I love cute, themed cookie recipes, but I have to admit, I don’t always have the time or energy for elaborate decorations. These Grinch sugar cookies are one of my favorite easy holiday cookie recipes because they’re so simple and still so cute! Who knew a bit of food coloring and some candy hearts could make such a perfect Christmas treat?!
I made these Grinch sugar cookies with a simple sugar cookie dough that I colored with green food coloring and topped with a candy heart immediately after baking. The simple design takes just seconds to achieve, and the cookies really look just like the Grinch!
What’s in This Grinch Sugar Cookie Recipe?
- Butter: Use unsalted, room-temperature butter.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar creates the perfect level of sweetness to these cookies.
- Egg Yolk: Use a single egg yolk, without whites. This creates a chewy yet crispy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds a hint of vanilla flavor.
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour, and be sure to measure using the spoon-and-level method.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise.
- Food Coloring: Use a green gel food coloring to dye the cookie dough the perfect Grinch color.
- Candy Hearts: Red candy hearts are the perfect finish.
Email This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
How to Store
Store leftover Grinch cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Let them defrost before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a more Christmas-y flavor!
- I like the simplicity of these green sugar cookies with the red candy heart. But if you like, you can frost them! Use buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or your favorite frosting recipe. Wait for the cookies to cool completely before frosting, then finish with a red candy heart!
Grinch Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature (1 stick)
- ¼ teaspoon green gel food coloring
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 12 candy hearts
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 2 Baking Sheet
- Stand Mixer (optional)
- Hand Mixer (optional)
- Rolling Pin
Instructions
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the butter and green food coloring together on medium speed until the butter has turned green, about 1 minute.½ cup unsalted butter, ¼ teaspoon green gel food coloring
- Add the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix to combine.½ cup granulated sugar, 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Add the flour and baking powder. Mix just until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut out 2-inch circles using a circle cookie cutter or similarly sized glass/cup. Place the cookie dough circles onto the prepared baking sheets (6 cookies per sheet) and freeze for 1 hour.
- While the dough freezes, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Remove the cookies from the freezer and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately place a candy heart into the center of each one. Press the candy heart gently into the cookie until it sticks.12 candy hearts
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet until they are room temperature.
Notes
How to Make Grinch Sugar Cookies Step-by-Step
Color the Butter: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat ½ cup of unsalted butter and ¼ teaspoon of green gel food coloring together on medium speed until the butter has turned green, about 1 minute.
Mix the Dough: Add ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix to combine. Add 1½ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Mix just until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Cut the Cookies: Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out 2-inch circles using a circle cookie cutter or similarly sized glass/cup. Place the cookie dough circles onto the prepared baking sheets (6 cookies per sheet) and freeze for 1 hour. While the dough freezes, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Bake the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the freezer and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately place a candy heart into the center of each one. Press the candy heart gently into the cookie until it sticks. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet until they are room temperature.
Leave a Review