Grinch cookies are hands down the most fun Christmas cookies to make with kids, and honestly, they’re my favorite holiday baking project every single year. There’s something so joyful about those bright green cookies with red heart candies that perfectly capture the spirit of everyone’s favorite grumpy-turned-jolly Christmas character. These 10 Grinch cookie recipe ideas bring that iconic green color and festive charm to so many different cookie styles, making them perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, classroom treats, or just spreading some Christmas cheer around your neighborhood.
The Classic Grinch Cookies with their bright green color and red heart centers started the whole trend and they’re still absolutely perfect. The Grinch Sugar Cookies are soft and buttery with that iconic look, while the Grinch Crinkle Cookies have those gorgeous crackled tops dusted with powdered sugar. The Grinch Thumbprint Cookies use your thumb to create that perfect little well for red jam or candies. The Grinch Chocolate Chip Cookies add chocolate to the festive green dough, and the Grinch Cake Mix Cookies are my shortcut when I’m pressed for time but still want something festive. The Grinch Oreo Cookies are loaded with crushed cookies for extra texture, the Grinch Sprinkle Cookies are covered in red and white Christmas sprinkles, and the Grinch M&M Cookies use red candies for that heart detail. The Grinch Frosted Cookies get topped with sweet green frosting and festive decorations.
What makes Grinch cookies so special is how they’re instantly recognizable and bring smiles to everyone who sees them. That vibrant green color is so eye-catching on cookie platters, kids absolutely love helping make them, and they’re surprisingly easy to pull off even if you’re not a decorating expert. They’re Christmas magic in cookie form!
1. Classic Grinch Cookies
Classic Grinch cookies are vibrant green with a heart of red, perfectly capturing the beloved character in cookie form. The combination of bright green cookie dough with a red candy heart center creates these festive treats that are instantly recognizable. I developed this recipe when I wanted to make cookies that celebrate the Grinch’s story of his heart growing three sizes. The key is getting that perfect Grinch green color and placing the red heart in the center which represents the transformation of the character. This has become my most-made holiday cookie because they’re adorable, delicious, and tell a story. Every cookie delivers soft, buttery texture with bright green color and that iconic red heart center.
Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Green gel food coloring
- Red heart candies or red Hershey’s Kisses
- Red decorating sugar (optional)
Steps
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar for three to four minutes until light and fluffy. The mixture should be pale and airy – this creates tender cookies.
Step 2: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. The almond extract adds wonderful flavor that complements the sweetness. Beat until well combined. Add green gel food coloring – start with a small amount and add more until you achieve that perfect Grinch green color. You want a bright, vibrant green that looks just like the Grinch. Gel coloring works better than liquid because it won’t thin the dough and creates more vibrant color.
Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix – stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. The dough will be bright green and soft. If the dough seems too sticky, refrigerate it for about thirty minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 4: Scoop the dough into balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, about 1½ tablespoons each. Roll each ball between your palms to make it smooth and round. If desired, roll the balls in red decorating sugar for extra sparkle and color contrast. Place on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie. The indentation should be deep enough to hold the candy heart.
Step 5: Place a red heart candy or red Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each indentation. This represents the Grinch’s heart! Bake for ten to twelve minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Don’t overbake – they should stay soft and chewy. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The red hearts should be nestled perfectly in the green cookies. These classic Grinch cookies are festive and adorable with that iconic green color and red heart. They’re perfect for holiday parties and capture the spirit of the Grinch story. Kids and adults love them equally.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 12 minutes per batch
Servings: 36 cookies
2. Grinch Sugar Cookies
Grinch sugar cookies are soft and tender with bright green color and decorated with festive toppings. The combination of classic sugar cookie texture with Grinch theming creates these delightful holiday treats. I created this recipe when I wanted a simpler version of Grinch cookies that still looked festive. The key is achieving soft sugar cookie texture while maintaining vibrant green color. This has become my favorite easy Grinch cookie because they’re simple but still look impressive. Every bite is soft, sweet, and perfectly green.
Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- Red and white sprinkles for decorating
- Green decorating sugar (optional)
Steps
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar for three to four minutes until light and fluffy. The extended creaming creates tender sugar cookies.
Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. Add green gel food coloring gradually until you achieve a bright Grinch green color. Mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft and vibrantly green.
Step 3: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least thirty minutes. This makes it easier to handle and prevents excessive spreading. Once chilled, scoop into balls about 1½ tablespoons each. Roll between your palms until smooth. If using green decorating sugar, roll each ball in it for extra sparkle.
Step 4: Place on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm to about ½ inch thick. This helps them bake evenly. Before baking, press red and white sprinkles into the top of each cookie for a festive look.
Step 5: Bake for ten to twelve minutes until the edges are just barely set but the centers still look soft and puffy. Don’t overbake – sugar cookies should stay soft. Let cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. These Grinch sugar cookies are soft and festive with bright green color. The red and white sprinkles add holiday cheer. They’re simple but adorable.
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Baking Time: 12 minutes per batch
Servings: 30 cookies
3. Grinch Crinkle Cookies
Grinch crinkle cookies have that beautiful crackled appearance with powdered sugar creating stunning white cracks against bright green. The combination of the crinkle effect with Grinch green creates these showstopping cookies. I developed this recipe when I wanted Grinch cookies with impressive visual appeal. The key is rolling them generously in powdered sugar which creates dramatic cracks as they bake. This has become my favorite impressive Grinch cookie because they look so professional. Every cookie has unique crackled patterns.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Green gel food coloring
- 1½ cups powdered sugar for rolling
- Red heart candies (optional)
Steps
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar for three to four minutes until fluffy.
Step 2: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond extracts. Add green gel food coloring until you achieve a vibrant Grinch green. Mix until the color is even. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft and bright green.
Step 3: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least two hours or overnight. The dough must be well-chilled for crinkle cookies – warm dough won’t create those signature dramatic cracks. Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Once the dough is thoroughly chilled, scoop it into balls about 1½ tablespoons each.
Step 4: Roll each ball generously in the powdered sugar, coating very thickly and completely. The thick coating is essential for dramatic crinkle effect. Place on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Don’t flatten them. If desired, you can press a small red heart candy into the top before baking.
Step 5: Bake for twelve to fourteen minutes until the cookies are puffed and crackled, with the green cookie showing through white powdered sugar cracks. The centers should still look slightly soft. Let cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. These Grinch crinkle cookies are stunning with beautiful crackled appearance. The contrast of white sugar and green cookie is dramatic. They’re perfect for impressing guests.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
Baking Time: 14 minutes per batch
Servings: 30 cookies
4. Grinch Thumbprint Cookies
Grinch thumbprint cookies feature green cookies with red jam centers creating that classic Grinch color combination. The combination of buttery cookie with sweet-tart jam represents the Grinch’s heart. I created this recipe when I wanted Grinch cookies with a fruity element. The key is using bright red jam which creates beautiful contrast against the green. This has become my favorite elegant Grinch version because they’re so pretty. Every cookie has that perfect green-and-red combination.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Green gel food coloring
- ½ cup red jam (strawberry or raspberry)
- Green decorating sugar for rolling (optional)
Steps
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar for three to four minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until combined. Add green gel food coloring until you achieve Grinch green. Mix until evenly colored. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft and green.
Step 3: Cover and refrigerate for thirty minutes to one hour. If using green decorating sugar, place it in a shallow bowl. Scoop the chilled dough into balls about one tablespoon each. Roll in green sugar if desired for extra sparkle. Place on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.
Step 4: Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make a deep indentation in the center of each cookie. Press down firmly to create a well about ½ inch deep. Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of red jam. The bright red against the green is perfect for Grinch theme.
Step 5: Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. The jam will bubble slightly. Let cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. These Grinch thumbprint cookies are beautiful with vibrant colors. The red jam center is like the Grinch’s heart. They’re elegant and festive.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
Baking Time: 15 minutes per batch
Servings: 36 cookies
5. Grinch Chocolate Chip Cookies
Grinch chocolate chip cookies combine green dough with chocolate chips creating a fun twist on classic chocolate chip cookies. The combination of Grinch green with chocolate chips makes these playful and delicious. I developed this recipe when I wanted Grinch-themed cookies that still had that beloved chocolate chip taste. The key is balancing the green color with plenty of chocolate chips. This has become my favorite Grinch cookie for chocolate lovers because you get both themes. Every bite has green cookie with melty chocolate.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: red and green M&Ms
Steps
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for three to four minutes until fluffy.
Step 2: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract. Add green gel food coloring gradually until you achieve bright Grinch green. Mix until the color is evenly distributed. The green dough with chocolate chips creates a fun, festive look.
Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips using a wooden spoon. The chips should be evenly distributed throughout the green dough. If using M&Ms, fold some in and reserve some for topping.
Step 4: Scoop into balls about 1½ tablespoons each. Place on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. If using M&Ms for decoration, press a few red and green ones on top of each cookie before baking. This adds extra color and festivity.
Step 5: Bake for eleven to thirteen minutes until the edges are set but centers still look soft. The green color might darken slightly but should still be visible. Let cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. These Grinch chocolate chip cookies are fun and delicious with great chocolate flavor. The green dough makes them festive and Grinch-themed. They’re perfect for chocolate lovers.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 13 minutes per batch
Servings: 36 cookies
6. Grinch Cake Mix Cookies
Grinch cake mix cookies are incredibly easy using cake mix as a shortcut while still creating festive green cookies. The combination of convenience and cute result makes these perfect for busy bakers. I created this recipe when I wanted Grinch cookies in minimal time. The key is using white or vanilla cake mix and adding green coloring. This has become my favorite quick Grinch cookie because they’re so easy. You get festive cookies with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white or vanilla cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- Green gel food coloring
- Red heart candies or red Hershey’s Kisses
- Green sprinkles (optional)
Steps
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 2: Add green gel food coloring gradually, mixing until you achieve bright Grinch green. The beauty of cake mix cookies is their simplicity – you don’t need to measure multiple ingredients or cream butter. Add more color if needed for vibrant green.
Step 3: Let the dough rest for five minutes to allow the cake mix to hydrate properly. Scoop into balls about one tablespoon each. If desired, roll in green sprinkles for extra decoration. Place on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.
Step 4: Make an indentation in the center of each cookie with your thumb or a small spoon. Press a red heart candy or Hershey’s Kiss into each indentation. The red centers make these instantly recognizable as Grinch cookies.
Step 5: Bake for nine to eleven minutes until the edges are set but centers still look soft. Don’t overbake – cake mix cookies can dry out easily if cooked too long. Let cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. These Grinch cake mix cookies are incredibly easy and quick. Using cake mix is a genius shortcut. They’re perfect when you need festive cookies fast.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 11 minutes per batch
Servings: 24 cookies
7. Grinch Oreo Cookies
Grinch Oreo cookies transform regular Oreos with green candy coating and festive decorations creating easy no-bake treats. The combination of Oreos with Grinch theming makes these fun and simple. I developed this recipe when I wanted Grinch treats that didn’t require baking. The key is melting the candy coating properly for smooth dipping. This has become my favorite no-bake Grinch treat because they’re so easy and kids can help. Every cookie is coated in green with festive decorations.
Ingredients
- 24 Oreo cookies
- 12 oz green candy melts or white candy melts + green food coloring
- Red heart sprinkles
- Green sprinkles
- Red decorating gel (optional)
Steps
Step 1: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. Set out the Oreo cookies. Prepare your decorations: have red heart sprinkles, green sprinkles, and red decorating gel ready. Working quickly after dipping is important, so have everything prepared.
Step 2: Melt the green candy melts according to package directions, usually in thirty-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each interval. If using white candy melts, add green gel food coloring and stir until you achieve Grinch green. The candy coating should be smooth and fluid for easy dipping.
Step 3: Using a fork, dip each Oreo into the melted green candy coating, turning to coat completely. Lift the Oreo with the fork, letting excess coating drip back into the bowl. Tap the fork gently on the edge of the bowl to remove more excess. You want a thin, even coating.
Step 4: Place the coated Oreo on the prepared baking sheet. Immediately while the coating is still wet, add decorations. Place a red heart sprinkle in the center to represent the Grinch’s heart, or sprinkle with green sprinkles, or drizzle with red decorating gel. Work quickly – the candy coating sets fast.
Step 5: Let the coated Oreos sit at room temperature for about thirty minutes until the candy coating is completely set and hardened. You can refrigerate them for fifteen minutes to speed up the process. These Grinch Oreo cookies are easy and festive with no baking required. The green coating transforms regular Oreos into Grinch treats. They’re perfect for easy holiday treats.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Setting Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
8. Grinch Sprinkle Cookies
Grinch sprinkle cookies are loaded with festive red and green sprinkles throughout creating colorful, fun cookies. The combination of bright green dough with holiday sprinkles makes these extra festive. I created this recipe when I wanted Grinch cookies with maximum color and fun. The key is using plenty of sprinkles which add texture and visual appeal. This has become my favorite kid-friendly Grinch cookie because children love all the sprinkles. Every bite is colorful and fun.
Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- 1 cup red and green Christmas sprinkles (divided)
- Extra sprinkles for rolling
Steps
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar for three to four minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until combined. Add green gel food coloring until you achieve bright Grinch green. Mix until evenly colored. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in ¾ cup of the red and green sprinkles. The sprinkles throughout create fun pops of color.
Step 3: Place the remaining ¼ cup of sprinkles in a shallow bowl along with extra sprinkles for rolling. Scoop the dough into balls about 1½ tablespoons each. Roll each ball in the sprinkles to coat the outside. This creates a sprinkle-covered exterior that’s very festive.
Step 4: Place on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm to about ½ inch thick. This shows off the sprinkles and helps them bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake for eleven to thirteen minutes until the edges are set but centers still look soft. The sprinkles will be visible throughout and on the surface. Let cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. These Grinch sprinkle cookies are fun and colorful with festive sprinkles throughout. They’re perfect for kids and add holiday cheer. The sprinkles make them extra special.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 13 minutes per batch
Servings: 30 cookies
9. Grinch M&M Cookies
Grinch M&M cookies feature green dough studded with red and green M&Ms creating colorful, festive treats. The combination of bright green cookie with holiday M&Ms is fun and delicious. I developed this recipe when I wanted Grinch cookies with candy additions. The key is using red and green M&Ms which reinforce the Grinch color scheme. This has become my favorite candy-loaded Grinch cookie because the M&Ms add great texture. Every bite has green cookie with crunchy candy.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- 1½ cups red and green M&Ms (plus extra for topping)
Steps
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for three to four minutes until fluffy.
Step 2: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract. Add green gel food coloring gradually until you achieve Grinch green. The green dough with colorful M&Ms creates a festive appearance. Mix until the color is even.
Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in 1½ cups of red and green M&Ms using a wooden spoon. The M&Ms should be evenly distributed throughout the green dough. Reserve some extra M&Ms for decorating the tops.
Step 4: Scoop into balls about 1½ tablespoons each. Place on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Press a few extra red and green M&Ms on top of each cookie for visual appeal. This makes them look even more festive and colorful.
Step 5: Bake for eleven to thirteen minutes until the edges are set but centers still look soft. The M&Ms will soften slightly but hold their shape and color. Let cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. These Grinch M&M cookies are colorful and fun with candy in every bite. The red and green M&Ms are perfect for the holiday theme. They’re festive and delicious.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 13 minutes per batch
Servings: 36 cookies
10. Grinch Frosted Cookies
Grinch frosted cookies feature soft green cookies topped with fluffy frosting and decorations creating bakery-style treats. The combination of tender cookie with sweet frosting makes these impressive and beautiful. I created this recipe when I wanted Grinch cookies that looked professional and bakery-quality. The key is making smooth frosting and decorating creatively. This has become my favorite impressive Grinch cookie because they look so professional. Every cookie is beautifully decorated.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
For the frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red heart sprinkles for decorating
- Green sprinkles (optional)
Steps
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar for three to four minutes until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla. Beat until combined. Add green gel food coloring until you achieve Grinch green.
Step 2: Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft and green. Scoop into balls about 1½ tablespoons each. Place on prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball to about ½ inch thick with the bottom of a glass or your palm. This creates a flat surface perfect for frosting.
Step 3: Bake for eleven to thirteen minutes until the edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft. Let cool on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies must be completely cool before frosting or the frosting will melt.
Step 4: Make the frosting: Beat the softened butter for two minutes until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating after each addition. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat for three to four minutes until light and fluffy. The frosting should be smooth and spreadable. If desired, add a tiny bit of green food coloring for light green frosting, or keep it white for contrast.
Step 5: Spread or pipe the frosting on each cooled cookie. While the frosting is still soft, place a red heart sprinkle in the center to represent the Grinch’s heart. Add green sprinkles around the edges if desired. Let the frosting set for about thirty minutes. These Grinch frosted cookies are beautiful and bakery-quality with smooth frosting. The decorated tops make them impressive. They’re perfect for special occasions or gifting.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 13 minutes per batch
Servings: 30 cookies
