Description
Festive, holiday-themed cookies inspired by the Grinch. Soft, fudgy chocolate dough tinted green, rolled in powdered sugar, and topped with red candy hearts or M&Ms for a whimsical touch. Perfect for Christmas parties, bake sales, or homemade gifts.
Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour (or substitute with gluten-free flour)
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (use dark cocoa powder for richer flavor)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (or vegan margarine for a dairy-free option)
– 1 cup granulated sugar (or substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option)
– 1 large egg (or flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water for vegan version)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Green gel food coloring (liquid food coloring works but may alter consistency)
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
– Red M&Ms, crushed peppermint candies, or other festive decorations
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and green gel food coloring until the dough is evenly tinted.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a soft dough.
- Chill Dough: Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to firm it up and enhance the crackle effect.
- Shape and Roll: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls, then coat generously in powdered sugar.
- Decorate and Bake: Place the dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets. Press a red M&M or crushed peppermint candy onto each cookie. Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, watching for crackled surfaces and set centers.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on a rack before serving.
Notes
– For the best crackle effect, ensure the powdered sugar coating is thick and even.
– Adjust sweetness by slightly reducing sugar if desired or using dark cocoa powder for a richer taste.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days; freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for longer storage.
– Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading and enhancing the crackle effect.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-inspired / Holiday-themed
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~110 kcal
- Sugar: ~12g
- Sodium: ~50mg
- Fat: ~5g
- Saturated Fat: ~3g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~2g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~16g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~1g
- Cholesterol: ~20mg