I’ve always loved how holiday baking brings warmth and joy to even the busiest days. Watching my favorite Christmas movies while making festive treats feels like a mini celebration at home. These Grinch Sugar Cookies are my go-to recipe for quick, fun baking that fills the kitchen with holiday cheer—and they only take about 25 minutes total!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Grinch Sugar Cookies
- Foolproof recipe for soft, chewy cookies that hold their shape perfectly.
- Achieve the perfect vibrant “Grinch Green” with gel food coloring, avoiding cakey textures.
- No chilling needed—ready to bake right away, saving busy parents time.
- Simple, fun, and festive treats the whole family can enjoy making and eating.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Grinch Sugar Cookies
Why Melted Shortening?
Using melted vegetable shortening instead of softened butter is the secret behind these cookies’ chewy texture. It helps prevent excessive spreading, so your cookies stay thick and soft with just the right bite.
The Role of Egg Yolks
This recipe calls for only egg yolks, skipping the whites. That adds extra richness and chewiness to the cookies, making them denser and more satisfying than using whole eggs.
Gel vs. Liquid Food Coloring
Gel food coloring is the superstar here because it delivers that deep, vibrant Grinch Green without adding any extra liquid. Liquid food coloring can make cookies cakey and dull the color, while gel keeps them beautifully bright and chewy.
Grinch Sugar Cookies Ingredients
- 1 stick (4 ounces/8 tablespoons) vegetable shortening
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 2 large egg yolks (no egg whites!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–5 drops green food gel coloring
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 12 red heart sprinkles
Ingredient Substitutions & Flavor Variations
| Ingredient | Substitute | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable shortening | Salted butter (adjust salt) | Use salted butter, but reduce added salt to 1/8 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | Gluten-free 1:1 blend | Tested option for gluten-free cookies |
| Egg yolks | Whole eggs (less chewy) | Will yield softer, less dense texture |
Beyond these variations, consider exploring other festive options like The Ultimate Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles for your holiday baking spread.
Peppermint Grinch Cookies
Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract with the vanilla for a cool minty twist.
Almond Grinch Cookies
Swap vanilla for 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to give the cookies a warm, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the festive green.
How to Make Grinch Sugar Cookies (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
- Melt the vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in sugar, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and 3 drops of green gel food coloring until fully combined. Add extra coloring to reach your perfect shade of green.
- Add dry ingredients by sprinkling flour, baking soda, and salt evenly over the dough. Stir gently just to combine without overmixing.
- Divide the dough by pressing it flat in the bowl and eyeballing halves. Each half gives you 6 dough balls for 12 total cookies.
- Roll dough balls in your hands, then in extra granulated sugar. Place evenly on the baking sheet, leaving space for spreading. Bake 10–11 minutes until edges crackle and tops look dry.
- Press a red heart sprinkle into each cookie immediately after removing from the oven while they’re still warm. For a super secure hold, lightly melt some white chocolate and use a toothpick to dab a tiny bit on the back of each heart as edible glue before pressing onto cookies.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
Get the Kids Involved!
It’s so fun to bake Grinch Sugar Cookies with little helpers! If you’re looking for another simple sweet treat, this ultimate foolproof peanut butter fudge is also a great option for getting kids involved. Here’s how they can join in safely and joyfully:
- Roll dough balls in sugar to make them sparkle.
- Gently press red heart sprinkles on warm cookies.
- Be the official taste-tester for quality control!
- Help count cookies going on the tray—a great way to practice numbers.
Aisha’s Pro Tips for the Best Grinch Cookies
- Don’t overbake; keep centers soft and chewy by removing cookies when edges crackle but centers still look slightly soft.
- Use a cookie scoop to get uniform-sized cookies for even baking.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet first to allow perfect crinkles on top.
- Add extra green gel by drop, not liquid, for vibrant color.
- Use melted white chocolate as “edible glue” to keep sprinkles secure.
Troubleshooting Common Cookie Problems
Why Are My Cookies Flat?
This usually happens when flour is measured by scooping instead of spooning and leveling, causing too little flour. Also, an oven that’s not hot enough can cause cookies to spread too much.
Why Isn’t My Color Bright Green?
Make sure you’re using gel food coloring, not liquid. Gel provides deeper, richer color without extra moisture.
Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?
If shortening is too hot when mixed, dough becomes too loose. Let the melted shortening cool a minute before adding dry ingredients for better control.
How to Package Grinch Cookies for Gifting
Package your festive cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons for a cheerful look. Small holiday-themed tins also work beautifully for presents or cookie exchanges. These options keep them fresh and add a special touch!
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked cookies wrapped well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight.
- Freeze unbaked dough balls spaced on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two.
Grinch Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Melt the vegetable shortening in a mixing bowl in the microwave, then stir in sugar, egg yolks, vanilla, and 3+ drops green gel coloring until smooth and your desired color.
- Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir just until a soft dough forms—do not overmix.
- Press dough flat in the bowl and divide in half; portion into 12 equal pieces total.
- Roll each piece into a ball, coat lightly in extra sugar, arrange on the sheet, and bake 10–11 minutes until spread, crackled, and dry on top.
- Immediately press one red heart sprinkle into each cookie; rest 2 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions about Grinch Sugar Cookies
Can I double or triple this recipe?
Yes! Just multiply ingredients accordingly and use larger baking sheets or bake in batches to ensure even cooking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Dough can rest covered in the fridge up to 24 hours or be frozen as individual balls.
Do I have to use shortening?
Shortening is key for chewy texture and controlling spread, but you can substitute butter with a small salt adjustment, though texture will vary slightly.
Your Heart Will Grow Three Sizes!
I hope these Grinch Sugar Cookies brighten your holiday baking as much as they have mine. They’re quick, festive, and a wonderful way to make memories in the kitchen. Thanks so much for trusting me with your baking adventures! I’d love to see your creations—did you watch “The Grinch” while baking? Tell me your favorite holiday movie-and-baking tradition in the comments below!
