Grinch Cookies

Grinch Cookies are a delightful way to add some fun to your holiday baking. They capture the whimsical spirit of the Grinch while bringing the perfect combination of chewy sweetness and crunchy mint right to your table. Picture biting into a cookie that’s not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes with its vibrant green color and charming heart-shaped sprinkles. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a quiet night at home, these cookies are sure to bring some holiday cheer. As we walk through this recipe, you’ll see just how easy they are to make. So get ready to spread some joy with Grinch Cookies that everyone will love!

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Why This Recipe Works

Grinch Cookies are not just festive; they combine the chewy texture of classic sugar cookies with crunchy Andes mints, making each bite a delightful experience. The vivid green color and heart-shaped sprinkles embody the whimsical essence of the Grinch, creating a visual treat that adds charm to any holiday gathering. You’ll see how every aspect of these cookies, from their appearance to their taste, helps to make them the perfect choice for holiday fun.

Why You’ll Love This Grinch Cookies

These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, making holiday baking a joyful experience. They are easy to make and require simple ingredients, ensuring that even novice bakers can impress with their festive flair. Plus, the sweet minty flavor will have everyone reaching for seconds! You’ll find that they not only taste great but also bring everyone together, adding to the festive spirit.

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp Baking soda
• 1/4 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 1 Large egg, room temperature
• Green gel food dye (a couple drops, use Americolor for best results)
• Green sugar (for rolling the cookies)
• 17 Andes mints, chopped
• 16 Jumbo heart sprinkles

Preparing the Dough

Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by sifting together 1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. This dry mixture is important because it helps ensure an even rise and texture in your cookies, so set it aside for now.

Cream Butter and Sugar

Next, take a large bowl and combine 1/2 cup of melted and cooled unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of white granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1 large room-temperature egg. Then, add a couple of drops of green gel food coloring. Now whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended. You’ll love how vibrant and festive it starts to look!

Combine All Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to mix everything together gently until just combined. This helps keep the dough tender, so avoid overmixing as you fold it together.

Chill the Dough

Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Allow the dough to rest a bit while the oven warms. This chilling step helps to improve the texture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while they bake.

Adding the Minty Surprise

Prepare Andes Mints

While the oven is heating, go ahead and chop 17 Andes mints into small pieces. This minty surprise will give your Grinch Cookies that extra layer of flavor that everyone will love.

Scoop and Shape Cookies

Using a small 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out the dough. Create a small thumbprint in the center of each dough ball. Next, fill this indentation with the chopped mints, then carefully cover it with cookie dough. There’s no need for extra dough; just use what you have.

Roll in Green Sugar

Take each cookie ball and roll it in green sugar until fully coated. Then, place 12 cookie dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets, making sure to leave enough space between them for spreading during baking.

Baking the Cookies

Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. As soon as the cookies are out of the oven and still warm, gently press a jumbo heart sprinkle on top of each cookie. This adds that delightful finishing touch!

Cool and Enjoy

Next, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling process is crucial because it enhances their perfect texture and flavor. You can almost smell the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Grinch Cookies at holiday gatherings, along with glasses of milk or hot cocoa. They also make delightful gifts for friends and family when packed in festive tins. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is melted and cooled properly to avoid any greasiness in the cookies.
• Remember not to over-mix the dough once you’ve added the dry ingredients, as this can make them tough.
• Allow the cookies to cool on a rack to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Variations

• Mint Chocolate Grinch Cookies: Add chocolate chips alongside the Andes mints for an extra chocolatey flavor.
• Pineapple Grinch Cookies: Swap the Andes mints for chopped dried pineapple for a tropical twist!

Storage Tips

Keep these Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to protect against freezer burn.

Pairing Ideas

These festive cookies are fantastic when paired with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert bowl. Alternatively, serving them with a rich cup of coffee can balance out their sweetness perfectly.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, you can, but gel food coloring provides a more vibrant and consistent color.

2. How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Definitely! Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a storage bag for future baking.

4. What other toppings can I use instead of heart sprinkles?
Feel free to choose holiday-themed sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or even chocolate morsels for a different flair.

5. Are these cookies too sweet?
They strike a balance between mint and sweetness, but you can easily adjust the sugar to your liking.

These Grinch Cookies are a fun and festive addition to your holiday baking lineup! With their minty surprise and cheerful appearance, they are sure to spread joy throughout your home. Enjoy the smiles and festive cheer they bring!

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