Soft Chewy Grinch Sugar Cookies

These soft and chewy Grinch Sugar Cookies are a simple and festive Christmas favorite that bring a pop of holiday color to your cookie tray. The bright green dough perfectly captures the mischievous spirit of the Grinch, while the sweet red heart on top adds that iconic Whoville charm. These cookies bake up tender with a gentle crackle and offer that perfect balance of buttery sweetness and holiday fun.

I first baked these for a holiday party last year, and they disappeared so quickly that I've made them a repeated tradition. The kids especially get excited about the green color and hearts, making them favorites for both baking and snacking.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: melted to keep the dough rich and tender, plus easier mixing. Use good quality butter for best flavor.
• Granulated sugar: and extra for rolling to add sweetness and a light crunchy coating.
• Egg yolks: only keep the cookies soft and chewy rather than cakey.
• Vanilla extract: adds a warm, mellow note that complements the butter nicely.
• Green gel food coloring: for the vivid color without affecting dough texture. Use 3 to 5 drops to reach your preferred shade.
• All-purpose flour: forms the base of the dough. Choose freshly sifted for even mixing.
• Baking soda: acts as a gentle leavener, helping cookies puff and crack nicely.
• Fine salt: balances sweetness; omit if your butter is already salted.
• Small red heart sprinkles: bring the classic Whoville look and a pop of color on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy clean-up and even baking.

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a mixing bowl, melt the butter gently until just liquid but not hot. Add the sugar, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and green gel food coloring and stir well until fully combined and the color is even throughout.

Add Dry Ingredients:

Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Using a spatula or spoon, fold ingredients carefully just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to maintain the tender texture.

Form the Dough Balls:

Press the dough flat in the bowl and cut it roughly in half. Roll each half into six equal balls. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and are uniform in size.

Roll in Sugar and Place on Sheet:

Pour extra sugar onto a plate and gently roll each dough ball in it. This adds an appealing sparkle and subtle crunch on the outside. Lay the coated balls spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheet.

Bake Until Puffy and Cracked:

Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 10 to 11 minutes. Look for the cookies to puff up and develop a slight crackle on the surface, indicating they are done.

Add the Red Heart Sprinkles:

While the cookies are still hot on the baking sheet, press one small red heart sprinkle firmly into the center of each cookie. This sticky warmth will help the sprinkle adhere as the cookie cools.

Cool Properly:

Allow the cookies to rest for 2 minutes on the sheet so they set without breaking apart. Then transfer carefully to a wire rack to cool completely before storing or serving.

Pin it

I love the way the tiny red heart sprinkles create such a simple yet striking contrast against the green cookie. These cookies always bring back fun memories of holiday baking with my family where everyone claims the cookie with the perfect heart on top.

Storage Tips

Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and they will stay fresh and soft for about five days. If you want to save them longer, you can freeze baked cookies flat on a tray then transfer to a sealed bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving. To save time, you can also freeze the dough balls and bake fresh cookies whenever you want.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer, you can swap unsalted butter for salted butter but omit the added salt listed in the recipe. For a dairy-free version, try a vegan butter substitute though texture may vary slightly. You can also use natural food coloring but the green will be less vibrant compared to gel dyes.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect as a holiday treat on their own or paired with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea. They also make adorable gifts stacked in festive tins or wrapped in clear bags tied with ribbon. Try setting them out as part of a colorful holiday cookie platter for parties or family gatherings.

Pin it

Cultural and Historical Context

These cookies are inspired by the character of the Grinch created by Dr. Seuss, known for its green color and festive winter story. Sugar cookies are a classic American holiday staple dating back centuries, often decorated in bright colors and fun shapes. Combining the two creates a playful nod to a beloved Christmas icon with the warmth of traditional baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What gives the cookies their green color?

A few drops of green gel food coloring are added to the dough to achieve the bright festive green shade.

→ How can I keep the cookies soft and chewy?

The combination of melted butter and only egg yolks helps maintain a tender and chewy texture.

→ What is the purpose of rolling the dough balls in sugar?

Rolling the dough balls in sugar adds a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior after baking.

→ Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?

Yes, dough balls can be frozen and baked later with a few extra minutes, and baked cookies can be frozen and thawed before serving.

→ Why place the red heart sprinkle immediately after baking?

Pressing the sprinkle while cookies are hot helps it stick firmly and maintain its shape and color.

→ What should I do if the cookies spread too much during baking?

Use a round cutter to reshape the cookies immediately after removing from the oven for a neater appearance.