Grinch Cookies

Nothing says the holidays like a batch of freshly baked Grinch cookies. Inspired by the beloved children’s storybook (and subsequent movie spinoffs), these Christmas cookies are delightfully green with a bright red heart, just like the Grinch himself.

Kiddos love helping make Grinch cookies, turning this into a fun, festive activity for the whole family. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to refrigerate the dough for at least an hour as part of the baking process so that it becomes firm enough to shape.

Ingredients for Grinch Cookies

• Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can better control the overall flavor of these cookies.
• Cream cheese: Cream cheese adds a wonderful richness to Grinch cookies.
• Sugar: Sugar doesn’t just add sweetness; it provides a moist texture.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is a true flavor enhancer, amplifying all the flavors of these cookies.
• Green food coloring: You’ve gotta add some food coloring to get that Grinch green.
• Eggs: Use room-temperature eggs so they’ll blend with the other ingredients.
• All-purpose flour: Flour helps give these cookies structure and shape; just make sure you measure the flour correctly.
• Baking powder: Baking powder promotes leavening, which gives these cookies their airy, light texture.
• Salt: Cookies without salt will taste flat; salt does a great job of balancing and enhancing flavors.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Rolling the dough in confectioners’ sugar when you’re ready to bake these cookies adds a welcome dash of sweetness.
• Heart-shaped gumdrops: Any heart-shaped candy will do.

Directions

Step 1: Make the batter

Jena Carlin for Taste of Home

In a large bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the vanilla, food coloring and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into the creamed mixture. Refrigerate, covered, for one hour or until the dough is firm enough to shape.

Step 2: Shape the dough

Jena Carlin for Taste of Home

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Shape the dough into 1-1/2-inch balls; roll in confectioners’ sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Step 3: Bake

Jena Carlin for Taste of Home

Bake until the tops are cracked and the edges are set (about 12 to 15 minutes). Immediately press a heart gumdrop into each cookie. Cool the cookies for five minutes before removing them to wire racks to cool.

Jena Carlin for Taste of Home

Grinch Cookie Variations

• Use different candies: Use heart-shaped sprinkles or red hots in place of the gumdrops if you’d prefer.
• Change with the seasons: These cookies also make adorable Valentine’s Day treats. Just tint the cookie dough pink instead of green.

How to Store Grinch Cookies

Our favorite airtight storage containers can help you store cookies at room temperature between sheets of waxed paper.

How long will Grinch cookies last?

These cookies will last at least four to five days when stored properly.

Grinch Cookie Tips

Jena Carlin for Taste of Home

My cookies won’t crackle. What’s going on?

If the cookies won’t crackle, ensure your oven is fully preheated. That initial blast of heat creates a crust that cracks as the cookies rise.

I’m having a hard time finding heart-shaped gummies. What else can I use?

Heart-shaped gummies are typically available at candy stores. But if you have a hard time finding them, try cutting shapes from Fruit Roll-Ups or fruit leather with a small heart-shaped cookie cutter.

Can I make a vegan version of these Grinch cookies?

We wouldn’t recommend altering the Grinch cookie recipe to make it vegan, as it contains too many dairy products. Instead, go with another vegan cookie recipe.