Merry Grinchmas Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that captures the fun and whimsy of the season, I absolutely love sharing this Merry Grinchmas Cookies Recipe with friends and family. These cookies are not only super cute with their bright green color and squishy gummy hearts, but they carry that perfect balance of soft, buttery dough with a little tang from the cream cheese that makes every bite feel indulgent. I discovered this recipe a few holiday seasons ago, and it’s always a hit for cookie exchanges or just a cozy night in with a cup of cocoa.

One of the best things about the Merry Grinchmas Cookies Recipe is how simple it is to make yet so charming when you’re done. You’ll find that the dough is easy to handle after chilling, and rolling the balls in powdered sugar gives them that lovely crackled look after baking. Plus, the gummy heart pressed on top just screams festive cheer and adds a fun surprise in every cookie. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be your go-to for spreading holiday joy in the kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Merry Grinchmas Cookies Recipe relies on classic baking staples, but the addition of cream cheese and green food coloring really sets it apart. I recommend using good-quality cream cheese for that smooth texture and a gel-based green food coloring to get that bold shade without affecting the dough’s consistency.

• Unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing and to control the salt level in your cookies.
• Cream cheese: Adds moisture and a slight tang that keeps cookies tender.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor and adds warmth.
• Green food coloring: Gives the cookies their signature Grinch-inspired color.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure – make sure to measure properly for the best texture.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and get light.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and lifts the flavors.
• Powdered sugar: For rolling the cookie dough balls to create that lovely crackled surface.
• Gummy hearts: Pressed on top for a festive and playful finishing touch.

Variations

I love experimenting with variations of this Merry Grinchmas Cookies Recipe, and I encourage you to get creative too! Sometimes I tweak the gummy heart topping to use other festive candies or add a little peppermint extract for a minty twist that my family goes crazy for.

• Minty version: Adding a half teaspoon of peppermint extract gives the dough a subtle holiday mint flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese.
• Dairy-free adjustment: Swap cream cheese and butter for vegan alternatives and use a plant-based gummy candy to keep it allergy-friendly.
• Extra festive toppings: Try mini red and white candies or sprinkle coarse sugar on top instead of powdered sugar for different textures.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute with a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Merry Grinchmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar Until Smooth

Start by beating the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together in a large bowl. I like to use a hand mixer for this because it really helps get the mixture silky and fluffy, which is essential for tender cookies. Once the mixture is smooth and light, add in your vanilla extract, green food coloring, and egg, then mix again until everything is fully combined and the color looks even.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine Gently

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure the rising agent and salt are evenly distributed in your flour. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, folding gently so you don’t overwork the dough—overmixing can make cookies tough, and you want tender little bites. Stop as soon as the dough comes together.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. I learned this step makes a huge difference! Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll into balls without sticking, and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes can work, but I find an hour is perfect.

Step 4: Form, Roll, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a medium cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out 1-inch balls of dough. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, making sure they’re fully coated—this gives the cookies those lovely cracks once baked. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie so they have room to spread.

Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are cracked and the edges are just set. Right after you take them out of the oven (while they’re still warm), press a gummy heart into the center of each cookie, gently flattening the cookie a bit to nestle the gummy snugly.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This gives the cookies a chance to set up while keeping the gummy soft and melty on top. You’ll love how the colors pop and the playful gummy hearts make each cookie feel like a little gift.

How to Serve Merry Grinchmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnish simple with just the gummy hearts, which are the star of the show here. But if I’m feeling fancy, a light dusting of extra powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate adds a lovely touch. Sometimes I sprinkle tiny edible glitter on top for extra sparkle—kids adore that sparkle effect during holiday parties.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with classic holiday drinks like hot cocoa or spiced apple cider. I’ve also served them alongside peppermint bark or a cheese board for a sweet and savory balance. They make a fun end to a hearty Christmas dinner or a bright note in a festive cookie platter.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I stacked the Merry Grinchmas Cookies in a clear glass jar layered with festive red and white candies for a stunning gift. You can also wrap individual cookies in cellophane with little ribbons or arrange them on a holiday-themed platter surrounded by pine sprigs and ornaments for a warm, inviting display. These cookies really bring the Christmas spirit to the table or gift bag.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Merry Grinchmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days. I always put a little slice of bread in the container to keep them extra moist—it’s a simple trick I picked up that really works.

Freezing

I’ve frozen dough balls before baking; just roll them in powdered sugar, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen — just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm again, I gently reheat cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This just softens the gummy and warms the cookie without drying it out. I always avoid overheating to keep them from becoming too crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Merry Grinchmas Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the kind of recipe that brings smiles and a little holiday magic every time I bake it. Whether you’re making these for a big festive gathering or just a sweet treat to enjoy by yourself, their cheerful colors and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture make them impossible to resist. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try and find it as joyful to make as I do. Happy baking and Merry Grinchmas!

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