Merry Grinchmas Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love how this Merry Grinchmas Cookies Recipe brings a pop of festive fun to any holiday gathering. These cookies are soft, buttery, and have just the right amount of tang from the cream cheese, but the real showstopper are the gooey gummy hearts pressed right into the center—so playful and delicious! Whenever I make these, they disappear fast, especially with kids running around eager to snag their green treats.

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both charming and easy to whip up, you’ve hit the jackpot here. The Merry Grinchmas Cookies Recipe works wonderfully for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or even a cozy night by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa. I found that the little touch of green food coloring and those gummy hearts really make the cookies sing—your guests will be talking about them all season long!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Merry Grinchmas Cookies Recipe uses classic baking ingredients that come together in a smooth, flexible dough—plus a few fun extras to give that holiday wow-factor. I always make sure to use softened butter and cream cheese for the perfect texture.

• Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened so it whips smoothly with cream cheese and sugar.
• Cream cheese: Softened—this keeps the cookies tender and moist.
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness and slight crisp on the edges.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla adds depth and warmth to the dough.
• Green food coloring: This is what gives the cookies their festive Grinch green tone—you can adjust intensity to your liking.
• Large egg: Helps bind the dough together and adds richness.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing structure.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
• Powdered sugar: For rolling the dough balls—a great trick to keep the cookies from sticking and to add a delicate sweetness on the outside.
• Gummy hearts: The star decoration—choose ones you love eating, since they become delightfully melty and chewy.

Variations

I love to have fun with this Merry Grinchmas Cookies Recipe by swapping out gummy hearts for other candies or tweaking the colors and flavors to match different themes. Don’t hesitate to make this your own!

• Mint Flavor: I sometimes add a drop of peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a cool winter twist, and it’s a hit every time.
• Different Colors: Playing with red or white food coloring instead of green can turn this recipe into Valentine’s or winter snowflake cookies!
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and cream cheese substitutes, and an egg replacer to make these festive cookies friendly for plant-based diets.
• Decorative Toppings: Try mini chocolate chips or colored sugar sprinkles if gummy hearts aren’t your thing.

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 in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. I like to use a hand mixer because it adds air into the mix, giving the cookies a tender crumb. Make sure everything is nice and soft—that’s key to a perfectly blended dough.

Step 2: Add Flavors, Color, and Egg

Next, mix in vanilla extract, green food coloring, and the egg until well combined. I find that adding the coloring a little at a time helps you get the exact shade of “Grinch green” you want—don’t be shy to adjust! The egg will bring everything together for that chewy-yet-soft texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients, Then Chill Dough

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add this to your wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing here—you want the dough to be tender, not tough. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least an hour; chilling firms it up and makes shaping so much easier.

Step 4: Shape Cookies and Coat with Powdered Sugar

Once chilled, scoop the dough into 1-inch balls using a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon, then roll each ball generously in powdered sugar. This not only keeps them from sticking but creates a delightful cracked appearance once baked. Arrange them on baking sheets about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.

Step 5: Bake and Press Gummy Hearts

Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops crack slightly but the edges are set. Right out of the oven, press a gummy heart into each cookie while it’s still warm—press gently so the cookie flattens just a bit around it. Let the cookies sit for 5 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Merry Grinchmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a light dusting of extra powdered sugar before serving to give these Merry Grinchmas Cookies an extra snowy touch. Sometimes I’ll also scatter a few mini candy canes around the plate for added color and an easy peppermint snack on the side.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a creamy hot chocolate or a frothy peppermint latte. I’ve served them alongside a bowl of mixed nuts and some fresh cranberries for a festive platter that everyone loves popping at during holiday visits.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I love arranging these Merry Grinchmas Cookies in a circle with green and red holiday ornaments scattered around. Wrapping a few cookies in cellophane with a tiny festive ribbon makes a sweet homemade gift that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any extra cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and flavorful, though I’ve noticed they’re best enjoyed fresh within the first 2 days for peak chewy texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare the dough ahead, I usually freeze scooped dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag after they’re firm. When you’re ready, just bake from frozen—adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time. The cookies turn out just as great, which is a lifesaver around busy holidays!

Reheating

To warm leftover cookies, I pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes—this revives their softness and melts the gummy heart just a little without making them too gooey. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies too soft or rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Merry Grinchmas Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking because it’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. The blend of cream cheese softness, festive green color, and gooey gummy surprise always brings smiles to the table. If you want a cookie that’s a little different but guaranteed to impress, I hope you give this recipe a try—it feels like sharing a bit of joyful holiday magic with whoever you’re baking for. Happy baking and Merry Grinchmas!

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