Grinch Sugar Cookies
Festive green sugar cookies with tender centers and crisp, golden edges, decorated with matching royal icing for a playful holiday treat.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.25 tsp peppermint extract optional
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- green food coloring as needed
Royal Icing
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp meringue powder
- 6 tbsp warm water
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
- green gel food coloring to tint
Instructions
Sugar Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla extract, peppermint extract (if using), and green food coloring until evenly combined.
- Add baking powder and salt, mixing briefly to combine.
- Gradually add flour until the dough comes together.
- Divide dough in half and shape into discs; wrap in plastic and chill for 1–2 hours.
- Roll each disc to 1/4-inch thickness between sheets of parchment; cut into shapes and transfer to baking sheets, chilling for 10 minutes.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are just turning golden. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Royal Icing
- Whisk powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract and green gel food coloring until desired shade is reached.
- Transfer icing to piping bags, outline and flood cookies, and allow to set fully before storing.
Notes
Store iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Chilling the dough discs overnight develops deeper vanilla notes and ensures sturdier shapes.
Use gel food coloring drop by drop to achieve a vibrant hue without altering dough consistency.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!