Grinch Cookies

These Grinch cookies are festive green sugar cookies with a surprise chocolate center and a tiny red heart on top. I love how they bring holiday cheer to the table with both their playful look and delicious taste. They’re quick to make, fun to share, and perfect for spreading a little seasonal magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how simple these cookies are to prepare, yet they look like I spent hours in the kitchen. The bright green color makes them stand out on any holiday dessert table, while the hidden chocolate center gives every bite a sweet surprise. I also enjoy that these cookies can be made ahead of time, making them great for busy holiday schedules. The little red heart is such a charming finishing touch, and it always gets compliments.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Hershey’s Kisses
• Sugar cookie mix
• All-purpose flour
• Egg
• Unsalted butter
• Green gel food coloring
• Heart candy sprinkles

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, I mix the egg with green gel food coloring until it blends evenly.
3. In a larger bowl, I combine the cookie mix, flour, butter, and the egg mixture until a soft dough forms.
4. I take a small piece of dough, flatten it, and wrap it around a Hershey’s Kiss to fully cover the chocolate.
5. I place the dough balls into a mini muffin tin, leaving a little space between each.
6. I bake them for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges look slightly golden.
7. While still warm, I press a tiny heart candy sprinkle on top of each cookie and let them cool on a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 18 cookies. It takes only 5 minutes to prep and about 10 minutes to bake, so in just 15 minutes I have a festive batch ready to enjoy.

Variations

• I sometimes swap the Hershey’s Kisses with other chocolate candies like Rolos or peanut butter cups for a different surprise center.
• For a softer texture, I add a spoonful of cream cheese to the dough mixture.
• If I want extra holiday flair, I roll the dough balls in red or white sanding sugar before baking.
• For a peppermint twist, I use candy cane Kisses instead of classic milk chocolate.

storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I need them to last longer, I freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, I let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the chocolate center.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

I like to chill the dough balls for about 20 minutes before baking, which helps them hold their shape.

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of a mix?

Absolutely, I use my favorite sugar cookie recipe when I have time—it works just as well.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

I bake them on a regular cookie sheet, but I make sure to space them out and keep an eye on the baking time.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

I prefer gel because it gives a vibrant green without thinning the dough, but liquid coloring works if I use a bit more flour.

Conclusion

I love how these Grinch cookies bring fun and flavor to the holidays with minimal effort. The chewy sugar cookie, the hidden chocolate surprise, and the sweet heart on top make them both whimsical and delicious. Whether I’m baking for a party, a cookie swap, or just a cozy night in, these cookies never fail to impress and spread a little holiday joy.

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