Grinch Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a fun, festive treat that melts hearts faster than the Grinch’s scowl melts on Christmas morning, then you’re in for a real treat. This Grinch Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe is not just adorable but downright delicious, combining soft green cookie dough with a gooey chocolate center and a cute little heart on top. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be your new go-to holiday cookie — I’ve been making these for years, and they never disappoint!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is a winner because the ingredients come together to create a soft, flavorful cookie with a surprise center. The sugar cookie mix makes it easy for bakers of any skill, while the green gel food coloring brings the Grinch’s spirit right to your oven. Plus, that Hershey’s Kiss tucked inside is pure magic.

• Hershey’s Kisses: These chocolate treasures melt perfectly inside and add that irresistible gooey center I love.
• Sugar Cookie Mix: Using a pre-made mix saves time and guarantees a consistent, tender cookie every time.
• All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure to the cookie dough, which is key because the dough is thick and needs support around the Hershey’s Kiss.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and keeps the dough moist; mixing it with the food coloring ensures even green color throughout.
• Unsalted Butter, Room Temperature: Gives richness and moisture so cookies are soft and delicious—make sure it’s softened, so it creams in nicely.
• Green Gel Food Coloring: Concentrated color without watering down your dough, making these cookies vibrantly Grinch-green.
• Heart Candy Sprinkles: The finishing touch—a sweet, festive detail that makes these cookies pop visually and add a little crunch.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’ve played around with this Grinch Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe quite a bit, and I love how versatile it is. Sometimes I swap the green food coloring for red or blue for other holidays, and I’ve even tried mixing in some mint extract for a refreshing twist. Feel free to make these cookies your own—it’s all about the joy of baking!

• Minty Variation: Adding a teaspoon of mint extract transforms these into a cool, festive treat that’s perfect for Christmas parties.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix to make these safe for friends who need it—results still come out fantastic.
• Natural Coloring: If you prefer natural options, powdered matcha can replace the green gel for a more earthy flavor and color.

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

Step 1: Prep & Get Cozy

First up, preheat your oven to 375°F and give your mini muffin pan a light spray of baking spray or line it with mini paper cups. I always do this ahead of time—it means no sticking and easier clean-up, which is a win in my book.

Step 2: Mix the Magic Green Egg

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and green gel food coloring until it’s a vibrant, even green. This step helps distribute the color evenly, so you don’t end up with streaky cookie dough. Trust me, this little trick made my first batch look so much better!

Step 3: Bring Together the Cookie Dough

Next, in a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, all-purpose flour, butter, and your green egg mixture. Use a handheld mixer on low for 2-3 minutes until everything is thoroughly combined. The dough will be thick—and that’s exactly right—it needs to hold its shape around that Hershey’s Kiss.

Step 4: Form the Cookie Cups

Using a cookie scoop (about 1½ tablespoons), scoop a ball of dough and flatten it into a disc in your palm—about 3 inches wide. Now, place a Hershey’s Kiss right in the center and carefully pull the dough around it, sealing the chocolate inside. Be sure to keep the Hershey’s Kiss upright when you place it in your muffin tin; this helps it bake perfectly centered.

Step 5: Bake and Adorn

Bake your cookie cups for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch the edges carefully to keep them from browning—your goal is soft, not crispy. When they come out, gently press a heart candy sprinkle off-center on each cookie. Let them cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Grinch Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple with heart candy sprinkles—they add just the right pop of color and sweetness on top, mimicking the Grinch’s thawed heart beautifully. Sometimes, I’ll dust a little powdered sugar around for a snowy effect, but the candy hearts are my must-have personal touch.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine best on their own with a cold glass of milk, but during holiday parties, I love pairing them with peppermint hot cocoa or a festive fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I arrange these Grinch cookie cups on a festive green-and-red platter lined with holiday napkins. For gift-giving, a clear box with a red ribbon makes a gorgeous presentation that’s sure to impress friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, layering parchment paper between cookies to keep them from sticking. They stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days—which is lucky because they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these cookie dough balls freeze beautifully. Just shape the dough balls (without baking), place them on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat any leftovers in a low oven (around 300°F) for about 5 minutes to warm the center and revive that just-baked softness. Microwave reheating works too, but I find the oven gives a better texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making these Grinch Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday traditions—they’re just so cheerful and festive. What I really love is how simple this recipe is, yet it looks so impressive when served. Honestly, these cookies have won over even the most “bah humbug” relatives at my gatherings. So, grab your green gel, Hershey’s Kisses, and mini muffin tin, and get ready to bake cookies that’ll steal everyone’s heart—just like the Grinch’s did!

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