Grinch Sugar Cookies

Bring some Christmas cheer—and a little Grinchy green mischief—to your holiday baking with these adorable Grinch Sugar Cookies. These soft and chewy sugar cookies are bright green, made in just one bowl, and topped with a single red heart sprinkle that perfectly captures the spirit of the classic holiday story. Best of all, there’s no dough chilling needed, making them perfect for last-minute baking sessions or classroom party treats!

Why You’ll Love Grinch Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Festive and fun: Perfect for Christmas movie nights, cookie swaps, or Grinch-themed parties.
• No mixer, no chill: Melted butter means you don’t need to wait for softened butter or chill the dough.
• One bowl simplicity: Easy cleanup and quick prep.
• Chewy texture: Crackly tops, soft centers, and crisp edges—cookie perfection!

Ingredients

• 1 stick (4 ounces/8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
• 2 large egg yolks (no egg whites!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3–5 drops green food gel coloring
• 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt
• 12 red heart sprinkles

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or a silicone baking mat).
2. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe mixing bowl. Let it cool slightly.
3. Make the dough base: Stir in the granulated sugar, then add the two egg yolks and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Add food coloring: Stir in 3–5 drops of green gel food coloring, adjusting until you reach your desired Grinchy shade of green.
5. Incorporate dry ingredients: Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, and salt evenly over the wet mixture. Stir until the dough is fully combined and smooth.
6. Divide the dough: Flatten the dough in the bowl and visually divide it into two halves. From each half, scoop 6 dough balls for a total of 12 cookies.
7. Roll & coat: Roll each dough ball between your palms, then roll in a small dish of granulated sugar to coat.
8. Bake: Arrange the cookies evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space to spread. Bake for 10–11 minutes, until the tops are set and starting to crack.
9. Add heart sprinkles: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one red heart sprinkle into the top of each cookie. Do this while they’re still hot so the sprinkle sticks.
10. Cool: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use gel food coloring for a vibrant green with fewer drops; liquid coloring may water down the dough.
• Crackly tops are more likely with parchment paper—avoid silicone mats if you prefer more texture.
• Use a round cookie cutter to gently reshape cookies immediately after baking if they spread too much.
• Add a few white or green sprinkles around the heart for extra decoration (optional).

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as part of a Christmas cookie platter.
• Pair with hot cocoa or milk during a holiday movie night.
• Wrap in cellophane bags as gifts or party favors for Grinch-themed celebrations.
• Ideal for cookie swaps and classroom treats.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze dough: Scoop dough into balls, freeze flat, and bake directly from frozen (add 1–2 minutes bake time).
• Freeze baked cookies: Let cool, freeze in a single layer, then store in a container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring?
Yes, but you’ll need more to achieve a vibrant color, and it may slightly alter the texture.

Do I need to chill the dough?
No! The dough is ready to bake immediately—one of the perks of using melted butter.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Double everything to make 24 cookies—great for parties or gifting.

What if I don’t have heart sprinkles?
You can substitute with any small red sprinkle or omit them—though they do complete the Grinch look!

Conclusion

Grinch Sugar Cookies are just the right blend of festive fun and homemade comfort. Soft, chewy, brightly colored, and topped with a heart that “grew three sizes,” they’re everything a holiday treat should be—easy, quick, and filled with joy. Whip them up for your next Christmas celebration and watch the smiles grow just like the Grinch’s heart.

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