Grinch Bites Mini Holiday Shortbread Cookies Recipe
If you want a fun little cookie recipe to make this holiday season, get ready for Grinch Bites! These Grinch-themed mini shortbread bites are easy to make, tasty to eat, and adorable to display on Christmas dessert tables. This post contains affiliate links.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a whole bunch of bright and happy Grinch shortbread cookies to share throughout the holiday season. With a batch of 80 cookies, they are excellent for cookie swaps or sharing with everyone.
Mini Shortbread Grinch Bites
As you can tell by the growing list of shortbread bites on this blog, I just love mini desserts. Hoards of tiny shortbread cookies are the perfect little buttery bites to make for parties, in my opinion.
As for the Grinch theme, that’s always been a favorite of mine, too. The grumpy guy with his dog that’s misunderstood, is someone I think most of us can relate to at some point in our lives! Try these mint chip Grinch cookies for another option.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
Just simple ingredients
Directions
Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
In a bowl, combine all purpose flour and granulated sugar.
Add cold butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender to cut the butter in until the mixture is crumbly.
Toss in water and mix. Use your hands to knead until you have a smooth dough.
Add green color gel food coloring and knead until the dough is a solid green color. If the dough gets sticky, lightly flour your hands.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
Use a small cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 1/2 inch apart.
Gently press a red candy heart into the center of each cookie.
Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the bottoms just start to brown.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely before serving.
Similar Recipes
If you also love little cookies like these Grinch shortbread bites, there are many more recipes for you here. Mini fairy bites are a hit for any whimsical party. Mermaid shortbread bites are perfect for an under the sea theme. Mini unicorn poop cookies are hilarious for kids. Galaxy shortbread bites are swirly goodness loved across the universe.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Shapes: Use different cookie cutters to create all kinds of fun shapes.
Flour: Swap all purpose flour for gluten-free flour if needed.
Coloring: Use different colors of gel food coloring to fit your theme.
Toppings: See if you can find red chocolate hearts, or another kind of candy if you prefer.
Flavoring: Add vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor in the dough.
Tools you’ll need
Here are some kitchen tools you’ll need for this recipe.
Storage
Keep the cookies in an airtight container. Place a layer of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. You can keep them at room temp for up to a week. Any longer, keep them in the fridge. You can also freeze for up to three months.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill the dough: If too soft, chill for 30 minutes.
- Flour your surface: Prevent sticking with a light dusting.
- Use a sharp cutter: This gives clean shapes.
- Don’t overbake: Watch closely for slight browning.
Recipe Notes & FAQ
Why are my cookies crumbly?
If the dough is too dry, add a little more water or butter until it holds together.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead and chill it. Bake when you’re ready to make them.
What if I don’t have a pastry blender?
You can use a fork or your fingers to mix the butter into the flour.
Grinch Shortbread Cookies
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 2 tbsp water
- green gel food coloring
- red candy hearts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Combine flour and sugar in a bowl. Add butter and, using a pastry blender, cut butter into the flour mixture until crumbly.1 ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup sugar, ½ cup butter
- Add water to the dough and toss. Using your hands, knead the mixture to create a smooth dough. Add food coloring and continue to knead until solid green. If the dough becomes sticky, lightly flour your hands.2 tbsp water, green gel food coloring
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/4 inch thick. Use a small cookie cutter to cut shapes and place them onto the baking sheet about 1/2 inch apart. Gently press a red candy heart in the center of each cookie.red candy hearts
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the bottoms just begin to brown. Remove from oven and let stand to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition
Our Favorite
Christmas Cookies
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