Grinch Thumbprint Cookies

These Grinch thumbprint cookies bring a little magic to your holiday season with their playful design and festive colors. Perfect for Christmas parties or a cozy night in watching holiday movies, they combine buttery softness with a sweet vanilla frosting that captures the spirit of the Grinch's heart growing three sizes. Their eyecatching green and red look is sure to delight both kids and adults.

I first baked these during a family holiday gathering, and the kids loved seeing the Grinch’s heart on each cookie. Now they ask me to make them every season for our cookie exchanges.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Two sticks softened to room temperature for rich flavor and perfect texture
• Granulated sugar: Two thirds cup to sweeten the dough without overpowering
• Egg yolk: One large egg yolk for tenderness and richness use fresh for the best results
• Vanilla extract: One teaspoon pure vanilla extract for warm, aromatic depth
• All purpose flour: Two cups allpurpose flour for structure choose unbleached if possible for better taste
• Salt: Quarter teaspoon salt to balance sweetness and enhance flavor
• Powdered sugar: Two cups powdered sugar for the frosting making it smooth and sweet
• Whole milk: Three tablespoons whole milk to loosen the frosting just right
• Unsalted butter for frosting: Two tablespoons unsalted butter softened to create creamy frosting
• Vanilla extract for frosting: Half teaspoon pure vanilla extract to add complexity to the frosting
• Green food coloring gel: Green food coloring gel to achieve that vivid Grinch green hue without thinning the frosting
• Red heart sprinkles: Red heart sprinkles to decorate and add a festive pop look for quality heatresistant ones for best results

Instructions

Cream Butter and Sugar:

Beat the softened unsalted butter together with the granulated sugar in a large bowl. Use a mixer at medium speed and continue for about two to three minutes or until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is key as it aerates the dough which helps the cookies stay tender and soft after baking.

Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla:

Add the egg yolk and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix these in thoroughly until the batter is smooth and homogenous. This step binds the dough and adds richness.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

Slowly add the flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed or gently fold the ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Avoid over mixing here because overworked dough will become tough, spoiling the soft texture you want.

Shape and Chill Dough:

Roll the dough into roughly oneinch diameter balls. Place them spaced about two inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape while baking, preventing them from spreading too thin.

Make Thumbprints and Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon. Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes. Watch for edges just starting to turn golden as a sign they are done baking.

Cool the Cookies:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking apart and ensures the frosting will set well.

Prepare the Grinch Green Frosting:

Beat together powdered sugar, milk, softened butter, and vanilla until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Slowly add green gel food coloring a few drops at a time, mixing until you reach the bright, festive green color that makes these cookies special.

Fill Thumbprints and Decorate:

Spoon or pipe a generous amount of green frosting into the thumbprint wells on each cookie. While the frosting is still soft, press a single red heart sprinkle in the center for that unmistakable Grinch look.

My favorite part of this recipe has always been the bright green frosting which brings the Grinch character to life. I remember one holiday when my niece's smile grew as big as the Grinch’s heart when she saw the cookies decorated just right. It’s those moments that turn baking into memories.

Storage Tips

Store these cookies in a single layer or separated by parchment paper inside an airtight container at room temperature. They keep best for about five days. Refrigeration can make them dry so avoid unless your kitchen is very warm.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairyfree version, swap the butter in both cookies and frosting with a high quality plantbased buttery spread. To replace the egg yolk, use one tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce which adds a subtle fruity note. If red heart sprinkles are not available, tiny dried cranberries or red royal icing dots work beautifully to keep the festive look.

Serving Suggestions

Add a touch of orange zest to the dough or frosting for a seasonal citrus twist that brightens the holiday flavor. Serve these sweet treats alongside warm mulled cider or hot chocolate for a festive pairing that elevates any cookie exchange or holiday party.

These Grinch thumbprint cookies are festive, easy to make, and perfect for holiday gatherings. They make a cheerful addition to any cookie exchange.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Why do thumbprints crack when making indents?

Cracks often appear if the dough is too cold or dry. Allow the dough to soften slightly at room temperature before pressing and use gentle, steady pressure to avoid sharp cracks.

→ Can the dough be prepared in advance?

Yes, dough can be made up to two days ahead and kept wrapped in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before shaping for easier handling.

→ How can runny frosting be prevented in the indentations?

Use precise measurements of powdered sugar and adjust as needed to achieve a thick, creamy consistency that holds its shape when spooned or piped.

→ Should cookies cool before adding frosting?

Always cool cookies completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting and sliding, which can spoil their appearance and texture.

→ What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store in a single layer or separated by parchment in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Avoid refrigeration to maintain texture.