Grinch Cookies are the cutest Christmas cookie thumbprints around! Easy to make and perfect for Grinchy gift giving!
Grinch Cookies
Every year we look forward to watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas, both the original cartoon and the Jim Carrey movie. My youngest says she’s scared of the Jim Carrey version, yet asks to watch it constantly! ? Our kiddos got to see the new The Grinch movie with their grandparents and absolutely loved it, so they were super excited to see my version of Grinch cookies! These were so easy to make and my kids were totally impressed, more than any Christmas cookie I have ever made!
Start with a basic thumbprint cookie dough. I use my favorite recipe that has almond extract.
Chill the dough, then roll into balls by the tablespoon.
Roll cookie dough balls in green sugar. I used Wilton Dark Green Sugar Sprinkles.
Thumbprint Cookies
Use a teaspoon to gently press thumbprint shape into cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are a light golden brown on the bottom.
Remove cookies from oven and while cookies are still hot, use teaspoon to press thumbprint back down if it has puffed up. Place green candy melt in each thumbprint and let melt from heat of cookie. Work quickly for both steps so the cookies are still hot.
In my Christmas Thumbprint Cookies recipe, I swirl the candy melt. But in this recipe the sugar was mixing in with the melt and made it a bit lumpy. So I left it smooth.
Finally, add a red heart sprinkle to each grinch cookie.
For this recipe, you’ll need:
Heart Sprinkles  – red and pink hearts separated
You can find the products on Amazon in a pinch, but I was able to get all the supplies at Michael’s.

- 2 sticks butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- Dark Green Sugar Sprinkles
- Green Colored Candy Melts
- Red Heart Sprinkles
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine butter and sugar. Add egg yolks one at a time and continue mixing. Add almond extract and salt, followed by flour. Mix until cookie dough is well combined. Refrigerate cookie dough for 1 hour.
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Line three baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Scoop 1 tablespoon of chilled cookie dough and roll into a ball. Roll cookie dough balls in green sugar sprinkles, then use a teaspoon to gently create thumbprint.
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Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes or until bottoms of thumbprints are a light golden brown. Remove from oven and while cookies are still hot, use teaspoon to press thumbprint down again if it has puffed up. Working quickly, place candy melt in thumbprint and let sit until melted. Place red heart sprinkle on each cookie and let thumbprints cool.
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Yay. These will be perfect for our 1st grade Grinch party.
Yay! Thanks Elisha! Cant wait to see pics!
These are just the cutest — and delicious, too!
These are adorable and oh so easy to make! We are going to make a batch this weekend and munch on them while we watch the movie. 🙂
These are so fun and tasty! Super easy to make as well!
These cookies are so fun to make! My kiddos had a blast decorating them!
Looks so delicious! Can’t wait to try this one.
We love these cookies! I’ve made them for the past two years and everyone loves them!
These are so cute and festive! I’m obsessed with the heart sprinkles to go with them!
My kids love these cookies!! They are always a hit! Fun for a Grinch party!