Grinch Snowball Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Grinch Snowball Cookies are a festive twist on classic snowball treats, featuring a fun green color and mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they’re soft, buttery, and coated in powdered sugar for that snowy finish.

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
• 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Large red heart sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Beat together 1 cup of powdered sugar and unsalted butter until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Mix in the clear vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
5. Step 5: Slowly add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
6. Step 6: Increase the mixer speed and add green food coloring, mixing until the color is consistent throughout.
7. Step 7: Stir in mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed in the dough.
8. Step 8: Roll the dough into balls and chill them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
9. Step 9: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Step 10: Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, then allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
11. Step 11: While the cookies are still warm, roll them in the remaining powdered sugar and garnish with large red heart sprinkles.

Tips & Variations

• Use clear vanilla extract to keep the green color bright and avoid yellowing the dough.
• For a festive twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or peppermint extract instead of vanilla.
• Swap mini chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor contrast.
• Make sure to chill the dough before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep their powdered sugar coating fresh, gently re-roll them in powdered sugar before serving if needed. These cookies also freeze well—freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of clear vanilla extract?

Yes, you can use regular vanilla extract, but it may slightly tint the dough yellow, which could affect the bright green appearance of the cookies.

Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are warm?

Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while warm helps the sugar stick better, creating a more even and lasting snowy coating.

Grinch Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 63 reviews

These Grinch Snowball Cookies are festive holiday treats featuring tender, buttery cookies tinted green with a touch of liquid food coloring. They’re studded with mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, rolled in powdered sugar, and topped with charming red heart sprinkles to capture the mischievous Grinch holiday spirit. Perfect for holiday parties or gifting!

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 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
• 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Garnish

• Large red heart sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare baking sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat together 1 cup of powdered sugar and unsalted butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating the base for tender cookies.
3. Add vanilla extract: Mix in the clear vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse flavor throughout the dough.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt, ensuring even distribution of all dry components.
5. Incorporate dry mixture: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture while mixing until fully incorporated, forming a cohesive dough.
6. Color the dough: Increase the mixer speed and add the green liquid food coloring, mixing until the dough is evenly tinted.
7. Add chocolate chips: Stir in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
8. Shape and chill: Roll the dough into balls and chill them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to help maintain shape during baking.
9. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to reach the ideal baking temperature.
10. Bake cookies: Place the chilled dough balls on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12 minutes until set but not browned.
11. Cool and coat: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then while still warm, roll them in the remaining powdered sugar and garnish with large red heart sprinkles for a festive finish.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with the powdered sugar.
• Use clear vanilla extract to avoid coloring the dough other than the intended green tint.
• Chilling the dough balls helps prevent spreading during baking, keeping the cookie shape intact.
• If you want more intense green color, you can add a few extra drops of green food coloring, but be careful not to add too much liquid.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Grinch Snowball Cookies, holiday cookies, green cookies, chocolate chip cookies, Christmas cookies, festive treats, powdered sugar cookies