Name: Delicious Grinch Cookies with Hershey Kisses
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 18 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped; 18 large heart-shaped candy sprinkles; 17.5 ounces sugar cookie mix; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 3/4 teaspoon green gel food coloring

Looking for a festive treat that captures the spirit of the holidays? Look no further than Grinch Cookies with Hershey Kisses! These delightful cookies are not just a feast for your taste buds; they’re a visual treat with their vibrant green color and playful heart-shaped sprinkles. Perfectly sweet, soft, and just a little whimsical, they bring a smile to anyone who’s lucky enough to enjoy them. Ideal for holiday gatherings, gift giving, or simply to brighten up your cookie jar, these cookies combine the fun flavor of traditional sugar cookies with the added joy of a chocolate surprise inside. Making Grinch Cookies is surprisingly simple, even for inexperienced bakers, and your family and friends will be amazed at how good they taste!

The best part? You can whip up a batch of these festive cookies in just 27 minutes from start to finish, making them an excellent option for last-minute baking needs. With ingredients that you likely already have on hand, these cookies not only taste great, but they also allow you to spend more time with loved ones during the holiday season. Plus, who could resist those adorable heart-shaped sprinkles perched on top of each cookie? With their luscious texture and chocolaty center, you may find it hard to eat just one!

Why You’ll Love This Grinch Cookies Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 27 minutes from prep to baking, this recipe is perfect for busy holiday cooks.
Festive and Fun: Bright green cookies with a sweet Hershey Kiss in the center bring a playful vibe to your holiday dessert table.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make excellent gifts, especially when paired with a festive box or tin.
Kid-Friendly: Let the kids help in the kitchen! They’ll love assisting you in shaping the cookies and adding the sprinkles.
Vegetarian Delight: These cookies are suitable for vegetarians, allowing everyone to join in on the yumminess!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you embark on your cookie-making adventure, it’s essential to prep your kitchen and gather all the necessary tools to ensure a smooth experience. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, ensuring that it’s at the right temperature for baking when your dough is ready. Grab a mini muffin pan; this unique tool will give your cookies their special shape. Lightly spray the pan with baking spray to prevent sticking, or line it with cute paper liners, especially if you plan on gifting some cookies.

You’ll also need mixing bowls, a whisk, and a handheld mixer for blending the ingredients. Make sure your unsalted butter is at room temperature; this step is crucial for creating a smooth dough. Measuring cups and spoons are key for accuracy, as is a cookie scoop for uniformity in size. Finally, have some wire racks ready for cooling the cookies once they come out of the oven. With everything well-organized, you’re set to create some magic in the kitchen!

Ingredients

18 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
18 large heart-shaped candy sprinkles
17.5 ounces sugar cookie mix
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 teaspoon green gel food coloring

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This step is vital because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, you can prepare your mini muffin pan to save time.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the large egg with the green gel food coloring. Whisk them together until the color is evenly distributed. This vibrant green will give your cookies their characteristic Grinch charm!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a larger bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, all-purpose flour, and unsalted butter. Use a handheld mixer on low speed to blend the mixture together for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want to mix until a thick dough forms, ensuring that all ingredients are well incorporated and no dry spots remain.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Now, it’s time to sculpt your cookies! Using a 1½-inch cookie scoop, measure out 1½ tablespoons of dough. Flatten each scoop into a 3-inch disc, then place an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss upright in the center. Carefully wrap the sides around the candy and shape the dough into a ball, ensuring the Kiss is entirely enclosed.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Arrange the dough balls in your prepared muffin pan, ensuring the Hershey’s Kisses are kept upright during baking. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the dough is set but has not browned. Keep a watchful eye on the cookies, as they should remain bright green and not overbake.

Step 6: Add Heart Sprinkles

Once the cookies are out of the oven, immediately place one large heart-shaped candy sprinkle offset to the right from the center of each cookie to create a whimsical touch. Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Variations

Protein: For a protein boost, consider adding a quarter cup of chopped nuts or protein powder to the dough.
Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by incorporating spinach powder in place of some flour, giving an extra green boost!
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday-spiced twist on these cookies.

Cooking Notes

Ensure to monitor the cookies while baking; ideal doneness means they are set yet remain green, without browning on the edges.
For a softer texture, slightly underbake them and allow them to firm up as they cool.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these festive cookies with warm cocoa or holiday-styled beverages for a cozy treat.
Display them on festive platters during holiday parties or gatherings for an eye-catching dessert display.

Tips

Let your butter sit out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting; this will make mixing easier.
Keep the cookie dough chilled between baking batches to maintain the shape.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 120 per cookie
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 70mg

FAQs

Can I use other types of candy instead of Hershey’s Kisses?

Yes! You can experiment with different filled chocolates like Reese’s peanut butter cups or caramel-filled candies for a unique twist.

How long can I store these cookies?

If stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to a week. However, they are best enjoyed fresh!

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls before baking, and then thaw and bake them fresh when you’re ready.

What is the best way to thaw frozen dough?

To thaw frozen dough, place the balls in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before baking.

Conclusion

These delightful Grinch Cookies with Hershey Kisses are sure to add cheer and sweet joy to your holiday festivities. With their simple ingredients and quick preparation time, there’s no reason not to whip up a batch! Whether enjoyed with family or shared as gifts, these cookies will undoubtedly bring smiles to faces young and old. We encourage you to try different variations to make them your own and invite you to share this recipe with your loved ones. Don’t forget to leave a comment about your experience — we’d love to hear your thoughts!