When I think back to my childhood, one of my favorite memories involves baking cookies with my family during the holiday season. As Christmas approached, we gathered in the kitchen, filled with warmth and excitement. My mom always made a special batch of green cookies we famously called “Grinch Cookies.” They were not just cookies; they were a symbol of togetherness, laughter, and the joy of the season. The simple act of rolling the dough, baking it, and watching the vibrant green color come to life in the oven felt magical.

Now, when I make Easy Grinch Cookies for my own family, those memories come flooding back. The sweet aroma of baking cookies wraps around our home, creating a cozy atmosphere. Each bite brings back the joy of those past holidays. I love sharing these cookies because they embody the spirit of Christmas. Parents, kids, friends, or neighbors can enjoy them together. They are so fun and easy to make that anyone can join in!

Why Make This Recipe

Baking Easy Grinch Cookies is more than just preparing a sweet treat; it creates lasting memories. This recipe captures the heart of the holiday season, making it the perfect choice for family gatherings or festive parties. Each cookie adds a cheerful splash of color with its bright green hue and tasty M&M’s. Not only do these cookies look delightful, but they also taste incredible with a chewy texture and a hint of buttery goodness.

The biggest benefit of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Even if you are a beginner in the kitchen, you can easily create delicious cookies that will impress everyone. Plus, the ingredients are straightforward and accessible. You likely have most of them already at home! Additionally, you can customize the cookies with different candies or flavors to suit everyone’s tastes. This versatility is another reason why these cookies remain a family favorite every holiday season.

People will love these cookies for their unique look and fun colors. The bright green color paired with red and green M&M’s makes them a festive treat. Your family and friends will feel the joy that these cookies spread. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones or leaving out for Santa, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. So, let’s get started and make some delightful Easy Grinch Cookies!

How to Make Easy Grinch Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon green food coloring
1 cup red and green M&M’s

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and green food coloring.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet mixture.
Fold in the M&M’s.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

How to Serve Easy Grinch Cookies

Serving Easy Grinch Cookies can be as fun as making them! Here are a few delicious ideas to enhance your cookie experience:

Presentation: You can arrange the cookies on a festive platter with a sprinkling of powdered sugar on top. A few sprigs of holly or seasonal decorations can add a cheerful touch.
Temperature: These cookies taste great warm or at room temperature. If you want them gooey, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast of the warm cookie and the cold ice cream makes a delightful treat.
When to Serve: These cookies make a perfect addition to holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or even school events. They are also ideal for family gatherings during the festive season.
Pairing: To accompany your cookies, consider serving them with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa. The creamy and rich flavors complement the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
Gifting: You can also package these cookies in a cute tin and gift them to friends, neighbors, or teachers. They make thoughtful and festive gifts that spread cheer to those around you.

How to Store Easy Grinch Cookies

Storing Easy Grinch Cookies properly helps maintain their freshness and flavor. Here’s how to do it:

Container: Place the cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and chewy. You can also use plastic wrap or zip-top bags if you don’t have a container.
Room Temperature: If you keep them at room temperature, they can last for about a week. However, ensure they are stored in a cool dry spot, away from heat and moisture.
Refrigeration: If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, you can refrigerate them. They will last up to two weeks in the fridge. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature before serving to regain their softness and chewiness.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies! They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Texture Maintenance: To keep them chewy, avoid exposing them to air. Use parchment paper between layers of cookies in the container to help keep their shape and texture.

Tips to Make Easy Grinch Cookies

Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. Soften it by leaving it out for about 30 minutes. This helps create a light, fluffy texture in the dough.
Beat Well: When creaming the butter and sugars, beat them until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, making the cookies rise and become tender.
Don’t Overmix: When you add the flour mixture, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so be gentle during this step.
Chill the Dough: If you find the dough is too soft to manage, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and shape, leading to a more uniform cookie.
Pasta Roll vs. Tablespoon Drops: For a more uniform size, use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to measure the dough. This ensures even baking and a consistent appearance.
Customize the Candy: Feel free to swap out the M&M’s for other candies, like chocolate chips or nuts. You can even use colored sprinkles if you want a different festive look.
Don’t Forget to Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They should look slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when they are done.
Cooling Rack: Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks. This helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to handle without breaking.

Variation Ideas for Easy Grinch Cookies

Chocolate Version: Add cocoa powder to the flour mixture to create a chocolatey twist on your Easy Grinch Cookies. This change adds a rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the green food coloring for a fun contrast.
Minty Grinch Cookies: Add peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a minty flavor. This variation makes them perfect for the holiday season, giving your cookies a festive touch.
Nutty Grinch Cookies: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to add a nutty crunch. The nuts enhance the texture and provide a delicious contrast to the soft cookie.
No-Bake Grinch Cookies: Create a no-bake version by mixing peanut butter, oats, and green food coloring. Shape them into balls for a quick and easy treat that still captures the Grinch spirit.
Gluten-Free Grinch Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option. This way, everyone can enjoy the holiday cheer without worry.
Coconut Version: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist. This variation creates a delightful texture and complements the sweetness of the M&M’s.

FAQs of Easy Grinch Cookies

1. Can I freeze Easy Grinch Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies! Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven when you are ready to eat.

2. What can I use instead of green food coloring?
If you prefer not to use food coloring, consider using matcha powder for a natural green color. Just remember to adjust the amount of flour slightly to accommodate the matcha. It will add a unique flavor and color to your cookies.

3. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
To prevent spreading, chill the dough before baking. The butter in the dough will firm up, which helps maintain the cookie shape while they bake. Additionally, ensure you measure your flour correctly to avoid adding too little, which can lead to spreading.

4. How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Easy Grinch Cookies can last about a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks.

5. Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you are ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

6. Are Easy Grinch Cookies suitable for kids to help make?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for kids to help with, especially the mixing and adding M&M’s. They will enjoy measuring, mixing, and shaping the cookies into fun shapes. It’s a great way to create memories together in the kitchen while having fun!

Easy Grinch Cookies

Author: imrane
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightful and festive cookies with a vibrant green color, perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon green food coloring
1 cup red and green M&M’s

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and green food coloring.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet mixture.
Fold in the M&M’s.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cookies, holiday, Grinch cookies, festive treats, easy baking