Looking for a fun and festive holiday treat to share with friends and family? These Grinch Snowball Cookies are the perfect addition to your seasonal baking list! Inspired by the beloved Dr. Seuss character, the Grinch, these vibrant green cookies are a delicious combination of buttery shortbread and sweet, festive decorations. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone who tries them.
What Are Grinch Snowball Cookies?
Grinch Snowball Cookies are a variation of the classic snowball or Russian tea cake cookies, with a twist of holiday cheer. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are flavored with vanilla and rolled in powdered sugar for a delicate finish. The Grinch-inspired touch comes from the bright green color, achieved with a bit of food coloring, and a sweet red heart placed on top to mimic the Grinch’s famous heart.
Ingredients for Grinch Snowball Cookies
To make these adorable cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Green food coloring (gel or liquid)
- Powdered sugar for rolling the cookies
- Red candy hearts or mini heart-shaped sprinkles for decoration
How to Make Grinch Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Add the Green Color
Once the dough is formed, add a few drops of green food coloring. Mix well until the dough becomes a vibrant green. Be sure to use enough color to get a rich Grinch green hue.
Step 4: Roll the Cookies
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn lightly golden. The centers should remain soft. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Once the cookies are fully cooled, roll them in powdered sugar until they are generously coated. This will give them the “snowball” effect, making them look even more festive.
Step 7: Decorate with Hearts
To finish the Grinch Snowball Cookies, gently press a red candy heart or mini heart sprinkle on top of each cookie. This heart represents the Grinch’s “small heart” that grew three sizes in the story!
Why You’ll Love Grinch Snowball Cookies
- Colorful and Fun: The bright green color and heart-shaped decoration make these cookies perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, this recipe is a great option for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
- Buttery and Delicious: The combination of buttery shortbread and a dusting of powdered sugar creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack these cookies in a festive box or tin to give as a thoughtful and charming holiday gift.
Tips for the Best Grinch Snowball Cookies
- Chill the Dough: If you find that your dough is too soft to roll into balls, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping the cookies.
- Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color. Liquid food coloring can also be used, but it may require more drops to achieve the desired shade.
- Storage: Store Grinch Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to a month.
Final Thoughts
Grinch Snowball Cookies are the perfect holiday treat to brighten up your celebrations. Whether you’re baking with kids, gifting to loved ones, or simply enjoying a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to bring a festive and fun twist to your holiday traditions. So, grab your ingredients, channel your inner Grinch, and get baking!
Serving Tips for Grinch Snowball Cookies
- Serve with Hot Beverages: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa, coffee, or tea. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture is the perfect contrast to a warm drink.
- Holiday Cookie Platter: Add these Grinch Snowball Cookies to a festive cookie platter with other seasonal treats like gingerbread, sugar cookies, or peppermint bark. Their bright green color will stand out and add a fun touch to your dessert spread.
- For Kids: Grinch Snowball Cookies are sure to delight children with their vibrant color and the fun heart-shaped decoration. They make an excellent treat for holiday parties, school events, or just a festive snack at home.
- Gift Wrapping: If you’re gifting these cookies, consider placing them in a holiday-themed tin or a clear treat bag tied with a red ribbon. They’ll look just as cute as they taste!
Storage Tips for Grinch Snowball Cookies
- Room Temperature: Grinch Snowball Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This will help maintain their freshness and texture. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Freezing: If you want to prepare them ahead of time or save some for later, Grinch Snowball Cookies freeze beautifully. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, allow them to thaw at room temperature.
- Avoid Sticking: If you stack the cookies in a container, make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. This will help maintain the cookie’s shape and prevent any powdery sugar from rubbing off on other cookies.
- Refreshing Powdered Sugar: If the powdered sugar coating loses its luster after storing, simply roll the cookies in a fresh dusting of powdered sugar right before serving to give them a freshly baked look.
With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Grinch Snowball Cookies throughout the holiday season and even beyond!
1. Can I make Grinch Snowball Cookies in advance?
Yes, you can make these cookies in advance! They store well at room temperature for up to a week in an airtight container. If you’d like to make them even earlier, you can freeze the cookies for up to a month. Simply roll them in powdered sugar once they’ve thawed to give them a fresh look.
2. Can I use a different color instead of green food coloring?
Absolutely! While green food coloring gives these cookies their signature Grinch look, you can easily swap it out for other colors depending on the occasion. Red, blue, or even a mix of colors can make your cookies festive for different holidays or themes.
3. What can I use instead of red candy hearts for decoration?
If you can’t find red candy hearts, you can use red mini M&Ms, heart-shaped sprinkles, or even small pieces of red candy. The goal is to create the visual representation of the Grinch’s heart, so any small, red decoration will work beautifully.
4. Can I make these cookies without powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is key to achieving the snowball effect and giving the cookies their signature soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can try making your own by blending granulated sugar in a food processor, but the results might not be exactly the same. For the best texture and appearance, it’s recommended to stick with powdered sugar.
Grinch Snowball Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Grinch Snowball Cookies are a playful twist on the classic snowball cookie, with a cheerful green hue and a surprise pop of sweetness from a red candy heart. Perfect for holiday parties or sharing with loved ones, these cookies will surely warm even the Grinch’s heart!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus more for coating
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (60g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Green food coloring
- 20–25 red candy hearts (or red M&Ms as a substitute)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Vanilla and Food Coloring:
- Mix in the vanilla extract and a few drops of green food coloring until evenly distributed. Adjust the color intensity to your liking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage.
- Form the Cookies:
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. Flatten slightly and press a red candy heart into the center of each cookie. Roll back into a ball, ensuring the candy heart is tucked inside. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar:
- Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Let them cool completely and roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.
Notes
- For extra holiday cheer, add a pinch of edible glitter to the powdered sugar.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer, you can skip the nuts for a nut-free version.