The aroma of freshly baked Grinch Cookies wafts through the air, a delightful mix of mint and chocolate that makes even the grouchiest of souls break into a smile. These cookies, with their vibrant green hue and festive red M&M’s, look like they jumped straight out of Whoville and landed right onto your holiday tray.

Picture this: It’s Christmas Eve, and you’re cozied up in your favorite blanket, sipping hot cocoa while watching your favorite holiday movie. The oven timer dings, and you pull out a batch of these whimsical treats. Your family gathers around, eyes wide with anticipation as they take their first bite. Pure joy!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Grinch Cookies are super easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
- Their delicious blend of minty freshness and chocolatey goodness is irresistible to both kids and adults.
- The bright green color adds a fun touch to any festive gathering or cookie exchange.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to be customized with different candies or sprinkles based on your preferences.
Ingredients for Grinch Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, use unbleached flour for the best results.
Baking Soda: This helps the cookies rise and achieve that perfect soft texture.
Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; don’t skimp on this one for those chewy edges!
Brown Sugar: For moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that elevates the cookie.
Eggs: Use large eggs; they bind everything together perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.
Pistachio Pudding Mix: This gives the cookies their vibrant green color and a creamy texture.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work well; choose your favorite!
M&M’s (Red): These festive candies add a pop of color and extra sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Grinch Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you gather your ingredients and prepare your baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking soda until well combined. Set this mixture aside as we focus on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. This usually takes about two minutes—your arm workout for the day!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated; you want it all blended into a smooth batter that smells like holiday magic.
Step 5: Incorporate Pudding Mix
Now it’s time to stir in that pistachio pudding mix! This is where the color comes from—mix until everything turns that delightful shade of green.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the batter until just combined. Then fold in chocolate chips and M&M’s for that delightful crunch!
Finally, using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.
Bake in preheated oven for about ten minutes or until the edges are slightly golden but center still appears soft. Let cool on sheets before transferring them to wire racks.
Transfer to plates or festive tins, share them with friends or family (or keep them all for yourself—no judgment here). Enjoy these tasty Grinch Cookies with joy this holiday season!
You Must Know
- Grinch Cookies are not just festive treats; they are a delightful way to spread holiday cheer.
- With their vibrant green color and cheeky little heart decorations, these cookies can brighten up any gathering.
- Plus, they are super easy to make, even for novice bakers.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, mix the dough ingredients thoroughly. Chill the dough briefly to ensure perfect shaping. Then, scoop and bake those adorable Grinch Cookies until golden around the edges but soft in the center.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Grinch Cookies! Swap out traditional chocolate chips for white chocolate or add a sprinkle of peppermint extract for a festive twist. You can also use colored sugar sprinkles for extra holiday flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them warm again, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving to restore their gooey goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly chewy Grinch Cookies, don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps them maintain shape during baking.
- Use fresh baking soda for optimal rise and texture.
- Finally, don’t overbake; slightly underbaked cookies will remain soft and delicious!
After my first batch of Grinch Cookies disappeared within minutes at a family gathering, I realized I had stumbled upon a magical recipe that brings everyone together—especially when paired with hot cocoa!
FAQs :
What are Grinch Cookies made of?
Grinch Cookies are delightful holiday treats that feature vibrant green dough. The main ingredients include all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and baking soda. To achieve the signature green color, food coloring is added. Additionally, you often find chocolate chips or red candy hearts mixed in to represent the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes. These cookies are not only festive but also deliciously chewy and sweet.
How do I store Grinch Cookies?
To keep your Grinch Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week when stored properly. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container after they cool completely. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
Can I make Grinch Cookies vegan?
Yes! You can easily adapt the Grinch Cookies recipe to make it vegan-friendly. Substitute butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement. Ensure that the chocolate chips you use are dairy-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy these festive treats while sticking to their dietary preferences.
What occasions are perfect for serving Grinch Cookies?
Grinch Cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, Christmas parties, or any festive celebration during the winter season. Their bright green color and whimsical appearance make them a hit among both kids and adults alike. You can also serve them as part of a holiday cookie exchange or give them as gifts packaged in festive containers for friends and family.
Conclusion for Grinch Cookies :
In summary, Grinch Cookies are a fun and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. With their vibrant green color and delightful flavor, they bring joy to any gathering. Making these cookies is simple, allowing you to adapt the recipe based on dietary needs such as vegan options. Whether you serve them at parties or gift them to loved ones, Grinch Cookies are sure to spread cheer!
Grinch Cookies
Grinch Cookies are the perfect festive treat to spread holiday cheer! With their vibrant green color and a delightful blend of mint and chocolate, these whimsical cookies will make your holiday gatherings extra special. Easy to bake and customizable with your favorite candies, they are ideal for cookie exchanges or as sweet gifts for loved ones. Indulge in the spirit of the season with these cheerful delights that will make everyone smile!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (3.4 oz) package pistachio pudding mix
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup red M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
- Stir in pistachio pudding mix until dough is green.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and fold in chocolate chips and M&M's.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared sheets about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Cool on baking sheets before transferring to wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: - Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking for perfectly shaped cookies. - For variations, substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate or add peppermint extract for an extra festive flavor.