The Grinch Cookies Recipe

Meet your new favorite holiday treat: The Grinch Cookies! These whimsical green sugar cookie cups are each stuffed with a rich milk chocolate center and crowned with a bright red candy heart—evoking a little Christmas magic in every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, class parties, or cozying up with a cup of cocoa, The Grinch Cookies aren’t just eye-catching—they’re incredibly delicious, with tender cookie dough, a gooey chocolate hit, and that playful pop of color. If you’re hunting for a fun twist on classic sugar cookies, you won’t want to miss this recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking The Grinch Cookies couldn’t be easier—the ingredients list is short but each one plays a key role in creating these adorable and tempting treats. From the creamy butter that gives richness to the vibrant food coloring that creates their iconic hue, every component helps bring these cookies to life.

• Hershey’s kisses: Tuck one into each cookie for a hidden pocket of smooth, chocolatey goodness.
• Sugar cookie mix: This shortcut guarantees a buttery and sweet cookie base with minimal effort.
• All-purpose flour: A little extra flour helps the cookies hold their shape—especially important for that stuffed surprise!
• Large egg: Helps bind the dough for a cookie that’s soft but never crumbly.
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it ensures a rich flavor and tender texture in every bite.
• Green gel food coloring: Gives The Grinch Cookies their iconic vivid green color—gel works best for bright, even results.
• Large heart candy sprinkles: These are the show-stopping topper—adding both charm and crunch.

How to Make The Grinch Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat

Start by heating your oven to 375°F. Grab your mini muffin pan and give it a light spritz with baker’s spray (or line each slot with paper cups if you have them). Setting up before you mix the dough will make things flow smoothly—nobody likes scrambling to prep pans with sticky hands!

Step 2: Mix the Egg and Green Food Coloring

In a small bowl, whisk the large egg and green gel food coloring together with a fork. This may seem quirky, but it ensures that beautiful green color is distributed perfectly through your dough, instead of streaks or patches. You want those Grinch Cookies vibrantly green through and through!

Step 3: Combine the Dough Ingredients

Using a large mixing bowl, combine your sugar cookie mix, all-purpose flour, softened butter, and the colored egg mixture. Take it slow and steady with a handheld mixer on low for 2 to 3 minutes. The dough will look thick—that’s exactly what you want! A dense dough is easier to work with when you’re tucking in chocolate.

Step 4: Stuff and Shape the Cookies

Scoop out about 1½ tablespoons of dough (a 1½-inch cookie scoop works wonders). Flatten each scoop into a 3-inch disc between your palms. Place a Hershey’s kiss smack in the middle, then carefully wrap the dough around it, rolling it gently into a ball. Make sure the kiss is pointed upright so your Grinch Cookies bake up picture perfect in the mini muffin tin!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your stuffed cookie balls in the mini muffin pan, Hershey’s kisses still standing tall. Slide them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes—keep an eagle eye, as you don’t want the cookies to brown. They should look set on top, but still soft and green.

Step 6: Add the Candy Heart and Cool

Once the pan comes out of the oven, immediately top each warm cookie with a candy heart, pressing it gently off-center for that classic Grinchy look. Let them cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes to set up before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve The Grinch Cookies

Garnishes

The bright red candy hearts are essential, but you can also dust The Grinch Cookies with a little powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or add a drizzle of white chocolate for extra flair. If you want to really play up the Whoville vibe, scatter a few extra candy hearts on the serving plate!

Side Dishes

These cookies are delightful alongside a big mug of hot cocoa, steamy coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them at a party, pair with other festive treats like peppermint bark or marshmallow pops for a sweet holiday spread that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Have fun with your presentation! Stack The Grinch Cookies on a holiday platter, nestle them in Christmas-themed cupcake liners, or even wrap them up in clear bags with festive ribbon for a charming homemade gift. They’re the kind of treat that earns big smiles before the first bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store The Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place a sheet of wax paper between layers to keep the candy hearts looking their best and prevent any sticking.

Freezing

These cookies are freezer-friendly! Arrange The Grinch Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer The Grinch Cookies slightly warm for that extra gooey chocolate surprise, microwave individual cookies for about 10 seconds. They’ll taste as if they just came out of the oven—but keep an eye on the heart candy so it doesn’t melt too much!

FAQs

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of the mix?

Absolutely! If you have a tried-and-true sugar cookie recipe, feel free to substitute it for the store-bought mix. Just ensure your dough is thick so it can be shaped and stuffed easily.

What if I can’t find heart-shaped sprinkles?

No worries! Any red sprinkle or candy will work, though the hearts do add that unmistakable Grinchy touch. You might even cut small slices of red gummy candy if you’re feeling crafty.

Can I use a different chocolate in the center?

You can get creative with the filling—try dark chocolate kisses, caramel-filled chocolates, or even mini peanut butter cups for a fun twist. The Grinch Cookies are all about both fun and delicious surprises!

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling required! The dough for The Grinch Cookies is thick and easy to handle right after mixing, which means you’ll go from mixing bowl to oven in minutes.

Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?

Definitely! Shaping and stuffing the cookies is a great way to get little hands involved in the kitchen. Just remind kids to be careful when pressing in the Hershey’s kiss so it stays upright.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a holiday baking project that’s both playful and incredibly tasty, The Grinch Cookies are a must-try. Their vibrant appearance and gooey chocolate centers make them a hit with kids and adults alike. Gather your family, whip up a batch, and watch these treats win over everyone’s (Grinch-sized or otherwise) hearts!

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