These vibrant green Grinch cookies with a red candy heart, will bring a whimsical touch to your holiday baking and delight any Dr. Seuss fan out there.
Ingredients
2 ¼cups(320g)all-purpose flour
1cup(113g)powdered sugar, divided
1teaspoon(4g)baking powder
½teaspoon(1g)kosher salt
½cup(114g)unsalted butter, softened to 65 to 67ºF (18 to 20ºC)
1 ¼cup(248g)granulated sugar, divided
¼cup(50g)light brown sugar, packed
2large eggs
2teaspoons(10ml)vanilla extract
green gel food coloring
24heart candies, or sprinkles
Instructions
Preheat the Oven – Set the rack to the middle position. Preheat to 350ºF (177ºC). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cream the Butter and Sugar – In a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix on medium speed (setting 5) until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and paddle.
Add the Eggs – Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on medium-low speed (setting 4), for about 30 seconds each. Mix in the vanilla for 15 seconds.
Add the Color – Mix in enough food coloring until a bright green color is achieved. I use 8 to 10 drops of gel coloring.
Make the Dough – Gradually add the flour mixture in four additions. Mix on low speed until just combined. Let the dough sit for 10 minutes to thicken. It should feel like modeling clay.
Coat and Roll the Dough – Add ½ cup granulated sugar into a shallow dish. Add ½ cup powdered sugar into a separate shallow dish. Portion out 1 ½ tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 grams) of dough, then roll into a ball. Roll each ball in granulated sugar then transfer to the powdered sugar bowl and roll to coat. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Flatten the Dough – Evenly space the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, at least 2 inches apart. About 12 cookies per sheet pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to flatten each ball into a 2-inch wide disc, about ½ inch thick.
Bake – Bake one sheet at a time until puffed in the center and the edges set, about 12 to 14 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through.
Add the Hearts – Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one heart into the surface. I like to place them off-center to the right.
Cool – Leave the cookies on the sheet pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Cool completely before serving.
Notes
Make it Gluten-Free:Substitute the all-purpose flour for Bob’s Redmill 1:1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour.
Make Ahead: The cookie dough can be portioned a refrigerated for up to 2 days. Freeze for up to 1 month, then defrost. Roll in sugar and powdered sugar before baking.
Storing:Airtight container for up to 5 days, freeze for up to 1 month.