If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and delicious treat this holiday season, you’ve got to try this Grinch Cookies with M&Ms Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies turn out because they’re soft, chewy, and packed full of colorful red and green M&Ms that make them impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to surprise your family with something special, this recipe is pure magic—and I can’t wait to share all my best tips with you!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright & Festive: Those green cookies studded with red and green M&Ms really bring the holiday spirit to your plate.
Simple & Reliable: The step-by-step instructions and basic pantry ingredients make it easy to get great results every time.
Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy, and with M&Ms that melt just right, these cookies strike the perfect balance I love.
Kid-Friendly Fun: My family goes crazy for these, and they’re a blast to make together!

Grinch Cookies with M&Ms Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Grinch Cookies with M&Ms Recipe walks the line between classic buttery cookie dough and playful colorful candy pieces that make every bite special. Make sure to gather fresh butter and bright green food coloring to get that iconic Grinch look!

Grinch Cookies with M&Ms Recipe - Ingredients

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives these cookies their rich, tender crumb.
Sugar: I use regular granulated sugar for just the right sweetness and texture.
Large Eggs: Eggs provide moisture and help bind everything together.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.
Bright Green Food Coloring: This is what transforms the dough into that iconic Grinch green—start with 6 drops and add more if you want a deeper shade.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing structure.
Cornstarch: Helps keep the cookies soft and tender—don’t skip this!
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Give the perfect lift and texture with a nice balance of both.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Red and Green M&Ms: Half go inside the dough, and saving some for topping makes the cookies look extra festive.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Grinch Cookies with M&Ms Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your own taste or dietary needs. I’ve played around with a few fun variations over the years, and I encourage you to do the same!

Try Different Candies: Cherry-flavored or holiday-themed candies can add a fun twist—and my kids love picking their favorites.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too; I’ve done this and still got great results.
Less Sweet Option: Reduce the sugar slightly or swap regular M&Ms for ones with less sugar if you prefer it milder.
Add Peppermint Extract: For a festive minty kick, just replace half the vanilla with peppermint—you’ll get holiday vibes in every bite!

How to Make Grinch Cookies with M&Ms Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper—that helps your cookies bake evenly and release easily without sticking. In a large bowl, beat your softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. You’ll want to mix for about a minute until it’s light and fluffy, which gives your cookies that perfect texture and sweetness.

Step 2: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Green Food Coloring

Next, crack in your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This makes sure your batter is smooth and ready to hold shape during baking. Then stir in vanilla extract and those bright green food coloring drops—start with six drops and add more if you want that vibrant Grinch-green color to really pop. Don’t be shy to mix thoroughly here!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients & Fold into Wet

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute everything evenly. Now, with your mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture. Mix just until combined—you don’t want to overwork the dough or it can get tough.

Step 4: Fold In M&Ms and Scoop Cookies

Gently fold in your red and green M&Ms, keeping a handful out for decorating the tops later. To get nice round cookies, I like to scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough and roll it smoothly between my hands into a ball before placing them on the cookie sheet. This little trick gives a professional look every time.

Step 5: Bake and Add Extra M&Ms on Top

Bake the cookies for 11 to 13 minutes. When they come out, don’t wait too long before pressing a few extra M&Ms on top of each cookie for that classic, colorful Grinch effect. It’s a small step that everyone notices—and loves! Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before removing, so they set nicely without breaking.

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Pro Tips for Making Grinch Cookies with M&Ms Recipe

Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps the butter and sugar cream up effortlessly, creating a smooth dough.
Don’t Overmix Dry Ingredients: Stir until just combined to keep your cookies tender and soft after baking.
Roll Dough Balls Smoothly: It helps your cookies bake evenly and look store-bought—my secret for fancy holiday platters.
Add M&Ms After Baking: Pressing some extra candies on warm cookies gives a festive look and prevents colors from running.

How to Serve Grinch Cookies with M&Ms Recipe

Grinch Cookies with M&Ms Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to top my Grinch Cookies with a sprinkle of coarse sanding sugar or tiny edible silver stars for an extra sparkle that feels magical. Sometimes, a very light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful snowy effect that’s just perfect for holiday photos—and really makes the green pop!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk—classic combos that bring out the richness of the butter. At holiday parties, I also like to set them alongside fresh fruit slices or a simple cheese board for a balanced snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I shaped the dough into little Grinch faces before baking and used colored icing for eyes and a playful smile—it was a big hit with the kids! For gift-giving, stacking them in festive tins with colorful tissue paper inside makes a thoughtful homemade present that always gets rave reviews.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—this keeps them soft and chewy for about 4 to 5 days. Layering parchment paper between them prevents sticking and helps the M&Ms stay intact. Trust me, they seldom stick around that long though!

Freezing

I’ve found that these cookies freeze beautifully. Just lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. You’ll want to use them within 2 months for best flavor and texture. When you’re ready for a treat, let them thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or leftover cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This warms up the chocolate just enough without overbaking the cookie. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave perks them up nicely but watch closely to avoid melting candy colors.

FAQs

Can I make these Grinch Cookies without green food coloring?

Absolutely! The green food coloring is what gives the iconic Grinch look, but if you want a more natural version, you can omit it. The cookies will still taste fantastic and the red and green M&Ms will add plenty of festive color.
Can I substitute a different candy for the M&Ms?

Yes! You can swap the M&Ms for any small, colorful candies like mini chocolate chips, holiday-themed candies, or even dried cranberries for a tart twist. Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness might change slightly.
How do I keep the M&M colors from bleeding into the dough?

Pressing extra M&Ms on top of the cookies right after baking helps them stay bright and prevents the colors from bleeding inside. Also, try not to overmix the dough once you add the candies to avoid breaking them up.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! You can make the dough a day in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking as directed.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Grinch Cookies with M&Ms Recipe, I was amazed how simple pantry ingredients transformed into such a joyful holiday treat. These cookies always bring smiles, whether at holiday parties or cozy family nights, and the bright colors make them unforgettable. Give this recipe a go—I promise, once you bake these up, they’ll become a beloved tradition in your home just like they are in mine.