This Easy Homemade Grinch Cookies Recipe is the perfect holiday cookie recipe to make this holiday season extra special.

These adorable Grinch cookies, inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas, are bright green and incredibly festive. They’re easy to bake and a fun way to bring some Grinchy charm to your celebrations.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or watching your favorite Christmas movies, these green cookies will steal the show. Their playful look and simple steps make them a must-try treat this season. 

Keep reading to find out how to make these Grinch-inspired cookies for your family and friends!

Ingredients you’ll need for these Easy Grinch Cookies

This recipe calls for simple ingredients, found in any grocery store:

• Unsalted Butter: It adds richness and keeps the cookies soft. Using unsalted gives you control over the saltiness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps give the cookies their classic chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, familiar flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Peppermint Extract: Brings a festive minty touch that screams holiday cheer.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps give structure to the cookies.
• Yolk: Adds extra richness and helps create a chewy cookie.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, provides structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking Soda: Works with the sugar and butter to create that chewy bite.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Green Food Coloring: Gives the cookies their Grinchy bright green color. Gel works best for vibrant color without adding too much liquid.
• Green Sugar: Adds sparkle and texture, making the cookies look extra festive.
• Jumbo Red Heart Sprinkles: The final touch represents the Grinch’s small heart, which is “growing three sizes.”

Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.

Add-Ons and Substitutions

1. White Chocolate Chips: Fold them into the dough for a creamy, sweet contrast to the minty flavor.
2. Crushed Peppermint Candy: Sprinkle on top before baking for an extra festive crunch.
3. Red M&M: Use a red M&M instead of the heart sprinkle
4. Holiday Sprinkles: Add red and white sprinkles for a Christmas-themed look.
5. Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for an elegant finish.
6. Almond Extract: Replace peppermint extract for a different holiday flavor.
7. Brown Sugar: Substitute half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer, chewier texture.
8. Natural Food Coloring: Use matcha powder or spinach juice for a natural green color.
9. Gluten-Free Flour: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free option.

These ideas can help make the recipe your own or cater to specific preferences!

How to make these Grinch Christmas Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract for 1 1/2 minutes at medium-high speed. Use either a handheld whisk or a hand mixer with a paddle attachment.

Mix in the egg, yolk, and green gel food coloring. Adding the food coloring now helps avoid overmixing the dough later. Start with a few drops until the dough is a darker green, keeping in mind it will lighten once the dry ingredients are added. Also, the green sugar will also help give your cookies the perfect shade of Grinch green.

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. If needed, add more food coloring to adjust the green hue. Avoid overmixing to ensure the cookies stay soft and tender.

Use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough, place the green sugar in a deep, small bowl, and roll each ball in green sugar until fully coated. If the dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for a few minutes to make handling easier.

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2.5 inches apart. Bake cookies for 10–15 minutes, or until the centers look slightly soft and the edges are crisp. Remember, the cookies will finish baking as they cool on the pan.

Once out of the oven, press a heart-shaped sprinkle into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a little bit, around 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips

Here are expert tips for making your Grinch cookies perfect:

1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, egg, and yolk are at room temperature. This helps them mix evenly, creating a smooth, cohesive dough.
2. Opt for Gel Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring. It provides a vibrant green hue without adding extra liquid, which could alter the dough’s consistency.
3. Don’t Overbake: For chewy sugar cookies, remove the cookies when the centers look slightly underdone. They’ll set as they cool, staying soft and chewy.
4. Bake in Batches: Bake one sheet at a time in the middle rack for consistent results. Rotate the pan halfway through if your oven heats unevenly.
5. Handle Hot Cookies Carefully: Add heart sprinkles as soon as the cookies come out of the oven. This prevents cracks and ensures the decorations stick.
6. Measure Flour Accurately: Too much flour can make the cookies dense. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
7. Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh baking soda and high-quality vanilla and peppermint extracts make a noticeable difference in flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes if it’s too firm to scoop.

How should I store the baked cookies?

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container; it will help retain moisture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, freeze cookie dough balls after rolling them in sugar but before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Absolutely! Once completely cooled, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

You can skip it for a more classic sugar cookie flavor or substitute it with a small amount of almond extract for a different twist.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies are spreading, the dough might be too warm. Chill it for 15–20 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! This recipe doubles well. Just ensure your mixer can handle the larger batch, and bake in multiple rounds if needed.

How do I make the cookies more vibrant if the green looks dull?

If your cookies look dull after baking, you can dust them lightly with more green sanding sugar while they’re still warm.

Take a look at the links below for more Christmas-inspired recipes, or click this link for more cookie recipes.

If you want to see this recipe up close, take a look at this Grinch Cookie Video

If you make this recipe, please be sure to give it a star rating and leave a comment!