Grinch Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a festive treat that brings a little holiday mischief and a lot of sweetness, this Grinch Snowball Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These cookies are not your typical snowballs—they have a playful twist with their bright green hue and a little chocolate chip surprise inside! I love how they instantly brighten up any cookie tray, making them a hit at Christmas parties or cozy family gatherings.

What makes this Grinch Snowball Cookies Recipe so special is how easy they are to make and how well they balance buttery richness with sugary snowball softness. Plus, the red heart sprinkles add a charming pop of color, reminding me that even the Grinch’s heart can grow a little during the holidays. I promise, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to holiday cookie too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Grinch Snowball Cookies Recipe plays a part in creating that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive appearance. Let me walk you through the essentials and share why they’re key to success.

• Powdered sugar: This is what gives snowball cookies their classic meltaway sweetness—sift it well to avoid lumps.
• Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a creamier dough.
• Clear vanilla extract: Adds subtle vanilla flavor without dulling the vibrant green color.
• All-purpose flour: The base of your dough that gives it structure—sifting here helps keep things light.
• Cornstarch: This ingredient is a secret weapon that makes cookies extra soft and tender.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
• Liquid green food coloring: The star of the show for that true Grinch-green color; add it gradually to get the perfect shade.
• Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: Little bursts of chocolate that surprise with every bite.
• Large red heart sprinkles: The cherry on top that gives your cookies a fun, festive vibe.

Variations

I often like to tweak recipes to fit the occasion or my mood, and this Grinch Snowball Cookies Recipe is no exception. Feel free to personalize it to make these cookies uniquely yours!

• Nut-Free Variation: If you’re baking for someone with allergies, just skip the nuts altogether since this recipe doesn’t require them—perfect for classrooms or parties!
• White Chocolate Chips Instead of Semi-Sweet: I swapped the chips once and loved the mellow sweetness it added—it feels a bit more winter-white snowy.
• Matcha Powder in Place of Food Coloring: For a natural tint and earthy twist, a small amount of matcha powder can replace the green food coloring.
• Gluten-Free Version: I experimented with a gluten-free flour blend and the result was wonderfully soft, just be sure to check your blend includes xanthan gum for best texture.

How to Make Grinch Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Start by beating the softened butter with a cup of the sifted powdered sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes on medium speed. I like to scrape down the bowl a couple of times to ensure everything incorporates evenly—this makes the dough smoother and your cookies more tender.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Green Coloring

Next, mix in the vanilla extract and your liquid green food coloring. Add the coloring little by little; it’s easier to deepen the shade than to fix if it’s too dark! Stir it well so the color is uniform—you want that unmistakable vibrant green that reminds you of the Grinch himself.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your butter mixture, blending on low speed or folding by hand to keep the dough tender. Be careful not to overmix—the less you disturb the dough here, the softer the cookies will be.

Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Now, fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips gently but thoroughly. These sweet little pockets of chocolate will make every bite a delight and contrast beautifully with the buttery cookie dough and bright green color.

Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls—this size yields the perfect bite-sized snowballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Here’s a tip: Chill the dough balls for about 30 minutes before baking; this helps keep their shape and allows flavors to meld.

Step 6: Bake and Dust with Sugar

Bake your Grinch Snowball Cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re just set—don’t overbake or they’ll lose that tender crumb. Once out of the oven, while still warm, roll the cookies in the remaining powdered sugar to create that iconic snowball look.

Step 7: Add Heart Sprinkles and Cool

As a finishing touch, gently press a large red heart sprinkle onto each cookie to give that festive pop of color and a little love. Let the cookies cool completely on the rack before serving or storing.

How to Serve Grinch Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with the bright red heart sprinkles—it makes serving them feel special and festive. Sometimes, I add a light dusting of extra powdered sugar just before guests arrive to refresh that snowy look. You could also try small edible gold stars for a classy holiday twist.

Side Dishes

These Grinch Snowball Cookies pair beautifully with classic hot cocoa topped with marshmallows or a warm spiced apple cider—perfect for sipping while you admire holiday lights. They also hold their own alongside a variety of other holiday favorites like gingerbread or peppermint bark.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I’ve tried is arranging the cookies in the shape of a Christmas tree on a serving platter, using fresh rosemary sprigs as branches—it’s festive and smells amazing. Another time, I packaged them in clear bags tied with red ribbon and little “Love from the Grinch” tags for gifting neighbors and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Grinch Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay fresh and soft for up to a week, which is lucky because they rarely last that long at my house!

Freezing

I’ve frozen the dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray, freezing until solid, then transferring them to a zip-top bag—this way, you can bake fresh batches anytime. Baked cookies also freeze well; I wrap them tightly in foil and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when ready.

Reheating

If you want that warm, just-baked feeling, pop a few cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or heat briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives the soft texture beautifully without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Grinch Snowball Cookies Recipe has always felt like a little holiday tradition for me—there’s something so joyful about baking these bright green, chocolate-studded treats and sharing them with friends and family. I hope you’ll give them a try and enjoy how easily they become a crowd favorite. Trust me, between the festive color, tender crumb, and that unexpected chocolate chip crunch inside, these cookies bring out the kid in all of us during the holiday season!

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