Festive Christmas Grinch Cookies with Peppermint Flavor

These Festive Christmas Grinch Cookies bring the magic of the holidays to your kitchen with their vibrant green color, delightful peppermint flavor, and adorable heart-shaped sprinkles that make them a perfect treat for Christmas. Easy to make and fun to decorate, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite this season. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing holiday goodies for friends, these Grinch-inspired cookies are a festive addition to your Christmas celebration.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 egg
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• Green food coloring
• Red heart sprinkles
• White candy melts

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the peppermint extract and egg to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well to combine.
4. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Add green food coloring to the dough and mix until the desired vibrant green color is achieved.
6. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to space them about 2 inches apart.
7. Gently press a red heart sprinkle into the center of each cookie to represent the Grinch’s “heart.”
8. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, melt the white candy melts according to package instructions, and drizzle the melted candy over the top of each cookie to create the Grinch’s signature “fur.”

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30-32 minutes

Variations

• Mint Chocolate Chips: For an extra burst of mint flavor, add a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped mint chocolate pieces to the dough.
• Color Variations: While green is a perfect Grinch-inspired color, you can experiment with other colors for different occasions. Use red for a holiday-themed cookie or pastel shades for Easter.
• Different Toppings: Instead of red heart sprinkles, use small candy cane pieces, or even edible glitter to give your cookies a different look.

Storage/Reheating

Store these Grinch cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to stay extra fresh, you can store them in the refrigerator. For long-term storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe by half.
2. Can I use a different type of extract? Yes, if you don’t have peppermint extract, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
3. Do I have to use food coloring? No, food coloring is optional. If you prefer, you can skip it, and the cookies will still taste just as delicious.
4. Can I freeze the dough before baking? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake as directed.
5. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, these cookies can be made a day ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
6. Can I use regular sprinkles instead of heart-shaped ones? Absolutely! You can use any type of sprinkles you like. Red, green, or gold sprinkles would also be festive alternatives.
7. What if I don’t have white candy melts? You can substitute white chocolate chips or even powdered sugar glaze if you don’t have candy melts on hand.
8. Are these cookies chewy or crunchy? These cookies are slightly chewy on the inside with a soft, tender texture. If you prefer them crispier, bake them for an extra minute or two.
9. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, the dough can be made in advance. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
10. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

Conclusion

These Festive Christmas Grinch Cookies with Peppermint Flavor are a fun and flavorful holiday treat that will add a dash of whimsy to your Christmas celebrations. With their delicious minty flavor, vibrant green color, and adorable heart sprinkles, they are a perfect choice for cookie exchanges, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with family during the holiday season. Easy to make and even more fun to decorate, these cookies will bring plenty of smiles and festive cheer to your home.

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