Why You’ll Love Grinch Heart Cookies Recipe
These cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. With their soft, buttery texture and vibrant color, they’re a joyful nod to a beloved holiday story. They’re also customizable and kid-friendly—ideal for decorating together on a cozy winter afternoon.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter (softened)
granulated sugar
large egg
vanilla extract
almond extract (optional)
green food coloring
red heart sprinkles or red icing for decorating
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Add green food coloring until the desired vibrant green is reached.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
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Cover the dough and chill for 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
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On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut out shapes using a round or heart-shaped cookie cutter.
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Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
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Let cookies cool completely, then decorate with red heart sprinkles or icing in the center to complete the “Grinch heart” look.
Servings and timing
Makes about 24 cookies
Prep time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Variations
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Chocolate version: Add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder for chocolate sugar cookies.
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Stuffed cookies: Insert a small dollop of chocolate or jam inside before baking.
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Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
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Frosted Grinch cookies: Top with green-tinted buttercream and a red heart candy for a fluffier look.
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No-cutter version: Roll into balls and press down slightly for a simpler method.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze, place them in a single layer on a tray to harden, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to slightly soften if desired.
FAQs
What makes these cookies “Grinch” cookies?
Their green color and red heart decoration represent the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes.
Can I use gel or liquid food coloring?
Either works, but gel provides a more vibrant color with less liquid.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and helps prevent spreading.
What kind of red hearts can I use?
You can use red candy hearts, icing decorations, or even draw one with red gel icing.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before rolling and baking.
What if I don’t have a heart cutter?
Use a round cutter and decorate with a red heart in the center—it still gives the Grinchy effect.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Absolutely. It adds depth of flavor but is optional.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Definitely! Rolling dough and adding heart decorations are perfect tasks for little helpers.
How do I make them chewier?
Slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the pan after removing from the oven.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales well for holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges.
Conclusion
Grinch Heart Cookies are a festive, family-friendly treat that brings joy and color to your holiday baking. With their buttery sugar base and whimsical decorations, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite that kids and adults alike will love making—and eating—year after year.
Grinch Heart Cookies
These Grinch Heart Cookies are festive sugar cookies dyed green and adorned with a red candy heart, perfect for holiday celebrations and inspired by the classic Grinch story.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Green gel food coloring
- Red heart candies or red M&M’s
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Add green gel food coloring and mix until the desired shade of green is achieved.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly and press a red heart candy or M&M in the center.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant green without altering the dough consistency.
- You can substitute red M&M’s if heart-shaped candies are unavailable.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Optional: Dust cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
