Why You’ll Love Grinch Heart Cookies Recipe
These cookies bring more than just sweetness—they bring holiday spirit.
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The vibrant green color and red heart decorations make them visually festive.
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They’re easy enough for beginner bakers, and fun enough to get kids involved.
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The buttery, soft texture and hint of almond make them absolutely irresistible.
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They’re perfect for gifting, decorating, and enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
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A great way to incorporate a beloved holiday character into your seasonal baking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Unsalted butter, softened
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Granulated sugar
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Large egg
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Vanilla extract
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Almond extract (optional)
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Green food coloring
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Red icing for decoration
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and green food coloring.
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Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
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Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes to help it firm up.
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Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into heart shapes.
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Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
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Let cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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Once completely cool, decorate with red icing in the shape of a heart or design of your choice.
Servings and timing
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Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies
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Prep time: 30 minutes
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Chill time: 30 minutes
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Bake time: 10–12 minutes per batch
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Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
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Peppermint version: Replace almond extract with peppermint extract for a cool, minty twist.
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Candy heart topping: Press red heart candies or M&Ms into the center before baking.
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Cake mix shortcut: Use a vanilla cake mix with green food coloring for an easier dough.
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Gluten-free option: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio.
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Dye-free version: Skip the food coloring and make classic sugar cookies with heart decor.
Storage/Reheating
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Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
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For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
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To soften stored cookies, place a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture.
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Reheat a cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds to enjoy it warm and soft.
FAQs
What type of food coloring should I use?
Gel food coloring is best for vibrant color without thinning the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours or frozen for later use.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling prevents spreading and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Can I decorate before baking?
No, it’s best to decorate with icing after baking and cooling to prevent melting.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread to maintain moisture.
Can I make these without a cookie cutter?
Yes, you can shape the dough by hand or use a knife to cut heart shapes.
What if I don’t like almond extract?
You can omit it or replace it with more vanilla extract or a different flavor.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Absolutely. Their festive appearance makes them a perfect homemade holiday gift.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
How do I get the perfect heart shape?
Use a sharp-edged heart cookie cutter and chill the dough for easier cutting.
Conclusion
Grinch Heart Cookies are a playful, festive addition to your holiday baking tradition. With their bright green color and sweet red hearts, they capture the magic of the season in every bite. Whether you’re baking with kids, sharing them at a cookie exchange, or enjoying them with a warm drink, these cookies are sure to spread cheer—and maybe even make your heart grow three sizes.
