Grinch Cookies are a playful way to add some holiday cheer to your baking tray. Covered in green sugar crystals and finished with a red candy heart, they bring all the charm of a classic Christmas movie right to your kitchen.
What makes these soft sugar cookies so special is their perfectly balanced sweetness and buttery, tender crumb. They’re a refreshing change from the usual sugary holiday treats, with a soft texture that feels like pure comfort in every bite. The bright green color makes them pop on any dessert table and adds a festive touch that’s perfect for baking with kids or celebrating themed holiday parties.
Helpful Tips
- Soften the butter and cream cheese: Set the butter and cream cheese out on the counter at least an hour before you start baking to ensure they are room temperature.
- Chill the dough well before baking: Cold dough holds its shape and bakes up with a better texture.
- Press the heart candies in while the cookies are hot: This helps them stick and melt in slightly without cracking the cookie.
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Festive Grinch Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ounce cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup green sugar crystal sprinkles
- 15 red candy hearts
Instructions
- Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the softened butter and cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until the mixture sticks to the side of the bowl.
- Add the sugar and beat until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat for 1 minute to combine.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until incorporated. The dough will be a bit sticky.
- Form the dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. The dough must be firm and thoroughly cold for best results.
- Before baking the cookies, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat.
- Form small balls with 1 tablespoon of dough. Roll each ball in the green sugar crystals. Space them out on the baking sheet. Press them down lightly with the bottom of a drinking glass.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, until lightly brown around the edges. Pull the cookies out of the oven and immediately press the red heart into the center.
Nutrition
When not mixing up delicious cocktails to enjoy on the patio with friends, Angela is busy writing about food and drinks for three popular food websites, and exchanging creative ideas on social media.