Nothing says holiday cheer like a batch of bright green, crinkly Grinch cookies straight from the oven. These Crinkly Grinch Cookies are more than just adorable—they’re soft, cake-like, easy to bake, and perfect for cookie swaps or cozy movie nights. Inspired by the mischievous green character we all love, these cookies are topped with a signature red heart sprinkle and full of festive flavor. Plus, they’re made from scratch—no cake mix shortcuts—so you get the joy of real, homemade holiday baking.
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Why These Crinkly Grinch Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite
Crinkly Grinch Cookies have become a staple for Christmas gatherings for good reason. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to wow at holiday parties. With their chewy texture, subtle minty flavor, and whimsical appearance, they deliver everything you want in a seasonal treat.
Unlike many Grinch cookie recipes that rely on boxed cake mix, this version uses pantry staples to create a truly from-scratch experience—bringing comfort, nostalgia, and a touch of magic to your dessert table.
Ingredients That Make the Magic
• All-purpose flour: Provides the cookie’s structure while maintaining a soft, cakey texture.
• Baking powder: Ensures the cookies puff slightly and develop those signature crinkles.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a slightly crispy exterior.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and softness to the cookies.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and balances the mint flavor.
• Mint extract: Offers a refreshing hint of mint that enhances the holiday vibe.
• Green gel food coloring: Gives the cookies their iconic Grinch-green color.
• Heart-shaped sprinkles: A festive finishing touch that ties the theme together.
• Powdered or granulated sugar (optional): Rolling the dough in sugar adds sparkle or a snowy look.
Swaps & Substitutes for Every Kitchen
If you don’t have mint extract or prefer a different flavor profile, swap it out for peppermint extract—just start with half the amount since it’s stronger. For a non-mint version, vanilla alone works beautifully, or you can try almond, lemon, or coconut extract for a twist.
Need to go dye-free? Consider using matcha powder for a natural green hue, though it will alter the flavor slightly. No heart sprinkles? Use a red M&M or dried cranberry as a playful alternative.
How to Make Crinkly Grinch Cookies from Scratch
- Preheat & Prep: Set your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and mint extract until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add half the dry mix, beat on low, then add the rest. The dough will look crumbly at first but will come together after a few minutes of mixing.
- Color the Dough: Add 4–6 drops of green gel food coloring and mix until fully incorporated, with no white streaks. Adjust the color to your liking.
- Shape the Cookies: Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out dough. Roll each ball between your hands for a smoother shape. Optionally, roll in granulated or powdered sugar.
- Bake & Decorate: Place dough balls on baking sheets, spaced well apart. Bake for 8 minutes, until they begin to crinkle. Immediately press a red heart sprinkle into the top of each while warm.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Foolproof Tips for Perfect Crinkles Every Time
- Be patient with the dough: It starts crumbly but becomes smooth after about 3 minutes of mixing. Don’t add extra liquid too soon.
- Roll the dough into balls: This ensures a uniform spread and proper crinkling.
- Add the heart sprinkles post-bake: Doing this immediately after baking gives you better control over placement.
- Use gel food coloring: It’s more concentrated than liquid food dye, so you need less, and it won’t throw off your dough consistency.
Delicious Pairings & Fun Variations
Pair Crinkly Grinch Cookies with a mug of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha for the ultimate holiday combo. They’re also great alongside other festive treats like chocolate sugar cookies or molasses cookies.
Want a flavor upgrade? Try adding white chocolate chips or crushed candy canes to the dough. You can even make a gluten-free version by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Need a make-ahead option? The dough can be made and refrigerated up to 48 hours in advance—just let it soften slightly before scooping and baking.
Celebrate the Season with a Whimsical Treat
Crinkly Grinch Cookies aren’t just another sugar cookie—they’re a statement. With their vibrant green hue, sweet crinkled tops, and that iconic little red heart, they bring a playful charm to any Christmas celebration. Whether you’re baking for kids, friends, or festive gatherings, this cookie recipe is bound to be the highlight of the dessert table.
So go ahead—whip up a batch, queue up your favorite holiday movie, and get into the spirit with the best Crinkly Grinch Cookies you’ve ever made.
Wrapping Up: Why You’ll Love Crinkly Grinch Cookies Year After Year
Crinkly Grinch Cookies are more than just a holiday treat—they’re a tradition in the making. Their soft, cakey texture, eye-catching green hue, and playful red heart make them a hit with all ages. And because this recipe uses everyday pantry staples, it’s easy to whip up a festive batch any time you want to add some cheer to your cookie tray.
Whether you’re prepping for a cookie swap, holiday movie night, or just want to make someone smile, these whimsical cookies will steal the show (and maybe a few hearts along the way). Once you try them, they’ll become your go-to Christmas cookie recipe for seasons to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crinkly Grinch Cookies
Q1: Can I make Crinkly Grinch Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 48 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before scooping and baking. Baked cookies also freeze well—store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Q2: How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?
To maintain their soft texture, store your Crinkly Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help preserve moisture and prevent the cookies from drying out.
Q3: Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes! This recipe scales up easily. Just double all ingredients and use a stand mixer for best results. Be sure to bake in batches and rotate trays if using multiple oven racks to ensure even baking.
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Crinkly Grinch Cookies
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 18 to 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crinkly Grinch Cookies are soft, cakey holiday cookies with a festive green color and a signature red heart on top. Made from scratch with pantry staples and no cake mix, they’re perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or cozy nights in. With a hint of mint (optional) and a fun crinkled texture, they’re a whimsical nod to everyone’s favorite holiday character.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon mint extract (optional)
- Green gel food coloring (start with 4 drops, adjust as needed)
- Heart-shaped sprinkles
- Powdered or granulated sugar (optional, for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and mint extract to the butter mixture and beat to combine.
- Gradually add in the flour mixture in two parts, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. The dough will be crumbly at first but will come together after a few minutes.
- Add green gel food coloring and mix until the dough is evenly colored with no streaks. Add more coloring if needed.
- Use a medium cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons) to portion out dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms.
- Optionally roll each ball in granulated or powdered sugar for added decoration.
- Place dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spaced apart. Press slightly to flatten the tops.
- Bake for 8 minutes, or until the tops begin to crinkle. Do not overbake.
- Immediately press a red heart sprinkle into the center of each cookie after removing from the oven.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Dough may seem crumbly but will come together with continued mixing.
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant green without thinning the dough.
- If using peppermint extract, start with ½ teaspoon as it’s stronger than mint extract.
- Place heart sprinkles immediately after baking for best results.
- Dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance and refrigerated.
- Cookies freeze well for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 191
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 238mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 34mg
