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Grinch Snowball Cookies
Grinch snowball cookies are festive, green treats perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings. These soft, buttery cookies melt in your mouth with every bite!
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Grinch snowball cookies are a delightful holiday treat with a festive green color and powdered sugar-coating. These cookies melt in your mouth with a soft, buttery texture and a hint of almond flavor. Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday gatherings, or a cozy night in, they’re as tasty as they are adorable. Try these fun, easy-to-make cookies that bring a touch of Grinchy cheer to any dessert table.
This recipe is simple to follow with step-by-step photos and clear directions. Discover pro tips and tricks for perfect results every time. We also answer frequently asked questions so you can bake with confidence.
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Grinch snowball cookies take a little more than thirty minutes to make, bringing holiday magic to any gathering or cozy night in. Their bright green color and powdered sugar-coating make them perfect for Christmas parties or festive cookie swaps. These soft, buttery cookies melt in your mouth with a hint of almond flavor, making each bite a treat. Try this easy recipe at home for a unique, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s full of holiday cheer!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make these Grinch Snowball Cookies:
- 3 cups of powdered sugar, sifted and divided into 2 cups and 1 cup
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ teaspoons of clear vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon (10 to 12 drops) of liquid green food coloring
- 1 cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Garnish: 32 large red heart sprinkles (one per cookie)
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your Grinch cookie recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding tasty extras! These simple changes make your cookies uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Swap Green Food Coloring: Use red or blue food coloring to customize the color of your snowball cookies for any holiday theme.
Substitute Almond Extract: Try vanilla or peppermint extract for a different holiday twist in your snowball cookies.
Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in mini chocolate chips for an extra sweet bite that complements the powdered sugar-coating.
These substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while keeping the delicious flavor of this festive snowball cookie recipe.
How to Make Grinch Snowball Cookies
Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips and tricks listed below. Let’s get started making these fun Grinch Christmas cookie balls! Get ready for a festive treat that’s sure to brighten up your holiday season.
Pro Tip
For your softened butter in this recipe, you will want to make sure that it is just at room temperature and not overly soft.
You should be able to press your finger into the top of the butter and leave a slight impression. It should not be so soft that you can press your finger all the way through.
If your butter is too soft, your cookies will spread too much when baking, and you will not get the desired results for the recipe.
FIRST STEP: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
SECOND STEP: Place two cups of the sifted powdered sugar in a bowl and set aside.
THIRD STEP: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or a hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and one cup of powdered sugar on medium-low speed.
Beat for one to two minutes or until light and fluffy.
FOURTH STEP: Add the vanilla extract and beat for an additional 30 seconds until completely incorporated.
FIFTH STEP: Then, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl.
SIXTH STEP: While your mixer is on low, spoon the flour mixture slowly into the mixing bowl.
Make sure the flour is incorporated after each addition before adding more to the mixing bowl.
SEVENTH STEP: Once all your flour mixture has been added, increase the mixer speed to medium speed.
Beat the dough for an additional 30 to 45 seconds to ensure that all the ingredients are fully incorporated and that your dough is light and fluffy.
EIGHTH STEP: Add the green liquid food coloring and beat on low until your cookie dough is uniform in color.
You can add a couple of extra drops if you want a darker green color for your dough.
NINTH STEP: Lastly, mix in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips until all the chips are fully incorporated.
TENTH STEP: Then, scoop the dough using a one-tablespoon cookie scoop, and roll the dough into balls in the palm of your hand.
ELEVENTH STEP: Place the rolled cookie dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheets, then refrigerate the dough balls for 15 minutes.
Pro Tip
Chilling the dough balls before baking will help minimize any spreading of the Christmas snowball cookies so that they keep that nice rounded shape.
TWELFTH STEP: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
THIRTEENTH STEP: Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, then allow them to cool on the baking sheet for ten minutes.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your cookies as the suggested baking time approaches.
FOURTEENTH STEP: Finally, roll each slightly warm cookie gently in the reserved bowl of powdered sugar.
Place them back on the cookie sheet to continue to cool completely.
Once they have cooled completely for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, you will roll each cookie in the powdered sugar for a second coating.
FIFTEENTH STEP: Place a large red heart sprinkle onto the top of each powdered sugar-coated Grinch snowball cookie.
How To Serve Grinch Snowball Cookies
Grinch cookies are versatile and perfect for any holiday gathering or family treat. Whether it’s a Christmas party or cozy night in, these cookies add festive cheer to every occasion. Here’s how to serve them:
- Holiday Parties: Bring this recipe for Grinch Christmas cookies to any Christmas or holiday party for a unique, kid-friendly dessert. Serve them with Christmas hot chocolate or spiced iced coffee to complete the holiday vibe.
- Family Movie Night: Pair these cookies with classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas for a fun night, or serve them with popcorn or cookies and cream fudge to make it extra festive.
- Cookie Swaps and Potlucks: These eye-catching cookies stand out at cookie swaps or potlucks. Set them next to gingerbread cookies or snickerdoodles for an irresistible dessert table.
Why You'll Love This Grinch Snowball Cookies Recipe
Grinch snowball cookies are a fan favorite, capturing the fun and festivity of the holiday season in every bite. Here’s why our readers can’t get enough!
- A Festive Treat: The bright green color and powdered sugar coating make these cookies stand out on any holiday table. The playful appearance adds holiday cheer, bringing smiles to both kids and adults.
- Soft, Buttery Texture: With each bite, these cookies melt in your mouth, delivering a soft, buttery goodness that’s simply irresistible. The almond flavor adds a unique twist, making these cookies extra special.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re bringing these to a party or enjoying a family movie night, these cookies are an instant crowd-pleaser. They’re a great way to spread holiday joy and create new memories.
Grinch snowball cookies are a delightful holiday tradition that brings warmth and happiness to any celebration.
Recipe FAQ
What gives Grinch snowball cookies their green color?
The bright green color comes from a few drops of green food coloring, giving these cookies their fun, festive look.
Can I use a different extract instead of almond?
Yes, you can! However, almond extract adds a special flavor that makes these cookies unique and extra tasty.
Why are my cookies not holding their shape?
If your dough is too warm, the cookies may spread. Chill the dough slightly to keep that perfect snowball shape.
How do I get a perfect powdered sugar coating?
Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while warm, then roll them again after cooling for a thicker, snowy layer.
Serving FAQ
Are Grinch snowball cookies good for holiday parties?
Yes, they’re perfect because their fun green color and sweet powdered coating make them a festive hit for any holiday gathering.
Can kids help make Grinch snowball cookies?
Absolutely! Kids can have fun rolling the dough balls and coating them in powdered sugar for a hands-on activity.
How many Grinch snowball cookies should I serve per person?
Plan for two to three cookies per person, as these bite-sized treats are so delicious that everyone will want seconds!
When is the best time to serve Grinch snowball cookies?
These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a treat after decorating the Christmas tree!
Storage FAQ
For the best results, follow our tips below to store, make ahead, and reheat grinch snowball cookies. From keeping them fresh to reheating, we’ve got you covered!
Can I make Grinch snowball cookies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
How should I store leftover Grinch snowball cookies?
Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, since this is the best way for them to stay fresh and delicious. They'll last for up to five days.
Is it possible to freeze Grinch snowball cookies?
Yes, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to one month. They’ll stay tasty and ready for later!
How should I reheat Grinch snowball cookies?
To enjoy warm, gently reheat in the microwave for about ten to fifteen seconds until just softened. Enjoy the cozy warmth!
Grinch Snowball Cookies
Grinch snowball cookies are festive, green treats perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings. These soft, buttery cookies melt in your mouth with every bite!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted and divided)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1½ teaspoons clear vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon liquid green food coloring ((10 to 12 drops) I used McCormick brand)
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- large red heart sprinkles (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS
- Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
- Place 2 cups of the sifted powdered sugar in a bowl and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter and 1 cup of the powdered sugar on medium-low speed for 1 to 2 minutes or until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and beat for an additional 30 seconds until completely incorporated.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl.
- While your mixer is on low, spoon the flour mixture slowly into the mixing bowl. You will want to allow the flour to be incorporated after each addition before adding more to the mixing bowl.
- Once all your flour mixture has been added, increase the mixer speed to medium and beat the dough for an additional 30 to 45 seconds to ensure that all the ingredients are fully incorporated and that your dough is light and fluffy.
- Add the green liquid food coloring and beat on low until your cookie dough is uniform in color. You can add a couple of extra drops if you want a darker green color for your dough.
- Lastly, you will mix in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips just until all the chips are fully incorporated.
- Using a one tablespoon scoop, scoop out the dough and roll them into balls in the palm of your hand.
- Then, place the rolled cookie dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheets and refrigerate the dough balls for 15 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Bake for 12 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
- Roll each slightly warm cookie gently in the reserved bowl of powdered sugar. Place the coated cookies back on the cookie sheet to continue to cool completely. Once the cookies have cooled completely for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, you will roll each cookie in the powdered sugar for a second coating.
- Finally, place a large heart candy onto the top of each powdered sugar-coated Grinch snowball cookie
Notes
- For your softened butter in this recipe, you will want to make sure that it is just at room temperature and not overly soft. You should be able to press your finger into the top of the butter and leave a slight impression, but NOT be able to press your finger all the way through the butter. If your butter is too soft, your cookies will spread too much when baking, and you will not get the desired results for the recipe.
- Chilling the dough balls before baking will help minimize any spreading of the cookies so that they keep that nice rounded shape.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your cookies as the suggested baking time approaches.
Nutrition
Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 54mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 181IU | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg
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