Get into the holiday spirit with Grinch Cookies! Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right amount of sweetness. Quick, easy, and perfect for sharing.
There’s something irresistibly fun about baking Grinch™ cookies.
These bright green, buttery treats are just the right amount of quirky for the holiday season.
With a soft, slightly crumbly texture and a mellow sweetness from sweetened condensed milk, they’re as delicious as they are eye-catching.
And those red heart sprinkles? The perfect nod to everyone’s favorite green curmudgeon finding his Christmas spirit.
I love making these cookies because they’re simple, quick, and always a hit at parties.
Plus, they’re customizable. You can play with the shade of green or tweak the decorations to fit your vibe.
Whether you’re baking with kids or prepping for a holiday cookie exchange, these cookies are a guaranteed conversation starter.
And trust me, they’re easier to make than they look.
Sweetened condensed milk is my secret ingredient for these cookies. It replaces the egg and makes them so crisp on the outside and soft and tender inside.
Bringing them to a Christmas cookie exchange? Be sure to also bring a few batches of Peanut Butter M&M Cookies, Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, or Lorna Doone Cookies!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and simple, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- The cookies are soft, buttery, and subtly sweet—a crowd-pleaser.
- The recipe uses common ingredients you probably already have.
- They’re customizable, from color to decorations.
- They’re festive and perfect for holiday parties or gifts.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk works beautifully in this recipe because it serves as both a sweetener and a binder, eliminating the need for eggs.
Its high sugar content and thick, creamy texture help provide moisture and richness to the cookies while contributing to their melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Without eggs, the dough is slightly less sticky, which makes it easier to handle and roll into neat, even-sized balls.
The Grinch
These cookies are inspired by the vibrant green color and whimsical heart imagery associated with the Grinch™ character from Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
In the story, The Grinch has a too-small-heart. So these Grinch-green cookies have one single red heart sprinkle.
They’re a fun, festive treat perfect for holiday baking. And perfect for when you watch the film!
Disclaimer: This recipe is inspired by the beloved character The Grinch™, created by Dr. Seuss. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Dr. Seuss Enterprises. All trademarks, copyrights, and character rights belong to their respective owners.
Ingredients
You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough. Ensure it’s measured accurately for the best results.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This provides moisture and a unique sweetness. Substitute with cream and sugar if needed, but the flavor will differ.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and softness to the cookies. Use room-temperature butter for easier mixing.
- Sugar: Just enough to sweeten without overpowering. You can use granulated or superfine sugar for a smoother texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor. Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
- Green Gel Food Coloring: Gives the cookies their signature Grinch-green hue. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired intensity.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a tender texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (for icing): Creates a smooth, sweet drizzle.
- Milk (for icing): Thins the icing to a drizzle consistency.
- Red Heart Sprinkles: Adds the final, festive touch. Any small red sprinkle or decoration can work as a substitute.
See the recipe card for quantities and method.
How to make Grinch Cookies
Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Add the butter and sugar to a mixing bowl and cream together by beating with an electric mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
Add the condensed milk and vanilla and beat again.
In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and salt together.
Then beat it into the butter mixture, a little at a time.
Mix in a few drops of green gel food colouring to reach the desired colour.
Roll teaspoon-sized balls of the grinch cookie dough and place them onto the prepared cookie sheets. Press each one down slightly with the heel of your hand.
Place the cookie sheets in the oven and bake the cookies at 350°F/180°C for 8-10 minutes or until they just begin to turn slightly golden, but don’t overbake them.
For the icing, mix the powdered sugar and milk together until smooth, then mix in a few drops of green gel food colouring to get your desired colour. Drizzle over the completely cooled grinch cookies, and add a heart sprinkle to each cookie.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk.
- Serve on a holiday cookie platter with other festive treats.
- Pair with hot cocoa for a cozy snack.
- Package in clear bags for edible gifts. Add some Rum Balls Without Rum!
- Serve alongside coffee or tea for a mid-afternoon treat. Or serve with Peppermint Hot Chocolate.
- Add them to a dessert charcuterie board.
- Bring them to a school or office party.
- Use as a fun addition to a Christmas movie night.
- Include them in a holiday bake sale.
- Serve them for milk and cookies for Santa!
Variations
- Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a minty twist.
- Replace the green coloring with red or blue for other themes.
- Add mini white chocolate chips.
- Roll the dough in powdered sugar before baking for a crinkle effect.
- Use lemon extract instead of vanilla for a citrusy flavor.
- Mix in finely crushed candy canes for extra crunch.
- Top with cream cheese frosting instead of icing.
- Use star-shaped sprinkles instead of hearts for a different festive vibe.
More Cookie Recipes
Recipe Tips
Be sure to subscribe to my free Newsletter and follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty recipes!
📖 Recipe
Grinch Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature 115g
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk 100g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food colouring
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour (plain flour) 180g
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
To Decorate
- ½ cup powdered icing sugar 100g
- 3 teaspoons milk
- Green gel food colouring
- Red heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C. Line cookie sheets with baking parchment paper.
- Add the butter and sugar to a mixing bowl and cream together by beating with an electric mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the condensed milk and vanilla and beat again.
- In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and salt together. Then beat it into the butter mixture, a little at a time.
- Mix in a few drops of green gel food colouring to reach the desired colour.
- Roll teaspoon-sized balls of the grinch cookie dough and place them onto the prepared cookie sheets. Press each one down slightly with the heel of your hand.
- Place the cookie sheets in the oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until they just begin to turn slightly golden, but don’t overbake them. Allow the cookies to cool on the trays for 5 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the icing, mix the powdered sugar and milk together until smooth, then mix in a few drops of green gel food colouring to get your desired colour. Drizzle over the completely cooled grinch cookies, and add a heart sprinkle to each cookie.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Comments
No Comments