Grinch Sugar Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings joy and cheer to any festive gathering. These cookies are soft, chewy, and have a vibrant green color with a cute red heart in the center, making them perfect for Christmas celebrations. They are incredibly easy to make, requiring no chill time, so you can whip them up quickly for cookie exchanges or movie nights. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Grinch Sugar Cookies
There are many reasons to adore these Grinch-themed cookies. First, they are visually appealing and fun for kids and adults alike. Second, they are quick to prepare, taking just about 10 minutes to get from the mixing bowl to the oven. Third, these cookies can be customized with different decorations, making them perfect for Christmas cookie decorating ideas. Additionally, they are soft and chewy, which adds to their delightful texture. Lastly, they are vegetarian-friendly, making them suitable for various dietary needs.
Ingredients for Grinch Sugar Cookies
Gather these items:
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons/4 oz) unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar, plus 2–3 tablespoons for rolling
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–5 drops green gel food coloring
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 12 small red heart sprinkles
How to Make Grinch Sugar Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Step 2: Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Let cool slightly for 2 minutes.
- Step 3: In a medium mixing bowl, combine melted butter, ⅔ cup sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and thickened.
- Step 4: Add green gel food coloring and stir until evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Add flour, baking soda, and salt to wet ingredients. Stir gently until no flour streaks remain.
- Step 6: Divide dough into 12 portions using a small cookie scoop. Roll into smooth balls.
- Step 7: Roll each dough ball in 2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar until fully coated.
- Step 8: Place on prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–11 minutes.
- Step 9: Press one red heart sprinkle into the center of each hot cookie immediately after removing from the oven.
- Step 10: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for the Best Grinch Sugar Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- No chill time is required, which saves you time!
- Perfect for kids and cookie exchanges, making them a versatile treat.
- Great for Grinch movie nights, enhancing your festive atmosphere.
- For extra flavor, consider adding almond extract alongside vanilla.
Best Ways to Serve Grinch Sugar Cookies
These cookies shine at any gathering. They are perfect as holiday Grinch cookies for festive parties. Pair them with hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy evening. You can also create a cookie platter with other Grinch-inspired dessert ideas for a delightful dessert table.

How to Store and Reheat Grinch Sugar Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week. If you want to meal prep, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Simply freeze the rolled balls of dough and bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grinch Sugar Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Grinch Sugar Cookies?
For perfect soft and chewy Grinch cookies, be careful not to overmix the dough and ensure your baking time is precise. The cookies should look slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
Can I make Grinch Sugar Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for even better cookies.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Grinch Sugar Cookies?
To avoid common pitfalls, measure your flour correctly and do not skip the rolling in sugar step. This adds a delightful sweetness and crisp texture to the cookies.
Variations of Grinch Sugar Cookies You Can Try
Feel free to get creative with these cookies! You can add chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. Another idea is to incorporate different colored sprinkles or frosting on top for creative Grinch cookie designs. Lastly, consider making mini versions for Grinch cookies for kids for fun-sized treats!


Delicious Grinch Sugar Cookies for a Festive Treat
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Grinch sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and festively green with a single red heart in the center. They are the perfect easy Christmas cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons/4 oz) unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar, plus 2–3 tablespoons for rolling
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–5 drops green gel food coloring
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 12 small red heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Let cool slightly for 2 minutes.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine melted butter, ⅔ cup sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and thickened.
- Add green gel food coloring and stir until evenly distributed.
- Add flour, baking soda, and salt to wet ingredients. Stir gently until no flour streaks remain.
- Divide dough into 12 portions using a small cookie scoop. Roll into smooth balls.
- Roll each dough ball in 2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar until fully coated.
- Place on prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–11 minutes.
- Press one red heart sprinkle into the center of each hot cookie immediately after removing from the oven.
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- No chill time required
- Perfect for kids and cookie exchanges
- Great for Grinch movie nights
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
