Grinch Crinkle Cookies are a playful and festive holiday treat. Their bright green color and signature crinkled appearance make them a showstopper for any holiday cookie platter.
With a touch of sweetness and a fun candy heart on top, they’re sure to warm hearts, no matter how Grinchy!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp green food coloring (gel preferred)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Red heart-shaped candies or sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and green food coloring. Adjust the color as needed to achieve a vibrant green.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Form the Cookies: Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crinkled.
- Decorate and Cool: Immediately press a red heart-shaped candy into the center of each cookie (if using). Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time
15 minutes (+30 minutes chilling time)
Cook Time
12 minutes
Total Time
57 minutes
Nutrition (Per Cookie)
Calories: 100
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 4g
Sugar: 9g
Expert Tips
Chilling is Key: Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and ensures pronounced crinkles.
Heart Placement: Press the heart candies gently into the warm cookies to ensure they stick without cracking the cookie.
Powdered Sugar Coating: Roll the dough balls generously for a more dramatic crinkle effect during baking.
FAQs
Can I use liquid food coloring?
Yes, but you may need to add slightly more to achieve the same vibrant green color.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze the dough balls before rolling them in powdered sugar. Thaw slightly before coating and baking as directed.
What other decorations can I use?
You can use red M&Ms or leave the cookies plain for a simpler look.
Storing & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Substitutions & Variations
Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour.
Chocolate Twist: Add 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a fun flavor addition.
Different Colors: Swap green food coloring for red or blue to match other holidays or themes.
Grinch Crinkle Cookies – Festive, Soft, and Sweet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and green food coloring. Adjust the color as needed to achieve a vibrant green.
- **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- **Chill the Dough:** Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- **Form the Cookies:** Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- **Bake:** Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crinkled.
- **Decorate and Cool:** Immediately press a red heart-shaped candy into the center of each cookie (if using). Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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