Grinch Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, festive treat that will wow everyone at your holiday gathering, you’ve got to try my Grinch Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe. These little green delights are bursting with flavor, packed with chocolatey goodness, and just plain adorable. Honestly, every year I make a batch (or three!), and they’re gone in no time. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips to make sure your cookies come out perfectly green, soft, and irresistible.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe balances convenience with creativity. Using a sugar cookie mix saves tons of time while the green food coloring and Hershey’s Kisses make it festive and fun. Plus, each ingredient plays a role in creating that soft, tender texture and delicious flavor.

• Sugar Cookie Mix: Using a mix means you get consistent texture without fuss, perfect if you want great cookies fast.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps firm up the dough and gives the cookies that classic structure.
• Large Egg: Mixing this with the gel food coloring makes it easier to get that perfect even green hue.
• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature is key for smooth dough; it gives richness and tenderness to the cookies.
• Green Gel Food Coloring: Gel is a must because it gives vivid color without thinning the dough like liquid food coloring might.
• Hershey’s Kisses: The melty chocolate center is the best surprise in every bite – and the star of the show.
• Heart Candy Sprinkles: These add a cute, festive pop right at the end for that special “Grinch heart grows” touch.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this recipe my own each year, depending on the crowd and occasion. Don’t hesitate to get creative—this recipe is forgiving and fun to experiment with.

• Variation: Once, I swapped the Hershey’s Kisses for peppermint-flavored chocolate kisses. The mint-chocolate combo added a festive twist everyone loved!
• Dietary Modifications: For dairy-free versions, try using vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate kisses; just watch baking times closely as textures might change slightly.
• Color Fun: You can use different gel colors if you want to make “Whoville” cookies themed for other characters or simply a fun splash of color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grinch Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Mini Muffin Tin

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, lightly grease your mini muffin pan with baker’s spray or line the cups with paper liners. This step is a lifesaver for easy cookie removal later, especially since these cookies are soft and delicate.

Step 2: Mix the Green Egg Mixture

Grab a small bowl and whisk the egg with your green gel food coloring until it’s a vibrant uniform shade of green. This little trick helps the color blend evenly into the dough rather than patchy blobs. I’ve done the opposite before, and let me tell you—future you will thank present you if you mix the color with the egg first!

Step 3: Combine the Dough Ingredients

In a large bowl, add your sugar cookie mix, flour, room-temp butter, and that green egg mixture. Use a handheld mixer on low speed for about 2 to 3 minutes. The dough will be thick and lush—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want. If it feels too dry, a tiny splash of milk could help, but usually, the egg and butter combo nails the texture.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies Around Hershey’s Kisses

Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop makes scooping dough balls even and easy. Flatten each dough ball into a 3-inch disc in your hand, then place a Hershey’s Kiss right in the center. Now gently pull the cookie dough sides up and around the Kiss—think of it like wrapping a tiny present! Make sure the flat bottom of the Kiss stays down so it’s upright when you pop it in the muffin tin.

Step 5: Bake Just Right

Place those dough-covered Kisses carefully into your prepared mini muffin pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes—watch closely so the cookies don’t get brown. You want them just cooked through but still soft. The centers will be gooey thanks to the chocolate, and that’s the magic moment.

Step 6: Add the Heart Sprinkles and Cool

Right after the cookies come out of the oven, press one heart candy sprinkle slightly off-center onto each cookie. This little offset placement reminds me of how the Grinch’s heart grew bigger—it’s such a cute detail. Let your cookies cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before removing them to cool completely on a wire rack.

How to Serve Grinch Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with those bright red heart candy sprinkles, which add a lovely color contrast and festive vibe. If I’m feeling extra, I sometimes dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies for a snowy touch—but definitely don’t skip the hearts.

Side Dishes

These cookies make a perfect companion to a mug of hot chocolate or peppermint-flavored coffee. I like serving them alongside holiday fruit platters or even a creamy whipped dip for a little balance. Basically, anything cozy and sweet pairs beautifully!

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged these Grinch Cookies on a platter with red and white striped peppermint sticks and fresh pine sprigs to create a Whoville-inspired centerpiece. Kids and adults alike loved the storybook charm. Another fun idea is to package them in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbon to give as sweet homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft for several days, though I recommend enjoying them within 3 to 4 days for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience. If you have kids, plan to hide some or they’ll disappear overnight!

Freezing

If you want to make them ahead of time, these cookies freeze like a charm. I freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, pop them in the muffin tin and bake a couple minutes longer than fresh dough. Cookies baked this way still come out just as soft and delicious.

Reheating

To warm up day-old cookies, I give them 10-15 seconds in the microwave. This brings back some softness and makes the chocolate center gooey again. Just don’t overdo it, or the cookies get too hot and lose that tender texture. A quick warm-up is all you need.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grinch Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe is one of those special treats that brings smiles and nostalgia every holiday season. I love how simple it is to make yet how impressive it looks—all while being completely scrumptious and kid-friendly. Whether you’re baking with family or looking to impress friends, these green gems won’t disappoint. Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll want to keep the tradition going year after year!

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