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Yields:
2 - 3 dz.
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
If you’re craving a whimsical, festive treat that’ll make everyone grin from ear to ear, these Grinch cookies are just the thing! Soft, chewy, and delightfully green, they’re inspired by everyone’s favorite holiday villain—and they’re almost too cute to eat. (Almost!) With pistachio pudding mix in the dough, these cookies bake up incredibly soft and flavorful, while chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips add a pop of crunch and sweetness. They're the perfect addition to a dessert plate alongside your favorite sugar cookies and festive fudge!
I love making these cookies during the holiday season because they’re fun and kid-friendly. You can add as much or as little green gel coloring as you like, depending on whether you want a subtle tint or full Grinch-green charm. And don’t forget the finishing touch—a tiny candy heart pressed into each dough ball before baking. It’s a playful nod to the Grinch’s heart “growing three sizes!”
These Grinch cookies are tailor-made for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or baking with kids. They’re simple to prep, easy to freeze, and guaranteed to bring a little extra holiday cheer. One bite, and even the Grinch himself couldn’t stay grumpy!
What makes these Grinch cookies green?
The green color comes from pistachio pudding mix and, if you’d like a brighter shade, a little green gel food coloring. You can adjust the color to make them as Grinch-y as you want!
Can you make Grinch cookies ahead of time?
You can store baked cookies for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. The dough also freezes beautifully—just scoop, freeze, and bake straight from frozen, adding about 2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Can you add different mix-ins to these Grinch cookies?
Yes! White chocolate chips and pistachios are delicious, but you can swap in dark chocolate chips, holiday sprinkles, or other chopped nuts if you prefer.
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Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 (3.4-oz.) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring (optional)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (about 6 ounces)
- 1/2 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
- Heart sprinkles, for decorating
Directions
- Step 1Preheat the oven to 325℉. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pudding mix.
- Step 3In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce the speed to low. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, then the vanilla. Add the desired amount of green food coloring, if using, and mix until combined. Add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips and pistachios by hand.
- Step 4Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon balls and space on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Press a heart sprinkle off-center into each dough ball. Bake until just set, 14 to 15 minutes.
- Step 5Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Let the baking sheets cool, then repeat with the remaining cookie dough.
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