The holiday season is an enchanting time filled with delightful flavors and the warm glow of festive treats. This year, as I rummaged through my pantry, I couldn’t help but smile at the green gel food coloring I had tucked away since last winter. Inspired, I decided to whip up a batch of Grinch Cookies featuring the magical surprise of Hershey Kisses right in the center. These playful cookies are not just easy to make; they’re a delightful twist that will have everyone raving about their adorable, festive charm.
Imagine the burst of chocolate as you bite into the soft, buttery cookie, complemented by the sweet crunch of a heart-shaped sprinkle—everyone will adore them. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday gathering or simply want to sweeten up an ordinary day, these Grinch Cookies are the perfect answer. Plus, they come together in just about 27 minutes, making them a wonderful last-minute delight! So, preheat your oven and let’s create something that captures the whimsical spirit of the season together!
Why You'll Love This Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss
- These Grinch Cookies are incredibly easy to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- The delightful combination of buttery cookie and chocolate from the Hershey’s Kiss creates an explosion of flavor in each bite.
- Their vibrant green color and heart-shaped sprinkles make them visually appealing and a festive addition to any holiday spread.
- These cookies are also a time-saver, coming together in just 27 minutes, allowing you to whip up a treat even on your busiest days.
- Lastly, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, making them a hit at any gathering or festive occasion.
Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss Ingredients
Let’s gather everything you need to create these festive delights!
For the Cookies
- Hershey’s Kisses – 18 unwrapped, providing a delightful chocolate surprise in every bite.
- Sugar Cookie Mix – 17.5 ounces serves as the base for these chewy and sweet cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour – 1/4 cup to help create the perfect cookie texture.
- Large Egg – 1, acting as a binder for your cookie dough.
- Unsalted Butter – 1/2 cup at room temperature for a rich, buttery flavor.
- Green Gel Food Coloring – 3/4 teaspoon to achieve that iconic Grinch hue!
For the Decoration
- Heart-Shaped Candy Sprinkles – 18 large sprinkles, adding a festive touch on top of each cookie.
How to Make Grinch Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures a perfectly baked cookie, so set those temperatures right while lightly spraying a mini muffin pan with baking spray or lining it with paper liners.
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Whisk the egg and green gel food coloring together in a small bowl. Make sure everything’s fully blended, creating that vibrant green shade that will enchant your cookies!
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Blend the sugar cookie mix, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, and your egg mixture in a large bowl using a handheld mixer on low speed for about 2 to 3 minutes. This is when your thick dough will come together beautifully!
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Scoop 1½ tablespoons of dough using a 1½-inch cookie scoop. Flatten this into a 3-inch disc, then place a Hershey’s Kiss upright in the center. Now, carefully wrap the sides around the candy and shape it into a ball—this is the magical filling!
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Arrange your dough balls in the prepared muffin pan, keeping the Hershey’s Kisses upright. Bake these delightful treats for 10 to 12 minutes until just set but not browned.
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Decorate by immediately placing one heart-shaped candy sprinkle offset to the right atop each cookie as they come out of the oven. Let the cookies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Grinch Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will maintain their delicious softness and vibrant color.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store cookies in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezer: You can freeze Grinch Cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To enjoy warm Grinch Cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back that gooey texture, especially around the Hershey’s Kiss center!
Make Ahead Options
These Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow steps 1-4, then cover the formed dough balls tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat your oven and transfer the chilled dough directly to the muffin pan—no need to thaw! This keeps the cookies just as delicious and ensures they maintain their perfect shape. For the best results, decorate with heart-shaped sprinkles immediately after baking for that festive touch. Enjoy the delightful taste of freshly baked cookies with minimal effort!
Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and make these Grinch Cookies truly yours with exciting twists and swaps!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the sugar cookie mix with a gluten-free blend for a treat everyone can enjoy.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate kisses for a vegan-friendly option. Your cookies will be just as soft and delicious!
- Nutty Touch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the dough for a delightful crunch that complements the sweetness.
- Minty Flavor: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive minty twist that dances on your taste buds with every bite.
- Choco-Lover’s Delight: Substitute the Hershey’s Kisses with chocolate-covered cherries or caramel-filled chocolates for an unexpected surprise!
- Colorful Sprinkles: Instead of heart-shaped sprinkles, use a mix of holiday-themed sprinkles to add even more festive cheer to your cookie presentation.
- Spiced Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger into the dough for a warm spice kick that makes your cookies extra cozy.
- Double the Chocolate: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips with the dough, amplifying the chocolate flavor and making each bite even more divine!
Let your imagination run wild with these delicious variations, making each batch of Grinch Cookies a new experience!
What to Serve with Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss?
Elevate your festive gatherings with an array of delightful pairings that will complement the whimsy of your cookies.
- Warm Milk: A classic pairing, warm milk brings a comforting richness that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Hot Cocoa Bar: Create a cozy atmosphere with a spread of hot cocoa, adding marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint sticks to enhance the fun.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve scoops of vanilla ice cream alongside the cookies for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
- Spiced Apple Cider: This warm, spiced beverage evokes the flavors of the season, making it a perfect partner to the sweet and green Grinch cookies.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The fresh juiciness of strawberries contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate in the cookies, creating a colorful dessert platter.
- Peppermint Bark: A crunchy and minty treat, peppermint bark adds a festive flair that pairs nicely with the chocolatey center of the cookies.
- Eggnog: This creamy, spiced drink celebrates the holidays and complements the cookies’ sweetness beautifully, creating a joyful indulgence.
- Gingerbread Men: Gingerbread’s warm spices and charming shape create a playful dessert table that’s festive and inviting, pairing well with the soft cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad adds a hint of brightness and balances the richness of the cookies, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Sparkling Water: Offer a bubbly drink option that cleanses the palate, letting the cookie flavors shine through for a cheerful finish.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Grinch Cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature for a smoother dough and better incorporation of ingredients.
- Avoid overmixing the dough as this can lead to tough cookies; just mix until everything is combined.
- To maintain the vibrant green color of your cookies, add the green gel food coloring gradually and adjust to your desired shade.
- For optimal results, remember to check the cookies at the 10-minute mark to prevent over-baking, as they should be set but not browned.
Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best Hershey’s Kisses for my cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting your Hershey’s Kisses, look for the ones with a shiny surface and no visible imperfections. Avoid any that have dark spots or look dull, as these may indicate they are old. Freshness is key to ensuring that delightful chocolate surprise stays perfectly melty in your Grinch Cookies.
How should I store Grinch Cookies to keep them fresh?
For best results, store your Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This method keeps them soft and maintains that beautiful green color. If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just let them come back to room temperature before serving for the fluffiest bite!
Can I freeze Grinch Cookies? How do I do it?
Yes, you can freeze Grinch Cookies for up to 2 months! Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no exposed areas. Next, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the desired number of cookies and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them up—and enjoy that gooey Hershey’s Kiss again!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very common! If you find that your cookie dough is a bit too sticky, add a small amount of all-purpose flour—about a tablespoon at a time—until it reaches a workable consistency. Remember, though, that adding too much flour can lead to dry cookies, so just a little at a time goes a long way. Also, ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal mixing!
Are Grinch Cookies safe for pets?
Definitely not safe! Grinch Cookies contain ingredients like sugar and chocolate, both of which can be harmful to pets, especially dogs. It’s essential to keep these delightful treats away from your furry friends. If you want to share a special treat with them, consider making pet-friendly cookies using ingredients specifically formulated for their dietary needs!
Can I substitute the sugar cookie mix with a homemade dough?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use a homemade dough, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a mix of 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup softened butter, followed by 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This will yield a fantastic dough for your Grinch Cookies and give you that personal touch!
Grinch Cookies Hershey Kiss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a mini muffin pan.
- Whisk together the egg and green gel food coloring in a small bowl.
- Blend sugar cookie mix, flour, butter, and egg mixture in a large bowl using a handheld mixer for 2-3 minutes.
- Scoop 1½ tablespoons of dough, flatten into a disc, place a Hershey’s Kiss in the center, and wrap to shape it into a ball.
- Arrange the dough balls in the muffin pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until just set.
- Immediately place a heart-shaped sprinkle on top of each cookie after they come out of the oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
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