Homemade Crumbl Grinch Cookies Recipe

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Strolling into Crumbl every week for a holiday cookie fix isn’t always possible (as much as I’d love it to be). That’s why I decided to recreate this holiday favorite at home! In this blog post, I’m sharing my version of a Crumbl Grinch Cookies recipe—a fun and festive dessert that will become a must-have on your holiday baking list.

How to make Crumbl Grinch Cookies

Crumbl Grinch Cookies also known as “The Cookie That Stole Christmas,” are a holiday-themed offering from Crumbl Cookies.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for added flavor)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6-7 drops green food coloring (gel food coloring works best for a vibrant green)

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4-5 drops neon green food coloring
• Red heart sprinkles (You can find these at craft stores or online. If you can’t, use edible red sugar hearts or decorate using candy melts.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy (around 2-3 minutes).
3. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir the mixture until well incorporated—don’t overmix!
5. Add the green food coloring to your dough and mix until the color is evenly distributed. Adjust the food coloring to your desired shade of Grinch-green.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Scoop out the dough using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or roll the dough into balls (~2 inches in diameter) for generous, bakery-sized cookies.
2. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
3. Gently press down on each dough ball to create a thick disc shape (Crumbl cookies are known for their thick, soft texture).
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center looks slightly underdone. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. While the cookies cool, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low to avoid a powdered sugar cloud.
3. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream/milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency (thick but spreadable).
4. Mix in the neon green food coloring and whip the frosting until fluffy.

Step 4: Decorate the Cookies

1. Frost each cooled cookie with a generous layer of green frosting.
2. Immediately place a red heart sprinkle on the center of each cookie.
3. Serve your Grinch cookies at room temperature, or chill them slightly for a cool, firm frosting texture. Pair them with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or milk for the ultimate holiday indulgence!

Tips for the Perfect Crumbl Grinch Cookies

• Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough seems too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before shaping the cookies. This will help them hold their shape better while baking.
• Consistency is Key: Crumbl cookies are known for being thick and puffy! Be careful not to flatten your cookies too much before baking, as this will help maintain that signature texture.
• Frosting Options: For a smoother, shinier frosting, you can replace part of the butter in the frosting with cream cheese or use a royal icing-style option instead.
• Red Heart Shortcut: If you can’t find heart-shaped sprinkles or candies, cut pieces of red fruit roll-ups or use red candy melts to pipe tiny hearts.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them (without frosting) for up to 2 months.

What to serve with

Crumbl Grinch Cookies are soft, buttery, and frosted with cheerful green icing topped with a red heart—a dessert that practically shouts holiday cheer! While these cookies are delightful on their own, you can elevate your serving experience by pairing them with complementary drinks, desserts, and holiday snacks.

• Hot Chocolate: A mug of rich, creamy hot cocoa pairs beautifully with the sweetness of these cookies. You can even add a festive touch with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and a sprinkle of green sugar crystals to match the theme.
• Peppermint Mocha: The chocolate and mint flavors of a peppermint mocha complement the buttery base of the cookies. It’s a perfect pairing for the holidays!
• Spiced Apple Cider: If you like a fruity, tangy contrast, a warm cup of spiced apple cider with cinnamon will balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Chai Latte: The warm spices in a chai latte—like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg—offer a cozy contrast to the cookies’ sweet frosting.

Ingredients Substitutes

Even the best recipes occasionally call for a little improvisation, whether you’re accommodating dietary needs, running low on pantry staples, or simply trying to experiment with flavor.

1. Unsalted Butter

Butter gives Crumbl cookies their signature rich, tender texture, but you can easily swap it out if needed.

• Substitute: If you’re using salted butter, simply reduce the salt in the recipe by approximately ⅛–¼ teaspoon.
• Substitute: Margarine works as a replacement, but make sure to choose a high-fat margarine similar to butter (avoid whipped kinds). This may slightly alter the flavor.
• Substitute: Use virgin coconut oil for a subtly sweet and flavorful cookie. Melt the coconut oil before using, and measure it in liquid form.
• Substitute: Vegan butter works perfectly as a replacement for dairy butter. Options like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s typically yield great results.

2. Granulated Sugar

Sugar contributes sweetness and structure to the cookies. While it’s best to stick to granulated sugar, you have options if needed.

• Substitute: Replace granulated sugar with light or dark brown sugar for a deeper, molasses flavor. This will create slightly softer and chewier cookies.
• Substitute: Coconut sugar adds a caramel-like flavor and is a great natural alternative. Note that cookies may appear darker in color.
• Sugar-Free Substitute: Use a granulated sugar-free substitute like Stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol to make the cookies low-sugar or keto-friendly. Adjust per the sweetener’s conversion ratio (usually available on its packaging).

3. Eggs

Eggs are critical for binding and moisture in the cookie dough, but there are alternatives, particularly for vegan diets or allergies.

• Substitute: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2 ½ tablespoons water per egg. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until thickened before adding to the cookie dough.
• Substitute: Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce. This works well but may make the cookies a little softer.
• Substitute: Replace each egg with ¼ cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt (regular or non-dairy). This adds moisture and structure.
• Substitute: Use a powdered egg replacer like Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer or Ener-G Egg Substitute, following the package instructions.

4. Vanilla and Almond Extract

Vanilla enhances the sweetness of the cookies, while almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor.

• Substitute: Vanilla Paste or Whole Vanilla Beans
• Substitute: Other Extracts

5. All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour is a key ingredient in Crumbl cookies, but alternatives can be used for dietary needs or experimentation.

• Substitute: Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend (for gluten-free cookies)
• Substitute: Whole Wheat Flour (for a healthier option)
• Substitute: Almond Flour (for grain-free cookies)

6. Baking Powder and Baking Soda

These leavening agents give the cookies their light and slightly chewy texture.

• Substitute: Self-Rising Flour
• DIY Substitute for Baking Powder

7. Green Food Coloring

The bright green hue of the cookies is part of the charm, but you can replace artificial food coloring with natural or alternative options.

• Substitute: Gel Food Coloring (for a more vibrant green)
• Substitute: Matcha Powder (for a natural green color)
• DIY Natural Green Coloring

8. Powdered Sugar (For Frosting)

Powdered sugar is key for creating smooth frosting. Here’s how to adapt if you’ve run out:

• Substitute: Homemade Powdered Sugar
• Substitute: Stevia Powder (for sugar-free frosting)

Final Thoughts

Crumbl Grinch Cookies are already a crowd-pleasing, festive treat, but pairing them with these drinks, desserts, and themed ideas can turn your baking adventure into an extraordinary holiday experience.

More Crumbl Recipes:

• Copycat Crumbl French Toast Cookie Recipe
• Halloween Confetti Milkshake Cookie Recipe