Introduction
Green Grinch Cookies are the perfect treat to get you in the holiday spirit. With their bright green color and festive M&Ms, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any Christmas party. The inspiration behind this recipe is the beloved Dr. Seuss character, the Grinch, who’s heart grows three sizes after experiencing the joy of Christmas.
The Christmas Grinch Cookies recipe is a fun and easy way to celebrate the holiday season. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors, along with the crunch of M&Ms, makes for a delicious treat that’s perfect for snacking or gift-giving.
Whether you’re a fan of the Grinch or just looking for a new holiday cookie recipe, this one is sure to become a favorite. So, let’s get started and make some Green Grinch Cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out from other cookie recipes due to its unique features, such as the bright green color and the use of M&Ms. The cookies are also easy to prepare and fun to make, making them a great activity for the whole family to enjoy during the holiday season.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s perfect for holiday baking. The cookies are easy to make and can be customized with different M&M colors to match your holiday theme. Plus, they’re perfect for snacking on while watching your favorite holiday movies or attending holiday parties.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and delicious holiday cookie recipe, look no further than the Green Grinch Cookies recipe. With its unique features and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a new holiday tradition. You can also check out our other holiday cookie recipes, such as Soft Christmas Cookies or No-Bake Christmas Treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3-5 drops bright green food coloring
- 3 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cup red and green M&Ms, plus additional ½ cup for topping cookies (if desired)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
When it comes to the ingredients, there are a few substitutions you can make if you don’t have something on hand. For example, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted, just be sure to omit the additional salt called for in the recipe.
You can also use different types of extract, such as almond or peppermint, to give the cookies a unique flavor. And, if you don’t have bright green food coloring, you can use a combination of yellow and blue to achieve a similar color.
One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the M&Ms. They add a fun pop of color and a burst of chocolatey flavor to the cookies. You can use different colors of M&Ms to match your holiday theme, or you can use a combination of colors to create a fun and festive look.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Combine butter and sugar in a large bowl and use an electric mixer to beat until well-combined and light and fluffy (about 1 minute).
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and food coloring, until well-combined.
- Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Stir dry ingredients into butter mixture using a low-speed mixer, until well-incorporated.
- Fold in M&M candies, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Drop cookie dough by heaping 1 ½ Tbsp-sized scoops onto a prepared cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until lightly golden, then gently press additional M&Ms into the tops of each cookie for decoration while they are still warm.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on the cookie sheet before removing.
Visual Guide & Tips
As you’re making the cookies, be sure to keep an eye on them as they bake. You want to take them out of the oven when they’re lightly golden, as this will help them retain their soft and chewy texture.
Also, be sure to press the additional M&Ms into the tops of the cookies while they’re still warm, as this will help them stick. And, if you want to get really creative, you can use different colors of M&Ms to create fun and festive designs on top of the cookies. For more ideas, check out our Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
One of the most common issues people have when making cookies is that they spread too much during baking. To prevent this, be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, and use a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch to help the cookies retain their shape.
Another issue people may have is that their cookies don’t turn out the right color. To achieve the perfect green color, be sure to use bright green food coloring and mix it in well with the other ingredients. You can also add a little bit of yellow food coloring to help the green color pop.
Some other tips to keep in mind when making these cookies include using high-quality ingredients, such as real butter and pure vanilla extract, and not overmixing the dough. This will help the cookies retain their tender texture and delicious flavor.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making these cookies:
- Overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough cookies
- Not chilling the dough long enough, which can cause the cookies to spread too much
- Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the cookies
By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can create delicious and festive Green Grinch Cookies that are perfect for the holiday season.
Storage & Freezing
Once the cookies are cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months, which is perfect for making ahead of time for holiday parties or gift-giving.
To freeze the cookies, simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.
FAQs
Here are some common questions people have when making Green Grinch Cookies:
- Q: Can I use different colors of M&Ms to match my holiday theme?
- A: Yes, you can use different colors of M&Ms to match your holiday theme. Simply substitute the red and green M&Ms with the colors of your choice.
- Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time and freeze them?
- A: Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time and freeze them for up to 2 months. Simply place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer.
- Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
- A: Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted, just be sure to omit the additional salt called for in the recipe.
- Q: How do I achieve the perfect green color?
- A: To achieve the perfect green color, be sure to use bright green food coloring and mix it in well with the other ingredients. You can also add a little bit of yellow food coloring to help the green color pop.
- Q: Can I use different types of extract, such as almond or peppermint?
- A: Yes, you can use different types of extract, such as almond or peppermint, to give the cookies a unique flavor.
Conclusion
Green Grinch Cookies are a fun and delicious holiday treat that’s perfect for snacking or gift-giving. With their bright green color and festive M&Ms, they’re sure to be a hit at any holiday party.
By following the tips and tricks outlined in this recipe, you can create delicious and festive Green Grinch Cookies that are perfect for the holiday season. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media using the hashtag #EvasRecipes!
Did you make this? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes! I’d love to see your creations and hear about your experience with the recipe.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Combine butter and sugar in a large bowl and use an electric mixer to beat until well-combined and light and fluffy (about 1 minute).
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and food coloring, until well-combined.
- Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Stir dry ingredients into butter mixture using a low-speed mixer, until well-incorporated.
- Fold in M&M candies, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Drop cookie dough by heaping 1 ½ Tbsp-sized scoops onto a prepared cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until lightly golden, then gently press additional M&Ms into the tops of each cookie for decoration while they are still warm.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on the cookie sheet before removing.