There’s something magical about green frosting and a mischievous grin that makes December mornings feel extra festive. These Grinch cookies bring that whoville charm straight to your kitchen, and they’ve become the most requested treat at every holiday party I attend.
Think soft sugar cookies meets vibrant green buttercream and a heart that’s three sizes too small. The base is my go-to sugar cookie recipe that holds its shape perfectly. Then comes the fun partswirling that gorgeous green frosting and adding just enough red to make the Grinch’s sneaky smile. Kids go absolutely wild for the decorating process.
Started making these back in 2018 when my neighbor’s twin boys were obsessed with the Grinch movie. Their eyes lit up like Christmas morning when I pulled the first batch from the oven. The secret I discovered? Gel food coloring gives you that perfect Grinch green without thinning the frosting. Now they’re part of our December tradition every single year.
PrintGrinch Cookies Easy Recipe for a Heartfelt Christmas
Enjoy these festive Grinch Cookies perfect for Christmas Cookies and Holiday Cookie Recipes. These easy holiday treats feature a green color and delightful gumdrop toppings, making them a fun and kid friendly Christmas cookie option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: about 4 dozen 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 package 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1–1/4 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon green food coloring
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 48 heart-shaped gumdrops
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat butter cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in vanilla food coloring and eggs one at a time beating well after each addition.
- In another bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt gradually beat into creamed mixture.
- Refrigerate covered 1 hour or until firm enough to shape.
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Shape dough into 1-1/2 inch balls roll in confectioners’ sugar.
- Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake until tops are cracked and edges are set about 12-15 minutes.
- Immediately press a gumdrop into each cookie.
- Cool cookies 5 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool.
Notes
- For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 112 calories
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 67mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
