Grinch Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe for Holiday Parties

Grinch Cookies are a festive holiday treat: soft, chewy green sugar cookies filled with a Hershey’s Kiss, dusted with powdered sugar and finished with a tiny red heart sprinkle. They’re playful, easy to make, and ideal for parties, cookie exchanges, or gift plates.

If you enjoy whimsical holiday desserts, try Strawberry Christmas Trees, Christmas Pinwheels, or Reindeer Pretzels for more seasonal inspiration.

Grinch Cookies Ingredients

You will need:

• 18 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
• 17.5 ounces Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 teaspoon green gel food coloring (gel recommended)
• 18 large red heart candy sprinkles

PRO TIP: Use gel food coloring—liquid dyes can change the dough’s texture. Common brands like Betty Crocker, Wilton, or Americolor work well. Gel colors often appear lighter after mixing, so add slightly more than you think you need to reach the desired shade.

Substitutions and Additions

Heart sprinkles: If you can’t find heart-shaped sprinkles, use Betty Crocker cinnamon imperials, cinnamon hearts, or a red M&M as an alternative. These options are commonly available in most grocery baking aisles.

How to Make Grinch Cookies

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a mini muffin pan with baking spray or line with paper liners and set aside.

STEP TWO: In a small bowl, whisk the egg and green gel food coloring with a fork until evenly combined. This helps distribute the color more uniformly in the dough.

STEP THREE: In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer on low, combine the sugar cookie mix, all-purpose flour, softened butter, and the egg mixture. Mix for 2 to 3 minutes until fully combined. The dough will be thick.

STEP FOUR: Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon scoop, portion dough and flatten each scoop into a 3-inch disc in your hand. Place a Hershey’s Kiss in the center, then pull the dough up around it and roll into a ball. Keep the Kiss upright when you place the dough into the mini muffin tin.

PRO TIP: Keeping the Hershey’s Kiss upright helps ensure it stays centered during baking and creates the best-looking cookie cup.

STEP FIVE: Arrange the filled dough balls in the prepared mini muffin tin with the Kiss still upright. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes—watch closely and remove them before the dough browns; you only want the centers fully set.

STEP SIX: As soon as the cookie cups come out of the oven, press one red heart sprinkle gently onto each cookie, slightly off-center to mimic the Grinch’s heart. Let the cookies cool in the tin for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Grinch Cookies

These cookies are perfect for a Grinch movie night, a themed holiday party, or any festive gathering. They make a playful addition to cookie platters and exchanges. Pair them with a green punch or adult Grinch-themed cocktails to complete the spread.

Storage

On the counter: Store baked Grinch cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

In the freezer: You can prepare the cookies ahead of time and freeze them unbaked. Leave the small red hearts off until after baking. Store unbaked cookie balls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw before baking.

Grinch Cookies are soft, green sugar cookies with a hidden chocolate center and a red heart accent—an easy, festive recipe to make and share during the holidays.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How should I store these Grinch cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.

Can I use different Hershey’s Kiss flavors?

Yes—any Hershey’s Kiss flavor works well inside these cookies and changes the taste subtly.

What can I use if I can’t find heart sprinkles?

Substitute with cinnamon imperials, small cinnamon hearts, or a red M&M as an easy alternative.

MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

• Blueberry Cookies
• Ooey Gooey Cookies
• Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Chocolate Kiss Cookies