When it comes to fun Christmas desserts, there’s nothing more whimsical than Grinch Frosted Sugar Cookies. These cookies are fluffy, soft, and full of holiday cheer. The dough is dyed a deep green, topped with a swirl of light green buttercream frosting, and finished with a single red heart sprinkle; it’s just like the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes. They’re playful, festive, and perfect for kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for easy Christmas desserts to bring to parties or to make with your family, these holiday treats are guaranteed to steal the show.
Jump to Recipe
Ingredients for Grinch Frosted Sugar Cookies
For the cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring (dark shade for dough)
For the frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Light green gel food coloring
- Heart sprinkles
*This makes enough for a moderate layer of frosting on each cookie. If you like a thicker swirl of buttercream (like I do!), consider making 1.5x the frosting recipe to be safe. You can also add up to ½ cup more powdered sugar for a slightly stiffer or sweeter frosting, if desired.
How to Make Grinch Frosted Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Make the cookie dough
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla, then mix in the sour cream.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Add several drops of dark green food coloring and mix until the dough is evenly tinted.
Step 2: Chill the dough
1. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies keep their shape and ensures a fluffy texture.
Step 3: Bake the cookies
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
2. Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon portions and roll them into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Make the frosting
1. Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in the vanilla and about 1 tablespoon of milk.
2. If needed, add another tablespoon of milk for a softer consistency.
3. Tint with light green food coloring until you reach the perfect Grinchy shade.
Step 5: Frost and decorate
Pipe or spread the frosting generously onto each cookie. Top with a single red heart sprinkle in the corner to complete the Grinch look. These holiday treats are ready to share!
Pro Tips for the Best Grinch Frosted Sugar Cookies
- Chill time matters: Refrigerating the dough before baking prevents spreading and keeps the cookies thick and fluffy. Don’t skip this step! it really does all the difference.
- Use gel food coloring: Gel creates a vibrant green without watering down your dough or frosting. I like using a deep green gel for the dough (I found mine at Michael’s in the baking section) and a neon green for the frosting (I got that one at Target). The contrast really makes the cookies pop.
- Don’t overbake: Pull the cookies out when the edges are set but the centers look slightly underdone; they’ll finish baking as they cool, staying soft and fluffy.
- Smart storage: Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container for 2–3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge. If stacking, let the frosting set first, then layer with parchment paper in between to keep them neat.
- Make ahead: You can frost the cookies ahead of time. In fact, letting the frosting set helps if you’re planning to transport or stack them. Just be sure to store them properly so they stay fresh.
FAQs
Can I freeze Grinch Frosted Sugar Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies either frosted or unfrosted. If freezing frosted cookies, let the buttercream set first, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What if I don’t have heart sprinkles?
No problem! Swap in red M&Ms or even pipe a little heart with red frosting. Anything small and red will get the same effect.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Definitely. Homemade buttercream gives the best flavor, but if you’re short on time, a tub of store-bought frosting works fine. Just tint it neon green for that Grinch look.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling is key! It helps the cookies keep their shape and makes them thicker and softer.
How long do the cookies last?
At room temperature, frosted cookies stay fresh for 2–3 days. In the fridge, they’ll last up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them.
Grinch Frosted Sugar Cookies are such a cheerful way to bring the spirit of the season into your kitchen. With their soft sugar cookie base, bright green frosting, and signature red heart on top, they’re equal parts festive and delicious. Whether you’re making them with kids, serving them at a holiday party, or adding them to your cookie trays, these easy Christmas desserts will quickly become a favorite. Save this recipe to your list of fun Christmas desserts; it’s one of those holiday treats you’ll want to make year after year.
Grinch Frosted Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Base
- 2 3/4 cups flour
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 Tbsp sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla
- green gel food coloring I used dark green for the dough
Frosting and Decoration
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened* See note about frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 Tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- light green gel food coloring to provide contrast from the dough
- large heart sprinkles one per cookie
Instructions
Make Green Sugar Cookies
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla, then mix in the sour cream.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Add several drops of dark green food coloring and mix until the dough is evenly tinted.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies keep their shape and ensures a fluffy texture. Definitely don't skip this part!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
- Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon portions and roll them into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting and Decorate
- Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in the vanilla and about 1 tablespoon of milk.
- If needed, add another tablespoon of milk for a softer consistency.
- Tint frosting with light green food coloring until you reach the perfect Grinchy shade.
- Pipe or spread the frosting generously onto each cookie. I like to pup my frosting in a piping bag with no tip or a plain round tip for an even circular swirl.
- Top with a single red heart sprinkle in the corner to complete the Grinch look.
- Allow the frosting to set before stacking. If stacking, store with a layer of parchment paper between the layers. You can store these up to 2 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.
