Grinch Crinkle Cookies (vegan) Recipe

There’s something about the holidays that brings out my playful side in the kitchen. These Grinch crinkle cookies are the perfect blend of festive fun and deliciousness! They’re soft, citrusy, and bright green, making them a whimsical addition to your holiday baking lineup. The best part? They’re completely vegan, so everyone can enjoy them guilt-free. Plus, with that adorable red “heart” in the center, they capture the Grinch’s transformation story perfectly. If you’re looking for a cookie that’ll steal the show (and hearts) at any holiday gathering, these are it.

this RECIPE

A holiday tradition with a twist

I remember the first time I made these cookies—it was a snowy December afternoon, and I had my niece over for a baking day. She was so excited to make something “Grinch-themed,” and I couldn’t resist her enthusiasm. As we rolled the bright green dough in fluffy powdered sugar, the kitchen was filled with giggles and a hint of lemony sweetness. Watching her carefully press the little red candies into the cookies made my heart swell—just like the Grinch’s! Now, these cookies are a holiday staple in our house. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and they always bring back memories of that magical day.

A little background on crinkle cookies

Crinkle cookies are a timeless classic in the world of baking. Traditionally, they’re chocolate-flavored, with their signature crinkly surface created by rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking. As the cookies spread in the oven, the sugar coating cracks to reveal the rich cookie underneath. But these Grinch-inspired cookies are a fun, citrusy twist on the classic. With their vibrant green color and soft texture, they’re perfect for Christmas. And while the Grinch is known for being a bit grumpy, these cookies are guaranteed to spread cheer.

Let’s talk ingredients: The stars of this recipe

Self-raising flour

This is the foundation of your cookies, giving them that light, fluffy texture. If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt.

Vegan margarine

The margarine adds richness and helps bind the cookies together. Make sure to use a high-quality vegan margarine that’s firm, not overly soft. Coconut oil works in a pinch, but the cookies might have a slight coconut flavor.

Caster sugar

This superfine sugar blends seamlessly into the dough, creating a perfectly sweet cookie. Granulated sugar works too, though it may give the cookies a slightly coarser texture. Want to cut back on sugar? Swap in half erythritol for a lower-sugar option.

Flavor extracts

The vanilla and lemon extracts are what make these cookies shine. The lemon gives them a zesty, refreshing twist, while the vanilla keeps things cozy. Don’t have lemon extract? Swap it for orange extract or double up on the vanilla.

Lime green food coloring

The Grinch-green hue is non-negotiable! Gel food coloring works best here, as it provides a vibrant color without adding too much liquid to the dough. If you prefer a natural alternative, you could try spirulina powder, though the color won’t be as bright.

Soy milk

A splash of soy milk brings the dough together. Almond or oat milk works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.

Icing sugar

Rolling the dough in icing sugar before baking creates that iconic crinkled look. Plus, it adds a touch of sweetness to the outer layer of the cookie.

Red Skittles (or vegan candies)

These symbolize the Grinch’s growing heart and add a pop of festive red. Just make sure to double-check that your candies are vegan!

Kitchen gear: What you’ll need (and what you can skip)

You don’t need any fancy tools to whip up these cookies, but here are a few essentials:

• Mixing bowls: One large bowl for the dough and a small plate for the icing sugar.
• Baking tray: A standard baking tray lined with parchment paper will prevent sticking.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing the dough. If you don’t have one, a spatula works fine.
• Cooling rack: To let the cookies cool completely. If you don’t have one, a clean tea towel will do the trick.

Optional but helpful: a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies and a sieve for dusting your icing sugar if it’s clumpy.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

1. Mix the dough: Start by rubbing the vegan margarine into the self-raising flour. This step is a bit like making pastry—use your fingertips to create a breadcrumb-like texture. It’s oddly satisfying! Stir in the caster sugar for sweetness.
2. Add the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the vanilla, lemon extract, soy milk, and food coloring. Add this to your flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until it starts to come together. Then, use your hands to form a ball of dough. If it feels too dry, add a splash more soy milk; too wet, sprinkle in some flour.
3. Chill the dough: Wrap your dough in clingfilm (or pop it in a covered bowl) and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Trust me, this step is crucial—it prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
4. Shape and roll: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll them into balls. Coat each ball generously in icing sugar and gently flatten them into discs.
5. Bake to perfection: Place the cookies on your prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye out for that perfect crinkled surface. You’ll know they’re ready when the centers no longer look wet.
6. Add the “heart”: While the cookies are still warm, press a red Skittle into the center of each one. Be gentle—they’re soft at this stage. Let them cool completely before transferring them off the tray.

Make it your own: Variations and twists

1. Citrus swap: Replace the lemon extract with orange for a sweeter citrus flavor.
2. Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of self-raising flour. Add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum for better texture.
3. Natural coloring: Use matcha or spinach powder for a more muted green.
4. Festive flavors: Add a hint of peppermint extract for a wintry vibe.
5. Spiced Grinch cookies: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, holiday twist.
6. Nutty upgrade: Mix in some chopped pistachios for crunch and color.

Serving ideas: Wow your guests

These cookies look adorable stacked on a festive plate or arranged in a cookie tin. For extra flair, sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar on top just before serving. Pair them with a warm mug of vegan hot cocoa, and you’ve got the ultimate holiday treat.

Drinks that pair perfectly

Since these cookies have a zesty kick, they go wonderfully with a glass of homemade lemonade or a sparkling citrus mocktail. For something cozy, try a cup of chamomile tea with a slice of lemon. Feeling indulgent? Vegan eggnog makes a fun, festive pairing!

Storing and reheating

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds to restore their soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture.

Scaling the recipe

Need more cookies? Doubling the ingredients works perfectly. Just make sure to bake in batches so your cookies have enough room to spread. Halving the recipe is trickier since you’ll need to measure the extracts and soy milk carefully, but it’s totally doable.

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

• Dry dough? Add a splash of soy milk until it comes together.
• Sticky dough? Chill it for longer or add a bit more flour.
• Flat cookies? Make sure your dough is cold before baking.

Give these Grinch crinkle cookies a try!

These cookies are just too much fun to pass up. From their bold green color to their sweet citrus flavor, they’re the kind of treat that makes the holidays feel extra special. Whether you’re baking with kids, gifting them to friends, or sneaking one (or two) for yourself, they’re bound to become a favorite. So grab your apron, channel your inner Whoville spirit, and whip up a batch of Grinchy goodness. Happy baking!

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and chill it overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before shaping.

2. Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. What if I don’t have food coloring?
The cookies will still taste great! They just won’t have that iconic Grinch-green look.

4. Are Skittles always vegan?
Check the label—some countries use non-vegan ingredients. Swap them out for another red vegan candy if needed.

5. Can I make these cookies sugar-free?
You can try using a sugar substitute like erythritol for the dough, but you’ll still need powdered sugar for the crinkle effect.

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