Name: Grinch Crinkle Cookies (vegan) Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 200 g (7.05 ounces) self-raising flour; 70 g (2.47 ounces) vegan margarine; 150 g (5.29 ounces) caster sugar; 2 tablespoons soy milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon extract; 100 g (3.53 ounces) icing sugar; 1/2 teaspoon lime green food colouring; 12 red skittles (or other red vegan sweets)

Festive holiday baking reaches new heights with these delightful grinch crinkle cookies (vegan) style that sparkle with green charm.

Soft, chewy, and bursting with seasonal spirit, these treats capture winter magic in every bite.

The emerald-hued cookies crackle with powdered sugar, creating a whimsical dessert that delights both kids and adults.

Inspired by the classic Christmas character, this (vegan) recipe brings playful nostalgia to your cookie platter.

Each cookie promises a perfect blend of sweetness and festive cheer.

Rich, moist, and completely plant-based, these crinkle cookies are sure to become a new holiday tradition.

Get ready to spread some delicious joy with every delectable morsel.

What Makes Vegan Grinch Cookies So Fun

These vibrant green cookies capture the whimsical spirit of the Grinch, making them a playful and festive treat that brings joy to any gathering.
Perfect for plant-based bakers, this recipe offers a delicious alternative that doesn't compromise on taste or texture, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delectable cookies.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these impressive-looking cookies that seem like they came from a professional bakery.
The recipe allows for fun personalization with food coloring and decorative Skittles, making it an interactive and enjoyable baking experience for all ages.

Dry Ingredients:

Self-Raising Flour: A key base that provides structure and helps the cookies rise with a light texture.
Caster Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate cookie texture.

Wet Ingredients:

Margarine: Provides moisture and helps bind the cookie dough together.
Soy Milk: Adds liquid and helps create a smooth, consistent dough.
Vanilla Extract: Brings a classic sweet flavor to the cookies.
Lemon Extract: Adds a bright, citrusy note to the cookie's taste profile.

Decoration and Finishing:

Lime Green Food Coloring: Gives the cookies their signature Grinch-inspired green color.
Icing Sugar: Creates a snowy, crinkled effect on the cookie's surface.
Red Skittles

How to Make Vegan Grinch Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine self-raising flour.

Use your fingertips to rub in margarine until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs.

Gently stir in caster sugar until well mixed.

Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients

Grab a small bowl and mix:

Vanilla extract
Lemon extract
Soy milk
Lime green food coloring

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.

Stir with a wooden spoon, then use your hands to form a smooth dough ball.

If the dough feels dry, add soy milk one teaspoon at a time.

If too sticky, sprinkle extra flour.

Step 3: Chill The Dough

Wrap the dough in cling film or place in a sealed container.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Chilling helps firm up the dough and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 4: Shape Cookies

Divide the chilled dough into 12 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a ball.

Generously coat each ball in icing sugar for a snowy appearance.

Gently press each ball into a thick disc and place on a lined baking tray.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Preheat oven to 180°C.

Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes.

Look for crinkled tops and a set center.

Slightly underbaking keeps the cookies soft and chewy.

Step 6: Add Festive Touch

While cookies are still warm, carefully press a red Skittle into the center of each cookie.

Handle gently as they’ll be soft.

Step 7: Cool And Serve

Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking tray.

Resist eating immediately as they continue to firm up while cooling.

Smart Tips for Baking Green Crinkle Cookies

Use self-raising flour for a light, fluffy texture that helps the cookies rise perfectly without extra leavening agents.
Add food coloring gradually to achieve the perfect Grinch-green shade without altering the dough's consistency.
Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and create those signature crinkle cookie cracks.
Roll cookies generously in icing sugar for a snowy, crackled effect that gives these treats their distinctive look.
Press red Skittles into warm cookies carefully to avoid breaking the delicate surface and maintain the soft, chewy texture.

How to Store Vegan Grinch Cookies Right

Seal cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking. Keep fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or 7 days in the refrigerator.
Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing texture or flavor.
Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 150℃ for 2-3 minutes to refresh crispness.
Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Avoid direct sunlight or heat to maintain their delicate crinkle texture.

Pairings to Serve With Grinch Cookies

Pair with Holiday Cheer Beverage: Warm up with a creamy peppermint hot chocolate that complements the cookie's lime green color and festive vibe.
Seasonal Taste Companion: Match these Grinch cookies with a vanilla bean ice cream sprinkled with green sugar crystals for a delightful temperature and texture contrast.
Festive Drink Fusion: Create a green apple martini with a sugared rim that echoes the cookie's playful color and sweet-tart undertones.
Whimsical Flavor Harmony: Serve alongside a white chocolate raspberry sauce that adds a luxurious dipping element and brings out the cookie's fun Christmas spirit.

Ideas to Remix Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Gluten-Free Grinch Cookies: Replace self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
Chocolate Mint Variation: Swap lime green food coloring for deep green, add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, and use peppermint extract instead of lemon extract for a festive chocolate-mint flavor profile.
Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie's signature crinkle appearance and sweetness.
Nut-Butter Alternative: Substitute margarine with almond or cashew butter for added protein and a unique nutty undertone, keeping the recipe vegan-friendly.

FAQs

Are these Grinch Crinkle Cookies difficult to make?

Not at all! They’re beginner-friendly and require basic baking skills. The recipe is straightforward, with simple steps like mixing ingredients, chilling dough, and rolling in sugar.

Can I substitute the food coloring if I don't have lime green?

Yes, you can use any green food coloring. The key is achieving that Grinch-like green color. If you don’t have food coloring, the cookies will still taste delicious without the vibrant hue.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows flavors to develop and creates a better texture.

What makes these cookies vegan?

The recipe uses plant-based ingredients like margarine, soy milk, and excludes any animal products. This makes them suitable for vegans and those looking for dairy-free options.

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.

Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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