinted a festive green that’s straight out of Whoville. This quick and easy Grinch cookie recipe is perfect for busy holiday bakers who still want to make something playful and delicious. Inspired by classics like Preppy Kitchen Grinch Cookies, this version uses simple ingredients, minimal prep, and delivers bright results every time.
These cookies combine the charm of traditional drop sugar cookies with the whimsical fun of the Grinch. A hint of mint flavor and a sprinkle of red heart candies make them the ultimate Christmas cookie for kids and grown-ups alike.
Table of Contents
Grinch Sugar Cookies: Quick and Easy Recipe for Holiday Fun
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy Grinch sugar cookies with a hint of mint and a bright green color, topped with a red candy heart for the perfect Christmas treat.
Ingredients
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp cream of tartar
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp peppermint extract (optional)
Green food coloring
Red heart candies
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets.
2. Whisk dry ingredients together.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix into soft dough.
6. Tint dough with green coloring.
7. Scoop dough balls onto trays and press heart candy on top.
8. Bake 8–10 minutes, cool before serving.
Notes
Use gel coloring for vibrant green.
Add Andes mint pieces for a fun twist.
Store cookies in airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¾ cups |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Cream of tartar | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Peppermint extract (optional) | ¼ tsp |
| Green food coloring | as needed |
| Red heart sprinkles or candies | for decoration |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Combine dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set aside. - Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract (if using). - Add color and mix dough
Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Add green food coloring until the desired Grinch shade is achieved. - Shape the cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared sheets. Press a small red heart candy gently into the center of each cookie. - Bake and cool
Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges set. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Helpful Tips
- Use gel food coloring for the brightest Grinch-green hue.
- Skip the peppermint if you prefer a classic vanilla sugar cookie flavor.
- For extra sparkle, roll dough balls in sugar before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Conclusion
These Grinch sugar cookies are as cheerful and easy as holiday baking gets. Their bright green color and cute red heart make them an instant Christmas favorite, perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or a cozy night of baking with kids. Simple, sweet, and full of festive fun they’re the perfect Grinch-themed holiday cookies to add to your annual Christmas baking list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Grinch cookies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Scoop and freeze dough balls, then bake straight from frozen with 1–2 extra minutes of bake time.
What if I don’t have heart sprinkles?
You can use red M&Ms or pipe small red hearts with icing.
Why are my cookies flat?
Make sure your butter isn’t too soft and chill the dough if your kitchen is warm.