Crinkly Grinch Cookies: Easy Recipe for the Holidays

If you’re looking for a fun and festive cookie to add to your holiday baking lineup, look no further than Crinkly Grinch Cookies! These cheerful green crinkle cookies are not only irresistibly cute, but they also taste delicious, making them the perfect addition to your Christmas cookie platter. With their soft, cakey texture and a minty twist, these cookies will surely be a hit with family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love Crinkly Grinch Cookies

Crinkly Grinch Cookies are the perfect combination of fun, flavor, and festive charm. These cookies are quick and easy to make, with a short prep time of just 15 minutes and a bake time of 8 minutes. They’re also incredibly versatile, making them suitable for various occasions such as holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a delightful homemade gift. Their vibrant green color, combined with a pop of heart-shaped sprinkles, creates a visually stunning treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Not only do these cookies have a striking appearance, but they also boast a light, cakey texture that’s a delightful departure from more traditional cookie varieties. The addition of mint extract brings a refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with the sugary sweetness of the cookies. Plus, their crinkly top adds a bit of nostalgia, reminding you of the Grinch himself!

Ingredients for Crinkly Grinch Cookies

Before we dive into the baking process, here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need for these Grinchy treats. Each ingredient contributes to the texture, flavor, or festive appeal of the cookies:

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookies’ crisp outer layer.
• Unsalted butter: Gives richness and moisture to the dough.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help with structure.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
• Mint extract: Adds a refreshing minty taste (optional, but highly recommended!).
• Green gel food coloring: Gives the cookies their signature Grinch green color.
• Heart-shaped sprinkles: For a fun and festive touch on top of each cookie.
• Powdered sugar (optional): For rolling the cookie dough for an extra sugary crunch.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for a variation, here are some ingredient swaps you can try:

• Peppermint extract: If you love the flavor of peppermint more than mint, swap the mint extract for peppermint extract, starting with half a teaspoon and adjusting to taste.
• Butter substitutes: You can substitute unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or margarine for a dairy-free option.
• Flour alternatives: If you’re gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crinkly Grinch Cookies

Ready to get baking? Follow these simple steps to make your own batch of Crinkly Grinch Cookies.

1. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the wet ingredients: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and mint extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined.
4. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Slowly add half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Once incorporated, add the rest of the dry ingredients and continue mixing until the dough begins to form, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the green color: Drop 4 drops of green gel food coloring into the dough and mix until the color is fully integrated. Adjust the color by adding more food coloring as desired.
6. Form the cookie dough balls: Use a medium cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons) to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball using your hands, then place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly (about 6 per sheet).
7. Add sugar coating: Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar or powdered sugar for extra sweetness and a festive touch.
8. Bake the cookies: Bake at 375°F for 8 minutes or until the cookies have started to crinkle. They will continue to set as they cool.
9. Top with heart sprinkles: As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, gently press a heart-shaped sprinkle into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Crinkly Grinch Cookies

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly, here are a few helpful tips:

• Mix the dough well: The dough may look crumbly at first, but continue mixing for a few minutes, and it will come together. The final dough should be slightly soft and the consistency of playdough.

• Shape the dough balls evenly: Rolling the dough between your hands ensures uniform size and a consistent crinkly texture when baked. Skip this step, and your cookies might come out puffier and less uniform.

• Press the heart sprinkles gently: When placing the heart sprinkles on top of the cookies, do so gently to avoid making them look too pressed down. If you’re worried about getting them in the right place, press them in after the cookies have cooled slightly.

• Don’t skip the chilling step: If you prefer a thicker, more defined crinkle, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and baking.

Variations and Pairing Ideas for Crinkly Grinch Cookies

These Crinkly Grinch Cookies are highly versatile. Here are a few fun ways to enjoy them:

• Gluten-free version: Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

• Peppermint twist: If you enjoy peppermint, substitute the mint extract with peppermint extract for an extra holiday flavor boost.

• Decorative touches: For an even more festive look, roll the cookie dough in both granulated sugar and powdered sugar. This creates a snowy effect and adds a sweet crunch.

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a glass of milk for the ultimate holiday treat. They’re also perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or as an Instagram-worthy gift for friends and family.

Why These Grinch Cookies Are the Perfect Holiday Treat

Crinkly Grinch Cookies are not just adorable but also a delightful addition to any Christmas spread. Their soft texture and minty flavor make them a refreshing break from traditional sugar cookies, and the green color adds a pop of festive cheer. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting them to loved ones, or simply indulging in a festive treat at home, these cookies are sure to spread holiday joy.

Conclusion

Crinkly Grinch Cookies are the perfect way to spread some festive cheer this holiday season. With their vibrant green color, delightful crinkly texture, and minty flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, holiday gift tins, or simply for your own enjoyment, these cookies are easy to make, fun to decorate, and absolutely delicious. So gather your ingredients and start baking—these Grinch cookies are bound to become a favorite holiday tradition!

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More Relevant Recipes

• Apple Cider Cookies: Fall Treats: These Apple Cider Cookies offer a sweet and spiced flavor, perfect for the fall season. With a comforting blend of cinnamon and apple, they are reminiscent of the cozy vibes that Crinkly Grinch Cookies bring during the holidays.
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: Fall Cookie Recipe: If you’re a fan of soft and chewy cookies, these Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are a must-try. Infused with the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, they share the same cakey texture and festive appeal as Crinkly Grinch Cookies, making them ideal for holiday baking.
• Pumpkin Fluff Dip: 4-Ingredient Fall Dessert: This simple and delicious Pumpkin Fluff Dip is a creamy, sweet dessert that pairs beautifully with cookies like Crinkly Grinch Cookies. Its light and airy texture, combined with the warm pumpkin flavor, makes it a perfect accompaniment to your holiday cookie spread.

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