Grinch Cookies

$- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup packed brown sugar, preferably light - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract - 1 cup green sugar sprinkles, for festive flair - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup red M&M's or similar candies (for the heart) - If you need a dairy-free option, use vegan butter. - You can swap almond extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor. - For gluten-free cookies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. - If you don’t have brown sugar, use white sugar plus a bit of molasses. - Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or white chocolate. - Always use fresh baking soda for the best rise. - Choose pure extracts over imitation for richer flavor. - Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter. - When choosing sprinkles, look for non-toxic brands for a healthier treat. - Check the expiration dates on all ingredients for peak quality. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream these ingredients for about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be light and fluffy. Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Beat well after adding each egg. This makes sure everything blends nicely. Now, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of pure almond extract. Mix until it is evenly combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mix. Stir on low until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, gently fold in 1 cup of green sugar sprinkles and 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula. Now it's time to bake! Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie. This allows space for them to spread. To create the Grinch's heart, press a red M&M into the center of each cookie ball. Ensure it is slightly embedded in the dough. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should turn a light golden brown. The centers will look a bit soft but will firm up as they cool. Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set. After that, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. For storing, place the cookies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Enjoy your festive Grinch Cookies with family and friends! To get the best cookie texture, start with room temperature butter. This helps make the dough light and fluffy. Cream the butter and sugars well for about 2-3 minutes. This step adds air, making your cookies soft. When you mix in the flour, do it slowly. Overmixing can make cookies tough. You want to see some flour still showing. This keeps the cookies tender and chewy. Get creative with your Grinch Cookies! You can add fun sprinkles on top or use icing. Try making a white icing drizzle for a snowy effect. You can also use green frosting to add some extra flair. For a pop of color, add more red M&M's or even some festive candy canes. Place the cookies on a bright plate and scatter more sprinkles around for a fun look. One common mistake is not measuring flour correctly. Too much flour can make cookies dry. Always sift and measure it carefully. Another mistake is not letting the cookies cool enough before moving them. They can break apart if moved too soon. Lastly, don’t skip the red M&M heart! It adds charm and fun to your cookies. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For even better results, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors. Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also ensures even baking and easy cleanup. Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda and flour are fresh to achieve the best texture and rise in your cookies. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out, as they will continue to firm up on the baking sheet. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of Grinch cookies easily. Instead of almond extract, try using vanilla or peppermint extract. Vanilla adds warmth, while peppermint gives a cool twist. For a chocolatey version, add cocoa powder to the dry mix. Use half a cup of cocoa powder and reduce the flour by half a cup. This makes the cookies rich and delicious. You can make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free mix. For vegan cookies, swap the butter for coconut oil and the eggs for flax eggs. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes before adding to the dough. Adding fun extras can make your Grinch cookies even better. Consider mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. You can also add extra sprinkles for color or use festive candies like holiday-themed chocolate pieces. Dried fruit like cranberries or cherries can add a nice tartness. Just make sure to keep the total add-ins around one cup for the best texture. To keep your Grinch cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist. I suggest placing parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This prevents sticking. You can also add a slice of bread to help maintain moisture. It works like magic! Grinch cookies can last about 5 days at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, they may last up to 10 days. Just remember to keep them sealed tight. This helps lock in that yummy flavor. You can freeze Grinch cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze, first let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Don’t forget to label the bag with the date! When you are ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature. Enjoy the fun flavor any time! Yes, you can make Grinch Cookies ahead of time. Prepare the cookie dough and chill it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to bake, just scoop and bake as directed. This saves time on busy holiday days and keeps the cookies fresh. If you don’t have almond extract, you can use vanilla extract instead. The flavor will differ, but it still adds a nice touch. You can also use other extracts like hazelnut or coconut for a fun twist. To make Grinch Cookies softer, use room temperature butter and avoid overmixing the dough. You can also add an extra egg yolk, which helps keep the cookies moist. Baking just until the edges turn golden will also keep the centers soft and chewy. This post covered everything you need to know about Grinch Cookies. We discussed ingredients, suggested substitutions, and tips for quality. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, bake, and store cookies. Perfect texture and creative decorations make these cookies a hit. Also, explore fun variations to match diets or tastes. Remember to store them right for freshness. With this guide, you can make cookies that will wow everyone during the holidays!$

Festive green cookies with a heart-shaped candy center, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar, preferably light
2 large eggs, at room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
0.5 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 cup green sugar sprinkles, for festive flair
0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
0.5 cup red M&M's or similar candies (for the heart)

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cookie transfer.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture together for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
Add the eggs to the creamed mixture one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure everything is well combined. Stir in the almond extract until evenly mixed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt until fully combined. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the green sugar sprinkles and chocolate chips with a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, placing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
To create the Grinch's heart, gently press a red M&M into the center of each cookie ball, ensuring it is slightly embedded.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. The centers may appear slightly soft but will continue to firm up as they cool.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a delightful holiday display, stack the cooled cookies neatly on a festive plate. Scatter a handful of extra green sprinkles or M&M's around the base for an extra touch of cheer.

Keyword cookies, festive, holiday