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My Grinch Sugar Cookies have become our most treasured holiday tradition. I created them for my kids' school Christmas party and now we can't imagine December without them. The way their faces light up when they press those little red hearts into the warm green cookies is pure magic. It's like watching the Grinch's heart grow three sizes right in our kitchen.
Quick Holiday Magic
What's wonderful about these cookies is how simple they are to whip up. No waiting around for dough to chill means we can have fresh warm cookies in under 30 minutes. That bright green color makes everyone smile and the chewy texture keeps them coming back for more.
What You'll Need
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted, for rich flavor and easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar: ⅔ cup for sweetness, plus extra for rolling the dough balls.
- Egg Yolks: 2 large, for chewy texture and structure.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, for warm, sweet flavor.
- Green Gel Food Coloring: 3-5 drops, for the perfect Grinchy green hue.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1⅓ cups, for the cookie base.
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon, for light puffiness.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon, to balance sweetness.
- Red Heart Sprinkles: 1 per cookie, for a festive touch.
Let's Make Some Grinch Magic
- Get Ready
- Start with your oven preheating and your baking sheet ready to go.
- Mix Your Base
- Stir together that melted butter sugar egg yolks and vanilla until they're smooth and happy.
- Add the Grinch Color
- Drop in your green food coloring until you get that perfect Grinchy shade.
- Make Your Dough
- Mix in the flour and other dry ingredients until everything comes together.
- Shape and Sugar
- Roll your dough into balls give them a sparkly sugar coating.
- Time to Bake
- Let them puff up in the oven until they're just right.
- Add Those Hearts
- Press in those sweet red hearts right when they come out they'll grow three sizes for sure.
Make Them Your Own
Sometimes we roll them in green sparkling sugar for extra sparkle or add a tiny drop of peppermint extract to make them extra festive. The kids love experimenting with different sprinkles but those red hearts are still our favorite.
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Keep Them Fresh
These cookies stay soft and chewy for days in an airtight container. I love keeping frozen dough balls ready to bake whenever we need a quick batch of holiday cheer.
Holiday Joy
These Grinch cookies bring so much happiness to our holiday season. Watching little hands press those hearts into warm cookies and seeing smiles spread when people spot them on the cookie tray makes my heart grow three sizes too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why only egg yolks?
- Using only yolks creates a richer, more tender cookie. The fat in the yolks helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
- Yes, either freeze the dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Add 1-2 minutes to baking time if cooking from frozen.
- → When should I add the heart sprinkle?
- Add the heart sprinkle immediately after baking while cookies are still warm. This ensures the sprinkle adheres properly to the cookie.
- → How do I get the best green color?
- Use gel food coloring rather than liquid for more vibrant color. Add drops gradually until you achieve your desired shade of Grinch green.
- → How long do these keep?
- They stay fresh up to 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container. No refrigeration needed due to high sugar content.
Conclusion
These festive holiday cookies are designed to capture the whimsical spirit of the Grinch.With their vibrant green color and adorable red heart details, they're a perfect treat for spreading Christmas cheer.