Grinch Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking to add a fun, festive twist to your holiday baking, this Grinch Snowball Cookies recipe is exactly where you want to start. These delightful little cookies blend the classic snowball’s melt-in-your-mouth texture with a playful pop of green that instantly brightens up any cookie platter. I love making them when I want something that feels both cozy and whimsical—it’s like a celebration in every bite!

One of the best things about this Grinch Snowball Cookies recipe is how versatile it is for different occasions, but it truly shines during the Christmas season when you want to channel some holiday cheer. Plus, the addition of mini chocolate chips and heart sprinkles makes them just sweet enough without being overwhelming, which always gets compliments from my family and friends. You’ll definitely want to keep these around for your next cookie exchange or festive party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in making your Grinch Snowball Cookies perfectly tender and full of flavor. A few tips when shopping: choose unsalted butter so you can control salt levels, and sift that powdered sugar for a lighter texture.

• Powdered sugar: Sifting it is crucial to avoid lumps and achieve the classic snowball cookie texture.
• Unsalted butter: Helps you control the saltiness—make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Clear vanilla extract: Keeps the dough color bright so that your green hue really pops.
• All-purpose flour: The base of every good cookie; be sure to measure it accurately for perfect crumb.
• Cornstarch: Adds tenderness and a bit of that melt-in-your-mouth feel these cookies are known for.
• Salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Liquid green food coloring: Go for a clear, vibrant green that won’t affect the dough’s texture.
• Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: These little pockets of chocolate add just the right touch of sweetness and texture contrast.
• Large red heart sprinkles: For that perfect Grinchy garnish—adds a pop of color and festivity!

Variations

While I adore the classic Grinch Snowball Cookies recipe as is, sometimes I like to mix things up a bit and make it my own. Feel free to experiment—this recipe is forgiving and fun!

• Nut-Free Variation: Skip the nuts altogether if you’re serving someone with allergies—these cookies are fantastic without any nuts, thanks to the chocolate chips adding crunch.
• White Chocolate Chips: I swapped in white chocolate chips once for a sweeter, creamier bite, and it was like a holiday hug!
• Matcha Flavor Twist: Instead of green food coloring, try some matcha powder for a subtle earthiness and natural green color.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend replacing the regular flour, and your cookies will stay just as tender.

How to Make Grinch Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating your softened unsalted butter with about 1 cup of the sifted powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. It usually takes me around 2-3 minutes with my stand mixer on medium speed. This step is important because it helps create that soft, tender crumb we all love in snowball cookies.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Color

Mix in the clear vanilla extract followed by a few drops of liquid green food coloring—just enough to get that signature Grinchy green without overpowering the cookies visually or flavor-wise. I usually add about ¼ teaspoon and then adjust to my liking. Remember, a little goes a long way here!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures your leavening is even and prevents any salt pockets which can throw off the flavor. Then gradually add this dry mix to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Toss in those mini semi-sweet chocolate chips gently so they’re evenly distributed but don’t crush them. The chips add such a lovely texture contrast and sweetness to these soft, buttery cookies.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch each, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave enough space between them so they don’t stick together while baking. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 12-15 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale.

Step 6: The Perfect Powdered Sugar Coating with Heart Sprinkles

While still warm, roll each cookie in the remaining sifted powdered sugar, then place them on a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, give them a second dusting of powdered sugar, and add a large red heart sprinkle on top of each one. This final touch makes them look extra festive and totally Grinch-approved!

How to Serve Grinch Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always stick with the large red heart sprinkles because they add that pop of contrasting color and holiday spirit. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll drizzle a little white chocolate on top for an extra sweet finish. It looks adorable and tastes amazing!

Side Dishes

These cookies go beautifully with a warm cup of peppermint tea or a robust hot chocolate, making the perfect duo for cozy winter evenings. If you’re serving at a party, I like to lay them out alongside a cheese board or a simple fruit platter to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I love arranging these Grinch Snowball Cookies in a circle on a festive plate, placing green and red mini ornaments or pine sprigs in the center. It turns the whole thing into a charming Christmas wreath that guests can’t resist. Gift boxes or cute jars tied with ribbon also make lovely homemade gifts that friends always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, I store leftover Grinch Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They tend to stay fresh and soft for about 5 days, which is plenty of time to enjoy (or share). Just avoid stacking them too tightly to keep those delicate sprinkles intact!

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead for the holidays, you can freeze the unbaked cookie balls on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This trick saves so much time in a busy kitchen!

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, pop a few cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them gently in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This refreshes their soft texture and melts the chocolate chips slightly—just like fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grinch Snowball Cookies recipe has become a personal favorite during the holidays because it combines classic comfort with a playful spin. I love how easy it is to whip up a batch, and the smiles they bring to the room are worth every bit of effort. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a festive party, I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do—go ahead and give it a try, you won’t regret adding this Grinchy twist to your seasonal sweets!

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