A Sweet Treat for the Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, baking becomes one of the most heartwarming activities to bring families together. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering, a cozy movie night, or looking for an engaging activity with the kids, these Grinch Cookies are the perfect choice. Featuring the delightful combination of mint and chocolate chips, these cookies are a tribute to the whimsical and mischievous spirit of the Grinch—minus the grumpiness! Perfectly chewy, vibrant green, and dotted with chocolate chips, they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Let’s dive into how to make these charming cookies that are as fun to bake as they are to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kid-Friendly: The bright green color and Grinch-themed design make these cookies a hit with kids.

Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or easy to find at the store.
Festive Flavor: Mint and chocolate are a classic holiday pairing that everyone loves.
Customizable: Add your unique touch with different toppings or mix-ins (more on that later!).

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened

½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp peppermint extract
Green food coloring

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Red heart-shaped sprinkles (optional, for the Grinch’s “growing heart” theme)

Grinch Cookies – Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these cookies, you’ll need:

Mixing bowls (small, medium, and large)
Measuring cups and spoons
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer

Rubber spatula
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Cooling rack

Directions

click here to see how you can make it Easy Grinch Cookies

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring. Adjust the green food coloring until the desired vibrant hue is achieved.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips (and red heart-shaped sprinkles, if using).
Scoop and Shape: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This ensures a soft and chewy texture.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips and Tricks

Chilling the Dough: If you have extra time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies retain their shape and enhances their flavor.

Adjusting Mint Flavor: For a stronger mint flavor, add an extra ½ tsp of peppermint extract. For a milder taste, use just ½ tsp.
Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works best as it provides a vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency.
Mix-In Variations: Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or Andes mint baking chips for a unique twist.

Storing Leftovers

These cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for gifting or enjoying later:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pairings

Beverages: Serve with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or a warm peppermint mocha.
Other Treats: Pair these cookies with a platter of classic sugar cookies or gingerbread men for a festive dessert spread.

FAQ

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure other ingredients, like chocolate chips, are also gluten-free.

Can I use a different extract?
Absolutely. Swap peppermint extract with almond or orange extract for a different flavor profile.

What if I don’t have green food coloring?
You can leave the cookies uncolored or try using matcha powder for a natural green hue.

How can I make them vegan?
Replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative, the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Conclusion

These Grinch Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Easy to make, visually stunning, and irresistibly delicious, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying on a cozy winter evening, these cookies bring a touch of holiday magic to your kitchen.

If you love this recipe, don’t keep it a secret! Share it with your friends and family and help spread the joy of baking. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes, festive ideas, and kitchen inspiration. Happy baking!