I absolutely have to tell you about my all-time favorite holiday treat—Grinch Crinkle Cookies. The very first time I made these green crinkle cookies, the kitchen smelled like Christmas itself. You know that feeling when you pull a batch of warm, powdered sugar crinkles from the oven and the house instantly feels cozy and festive? That’s the magic of Grinch Crinkle Cookies for me. I discovered this recipe a few years ago when I wanted to mix up my usual holiday cookie lineup with something playful and bright. Honestly, my family has declared these green crinkle cookies a holiday superstar, and once they’re around, everyone starts asking when the next batch will be ready.
I’ll admit, it wasn’t love at first attempt. The first time I tried making these holiday festive cookies, I did not roll the dough properly in powdered sugar, and the signature crinkle effect was pretty lackluster. Classic kitchen mishap! But I kept tweaking the recipe, learning how to chill the dough just right and to roll it generously in powdered sugar for maximum crackle effect. Now, I feel like I have the Grinch Crinkle Cookies down to an art. They fit so well into our busy family life—easy to whip up in an afternoon, fun for the kids to help with, and guaranteed to bring out smiles at any holiday gathering.
If you’ve been looking for a cookie that packs joyful green color and a festive crunch wrapped in a sweet powdered sugar shell, then I encourage you to try these Grinch Crinkle Cookies. I promise, once you taste that chewy, chocolatey center peeking through the festive crinkles, you’ll be hooked, just like me. And if you’re curious about other holiday cookie recipes that bring a little something extra to your cookie plate, you should take a peek at some of the creative twists I’ve found, like Homemade Grinch Crinkle Cookies by Monica Nedeff or even the lively ideas shared by cookie lovers in this Facebook group. Trust me, these Grinch Crinkle Cookies have a way of turning holiday baking into a joyful tradition.
Ingredients:
Gathering your ingredients for these Grinch Crinkle Cookies is part of the fun—I always find that using high-quality items really makes a difference. Here’s what I use every time I make these green crinkle cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (I like to sift it for a softer texture)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed for deep chocolate flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (light flavor works best here)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (fresh is always better)
- Green food coloring (about 1 tablespoon; gel food coloring works best to keep dough tips moist)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for those lovely powdered sugar crinkles when rolling)
I always keep a container of Dutch-processed cocoa powder in my pantry specifically for these Grinch Crinkle Cookies. You can find it in most grocery stores with the baking goods, but if you’re ever unsure, sometimes the online baking aisles offer better brands. Here’s a little trick I picked up from my mom—she taught me to mix the food coloring in gradually until I reach the perfect, festive green. No one wants a dull cookie! And about those powdered sugar crinkles—don’t skimp on rolling your dough balls generously; it’s key for that signature holiday look.
If you’re juggling time during holiday cookie recipes season (aren’t we all?), you can actually prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. This makes the dough more manageable and makes your cookie-making day a little smoother. Plus, I save cereal bag twist ties to seal my flour and cocoa powder bags tight, helping keep ingredients fresher if I don’t use them all at once. It’s a simple way to avoid baking disasters like stale cocoa powder or flour clumps in your dough.
Also, if you love variations, you can swap a portion of the vegetable oil for melted butter for a richer taste. Personally, I find vegetable oil keeps these green crinkle cookies wonderfully moist and tender. For more ingredient inspiration, check out this helpful guide on Grinch Crinkle Cookies tips from Stress Baking.
How to Make – Step-by-Step:
Alright, let’s get down to business—making these Grinch Crinkle Cookies is easier than you might think, and baking them with the family is always a hoot. Here’s my step-by-step guide that I follow every time:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. I find it helps keep the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the dry ingredients mix evenly and your cookies come out nice and soft. I learned the hard way the first time I didn’t sift—the texture was off.
- In a large bowl, beat the sugar and oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing fully after each. Stir in the vanilla extract, then add your green food coloring in little by little until you achieve that vibrant green perfect for holiday festive cookies.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until just incorporated. Don’t overmix or your green crinkle cookies might turn out tough. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s overly sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes—this also makes rolling easier.
- While your dough is chilling, prep your powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Trust me, you’ll want plenty to cover your dough balls generously for those classic powdered sugar crinkles.
- Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop dough, then roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar, pressing slightly so they’re thoroughly coated. This is a step you don’t want to skip! The snowy coating is what makes these Grinch Crinkle Cookies so charming.
- Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets, then bake for about 10-12 minutes. You want them just set on the edges but still tender in the center. Your kitchen will smell like holiday magic—rich chocolate and a hint of vanilla.
- Once baked, cool the cookies on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. I find if you remove them too soon, they can fall apart, and no one wants that.
A few more tips from my experience: Don’t worry if some cookies crack a bit more or less—that’s part of their charm! Watching kids roll dough in powdered sugar is one of my favorite holiday activities, and honestly, it’s kind of meditative for me, too. While the Grinch Crinkle Cookies bake, I usually tidy up or start prepping for the next batch, cups of hot cocoa nearby.
If you want to see some technique pictures and troubleshooting advice, Stress Baking’s Grinch Crinkle Cookies offers great visuals that align perfectly with these steps. And for more chocolate cookie fun, my favorite chewy fudge cookies recipe is a must-try; it’s a great companion for your holiday cookie trays and you can check it out here.
Serving:
When it’s time to serve these Grinch Crinkle Cookies, the fun really begins. My family loves munching on these green crinkle cookies alongside warm drinks like hot chocolate and cinnamon-spiced apple cider—the way those flavors mingle with the cocoa is pure holiday bliss. The cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just an everyday festive treat in December.
I like to arrange them on a pretty platter with a dusting of extra powdered sugar on top, sometimes with a sprig of fresh rosemary or pine nearby for a fun holiday vibe. Presentation makes a difference: even simple homemade cookies like these Grinch Crinkle Cookies feel extra special when served on beautiful plates or in holiday tins.
One of my favorite ways to reuse leftover Grinch Crinkle Cookies is making cookie ice cream sandwiches; sandwich some vanilla or peppermint ice cream between two cookies for a chilly pop of holiday fun. Another idea is crumbling the cookies as a festive topping on vanilla or chocolate pudding—it adds a wonderful texture and holiday festive cookie flair.
Seasonally, I’ve tinkered with adding peppermint extract to the dough or swapping green food coloring for red to create a chocolate crinkle cookie that’s just as festive but a little different, especially fun closer to Valentine’s Day. The kids love those variations too!
Every year, when I pull out a batch of these Grinch Crinkle Cookies, my friends are quick to ask for the recipe, and I can’t blame them. If you want to offer guests a cookie that looks as cheerful as it tastes, this recipe is a winner. And for a bit of extra festive cookie inspiration, you might enjoy these delightful raspberry cheesecake thumbprint cookies I bake once in a while—here’s the recipe in case you want to mix things up along with your Grinch Crinkle Cookies Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies.
FAQs:
Absolutely! I always make the dough a day ahead and keep it covered tightly in the fridge—it actually makes rolling the dough into green crinkle cookies easier and improves flavor. Just remember to let the dough sit at room temperature a few minutes before scooping.
The trick is really in the powdered sugar roll and chilling. I learned the hard way that insufficient powdered sugar means less dramatic crackles. Also chilling the dough before baking helps. If your powdered sugar is old or clumpy, it won’t coat well, so make sure it’s fresh and sifted.
You can! I’ve tried both—vegetable oil keeps the green crinkle cookies moist and tender, but butter adds richness. Just melt the butter and cool it before blending. Expect slightly different texture, but still delicious!
Store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week, or freeze for longer. If frozen, let thaw completely before serving to keep those beautiful powdered sugar crinkles intact.
You can, but gel food coloring really gives the best vibrant green without adding too much liquid. My sister once used spinach powder for green, but the color came out muted and flavor changed—so for Grinch Crinkle Cookies, I stick with gel.
I’ve tried swapping in a gluten-free flour blend with good success, though the texture is a bit different—denser but still tasty. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add a bit for structure.
Yes! Think of Grinch Crinkle Cookies as a festive twist on traditional chocolate crinkle cookies—instead of classic chocolate dough, we brighten it with holiday green, but you still get that fudgy, cracked exterior. If you love chocolate crinkle cookies, you’ll adore these!
If you’re interested in other variations and tips, check out this lively conversation with cookie enthusiasts in this Facebook group sharing Christmas cookie ideas, it’s a treasure trove of advice on Grinch Crinkle Cookies and other holiday festive cookies.
My Final Thoughts:
These Grinch Crinkle Cookies aren’t just festive treats; they’re memories baking in the oven. They hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of cozy afternoons spent with family—even the moments when a batch didn’t quite turn out, which they often didn’t, at first! But those failures taught me so much about baking patience and the joy of holiday baking traditions.
My Grinch Crinkle Cookies Pro Tips:
– Always chill your dough before rolling it in powdered sugar for that perfect crinkle effect.
– Use gel food coloring to get bright, vibrant green that doesn’t bleed or alter the dough’s texture.
– Sift your powdered sugar before rolling and don’t be shy about coating those dough balls well!
I’ve played with variations—from swapping in peppermint extract to mixing up the color with holiday reds or even adding white chocolate chips for a little surprise inside. The kids love the classic green, but my husband is all about the peppermint twist. Everyone has their favorite version, and that’s the beauty of these holiday cookie recipes—you can make them your own.
If you’re thinking about trying these Grinch Crinkle Cookies, I hope you find as much joy baking and sharing them as I have. Remember, holiday baking is about togetherness and fun, not perfection. Enjoy the process, and your kitchen—and heart—will be full.
And if you love chocolatey festive treats, don’t miss my favorites like Chewy Fudge Cookies or Easy Cream Cheese Cookies to round out your seasonal cookie plates with ease. Here’s to happy baking and festive memories with your own batch of Grinch Crinkle Cookies!
Grinch Crinkle Cookies
These festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with vibrant green color and a sweet powdered sugar coating — perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Green food coloring
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Add green food coloring a few drops at a time until dough reaches desired vibrant green color.
- Cover dough and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies are set but still soft in the center.
- Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra holiday flair, add red and white sprinkles on top of the powdered sugar before baking.