So festive even the grumpiest of grinches will have to smile! These Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies are a colorful twist on a classic Christmas treat that will brighten any holiday gathering. With their vibrant green hue and delightful flavors, they are perfect for cookie exchanges, family celebrations, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa. Each bite is a sweet reminder of the joy of the season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Festive Appearance: The bright green color and heart sprinkles make these cookies visually stunning, adding charm to your holiday dessert table.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery richness, crunchy pecans, and tart cranberries creates a delightful taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for various occasions beyond Christmas, these cookies can be enjoyed year-round or adapted for different themes.
- Make Ahead: These cookies store well, making them perfect for preparing in advance to ease holiday stress.
Tools and Preparation
To successfully bake these Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment can make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar easy, giving you a light and fluffy dough without much effort.
- Baking sheets: Using quality baking sheets ensures even heat distribution while baking, resulting in perfectly baked cookies every time.
Ingredients
So festive even the grumpiest of grinches will have to smile! These Grinch Snowball Cookies are a colorful twist on a classic Christmas treat!
For the Dough
- 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus 1 cup for rolling cookies)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-5 drops green food coloring
For the Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
For Topping
- 24 pieces red confetti heart sprinkles
- 1/4 cup white chocolate wafers (melted)
How to Make Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter Mixture
In a standing mixer:
1. Cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually mix in flour, salt, and food coloring until well-combined into a rich green batter.
Step 3: Add Mix-Ins
Stir in:
– Chopped pecans
– Chopped cranberries
Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Form dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Watch closely to remove them before they start to brown.
Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Allow cookies to cool slightly before rolling each one in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 7: Decorate with Chocolate Sprinkles
Use melted white chocolate:
– Secure one red heart sprinkle on top of each cookie while the chocolate is still melted.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow cookies to cool completely so that the chocolate sets before serving or storing them away for later enjoyment.
How to Serve Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies
These festive Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering. Their colorful appearance and delightful flavor make them an instant hit with guests of all ages.
With Hot Cocoa
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. The rich chocolate complements the sweet flavors of the cookies beautifully.
On a Festive Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside other holiday treats. This adds color and variety to your dessert table and makes it inviting for guests.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with festive ribbons. These make excellent party favors that guests can take home, spreading holiday cheer.
With Milk
- Classic milk is always a great pairing! Serve your Grinch Cookies with cold milk for a nostalgic twist that both kids and adults will enjoy.
How to Perfect Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies
To ensure your Grinch Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips for success.
- Use room temperature butter: This helps create a smooth dough that mixes well with other ingredients, resulting in tender cookies.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Remove them from the oven before they start to brown for that perfect soft texture.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough before rolling it into balls. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Experiment with colors: Feel free to adjust the amount of food coloring based on your desired intensity of green. You can even add other colors for fun variations!
Best Side Dishes for Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies
Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with some tasty side dishes can elevate your holiday dessert experience.
- Fruit Salad
A light fruit salad adds freshness to balance the sweetness of the cookies. Use seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and berries. - Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast to the sweet cookies. Include varieties like brie, cheddar, and gouda for diversity. - Nut Mix
An assortment of nuts offers crunch and healthy fats. Consider spiced or candied nuts to add extra flavor that complements the cookies. - Chocolate Fondue
Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits or cookie pieces into melted chocolate for an interactive dessert experience. - Ice Cream Sundaes
Create ice cream sundaes using vanilla or mint-flavored ice cream topped with crushed Grinch Cookies for extra texture and flavor. - Coffee or Tea
Serve coffee or tea alongside your dessert spread to provide guests with a warm beverage option that pairs wonderfully with sweets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies spreading too much during baking. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better shape and texture.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter will not cream well with sugar, resulting in a dense cookie. Always use softened butter for a light and fluffy texture.
- Overbaking the cookies: Baking cookies too long can make them hard rather than soft and chewy. Keep an eye on them and remove when they are just set.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Ignoring add-ins distribution: If you don’t mix in nuts and cranberries evenly, some cookies may lack flavor. Stir thoroughly to ensure each cookie gets a taste of everything.
- Rolling in powdered sugar too soon: Rolling cookies in powdered sugar while still warm can cause it to melt away. Wait until they’re cool enough to handle.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies
- Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm but not hot.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies that might help you.
How should I store Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Can I customize my Grinch Cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute nuts or dried fruits based on your preferences or dietary needs.
What can I use instead of pecans?
You can use any nut or seed that you prefer, like walnuts or sunflower seeds, depending on what you have available.
Are there any good substitutes for white chocolate?
You can use dairy-free chocolate chips or even omit it entirely if preferred.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly, they last up to one week in the fridge or three months if frozen.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Final Thoughts
These Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies are not only festive but also fun to make with family and friends. Their vibrant color and delightful taste are sure to bring joy during the holiday season. Plus, feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or dried fruits for an extra personal touch!
Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies
Grinch Cookies – Christmas Snowball Cookies are a festive treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering. With their vibrant green color, crunchy pecans, and tart cranberries, these cookies are as delightful in taste as they are in appearance. They are simple to make, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re preparing for a cookie exchange or simply enjoying a cozy night at home with hot cocoa, these cheerful cookies will brighten your season. Plus, they store well, allowing you to prepare them in advance and reduce holiday stress.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus 1 cup for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3–5 drops green food coloring
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries
- Red confetti heart sprinkles (for topping)
- 1/4 cup melted white chocolate (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- Gradually add flour, salt, and green food coloring; mix until combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans and cranberries.
- Form dough into 1-inch balls and place on lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until just set but not browned.
- Allow to cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar.
- Decorate with melted white chocolate and red heart sprinkles before cooling completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg