These Grinch Cookies are a festive delight, combining soft, chewy textures with a burst of vibrant green color. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet vanilla and rich butter, topped with a playful red heart for a whimsical touch. Ready in just 28 minutes, they’re an effortless way to spread holiday cheer.
Packed with 163 calories per cookie, they’re a guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without overwhelming indulgence. The tender crumb and subtle crunch from the sugar coating create a delightful contrast, making them irresistible for kids and adults alike. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to steal the show.
Ingredients for Grinch Cookies
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ⅔ cups (334 g) granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature preferred
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Green food coloring (I used Americolor Leaf Green)
- 1 ½ cups (340 g) red and green M&Ms, divided (use some for mixing and some for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer (or stand mixer) to cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract and stir until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until completely combined.
- Add green food coloring (if using) and stir until fully combined.
- Add M&Ms (I add slightly over a cup/about 240 grams at this point and reserve the rest for topping the cookies) and use a spatula to mix until evenly distributed through the batter.
- Scoop dough by 1 ½ Tablespoon-sized portions and drop onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies at least 2” (5 cm) apart.
- Bake on the center rack of the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately top with reserved M&Ms (if you reserved any).
- Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before enjoying.
Festive Serving Suggestions
These Grinch cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings! Serve them on a festive platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy treat. For a fun twist, arrange them in the shape of a Christmas tree on a large tray.
Storage Tips for Freshness
Store your Grinch cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra fresh, place a slice of bread in the container—it helps maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Time-Saving Hacks
Short on time? Use pre-measured ingredients like pre-sifted flour or pre-softened butter to speed up prep. You can also mix the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it, then bake fresh cookies when needed. If you’re in a rush, skip the food coloring or use pre-colored dough for a quicker process.
Recipe Variations to Try
Experiment with different extracts like almond or orange for a unique flavor twist. Swap the M&Ms for white chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for a different texture. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also make mini cookies by using a 1-teaspoon scoop for bite-sized treats.
Equipment Guidance for Perfect Cookies
Use a stand mixer or electric hand mixer for easy creaming of butter and sugar. A cookie scoop ensures evenly sized cookies for consistent baking. Parchment paper or silicone baking mats prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. A cooling rack helps cookies set properly without becoming soggy.
Grinch Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs room temperature preferred
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Green food coloring i used Americolor leaf green
- 1 ½ cup red and green M&Ms divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer (or stand mixer) to cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract and stir until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate, medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet until completely combined.
- Add food coloring (if using) and stir until fully combined.
- Add M&Ms (I add slightly over a cup/about 240 grams at this point and reserve the rest for topping the cookies, but you can stir them all into the batter if you prefer) and use a spatula until evenly distributed through batter.
- Scoop by 1 ½ Tablespoon-sized scoop and drop onto baking sheet, spacing cookies at least 2” (5cm) apart.
- Bake in center rack of 350F (175C) preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately top with reserved M&Ms (if you reserved any). Allow cookies to cool completely on baking sheet before enjoying.