The Best Grinch Heart Cookies Recipe to Brighten Your Holidays

Megan

The Guardian of Family Flavors

October 8, 2025

There’s something delightfully nostalgic about biting into Grinch Heart Cookies—the way the sweet, gooey center bursts with vibrant red, perfectly capturing the mischievous spirit of the Grinch himself. I first whipped up this recipe on a chilly winter evening, craving a festive treat that was as fun to make as it was to eat. What I love most is how these cookies bring a spark of holiday magic to any gathering, whether you’re baking with kids or surprising friends at a party. Easy to prepare yet impressively charming, this Grinch Heart Cookies recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite for anyone tired of the usual holiday sweets. Get ready to make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds dance!

Why Choose the Grinch Heart Cookies recipe?

Festive Fun: These cookies capture holiday spirit with a vibrant red, gooey heart that’s as charming as it is delicious. Simple Prep: Easy-to-follow steps make baking a joyful activity for all skill levels. Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, parties, or cozy nights, sparking smiles and sweet memories. Unique Twist: A playful nod to a classic character that spices up traditional cookie trays. Deliciously Nostalgic: Each bite brings warmth and holiday cheer, making this recipe a standout favorite year after year.

Grinch Heart Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

All-purpose flour – Use fresh flour for tender, perfectly soft cookies every time.
Unsalted butter – Bring to room temperature for smooth creaming and rich flavor.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps cookies spread evenly.
Brown sugar – Use light brown for a hint of molasses and extra moisture.
Eggs – One large egg binds ingredients and adds softness.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the cookie’s flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
Baking powder – Ensures a light, fluffy texture with gentle rise.
Salt – Balances sweetness and brings out the cookie’s full flavor.

For the Heart Filling

Red maraschino cherries – The star of the Grinch Heart Cookies recipe, delivering the vibrant red center and juicy burst.
Cornstarch – Thickens the cherry filling so it doesn’t leak while baking.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling without graininess for a smooth, glossy finish.

Optional Decoration

Green colored sugar or sprinkles – Sprinkle atop cookies before baking for an extra festive touch.
Powdered sugar dusting – Lightly dust after cooling for a snowy holiday look.

How to Make Grinch Heart Cookies

Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so cookies bake evenly without sticking. Set aside.
Cream: In a large bowl, cream 1 cup room-temperature butter with ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy, scraping down sides as needed.
Combine: Whisk together 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt; slowly stir into butter mixture until just combined.
Chill: Cover dough and refrigerate 30 minutes to firm up, which helps cookies hold their shape and maintain a tender, soft center.

For the Heart Filling:

Prepare: Pit and chop ½ cup maraschino cherries. In small saucepan, combine cherries with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.
Cook: Warm mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and glossy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

To Assemble & Bake:

Shape: Scoop 1½-tablespoon dough balls and arrange them 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets. Press a thumb to create a small well.
Fill: Spoon about ½ teaspoon cherry filling into each well, ensuring vibrant red hearts without overfilling. Leave a bit of filling mound for a playful, eye-catching effect.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes, until cookie edges are golden brown and centers feel set but still soft; the filling will puff slightly.
Cool: Let cookies rest on trays 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, the hearts will set firm but tender.

Optional: Sprinkle with green colored sugar before baking for extra festive sparkle.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Grinch Heart Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness and soft texture.

Fridge: For longer storage, keep cookies in the fridge, but be sure to place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out; they can last up to a week.

Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-friendly bag or container for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating: To refresh cookies, microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, ensuring that the gooey cherry heart remains delightful inside.

Expert Tips for Grinch Heart Cookies recipe

Chill Your Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and keep the cookies soft and tender.
Control Cherry Filling: Avoid overfilling the wells with cherry filling to prevent leakage and maintain the signature heart shape.
Use Room-Temperature Butter: For smooth creaming, room-temp butter blends better, resulting in a light, fluffy cookie texture.
Line Baking Sheets: Always use parchment paper to ensure cookies bake evenly and release easily without breaking.
Watch Baking Time Closely: Bake until edges are golden but centers are still soft for that perfect chewy texture and bubbly filling.

Make Ahead Options

These Grinch Heart Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by chilling it in the refrigerator. Simply mix all the ingredients as instructed, then cover the dough tightly. Additionally, the cherry filling can be made up to 3 days ahead; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent excess moisture. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then proceed with shaping, filling, and baking the cookies as usual. This way, you’ll have delightful, festive treats with minimal last-minute effort!

What to Serve with Grinch Heart Cookies?

Transform your holiday gathering into a festive delight with the perfect accompaniment to these whimsical treats.

Hot Cocoa: This classic winter drink, rich and creamy, complements the cherry-filled cookies beautifully while adding a cozy touch to your festivities.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream provides a contrasting creamy texture, balancing the chewy cookie and sweet cherry heart.
Sparkling Apple Cider: Refreshing and fizzy, this bubbly drink enhances the festive spirit, making your holiday celebration feel even more special.
Gingerbread Men: Pair these delightful cookies with gingerbread for a nostalgic flavor combination that captures the essence of the season.
Christmas Sugar Cookies: These light, frosted cookies can add a pop of color to your dessert table, pairing wonderfully with the vibrant hearts of the Grinch Cookies.
Red Velvet Cake Pops: The rich flavor and fun presentation of cake pops make them a festive treat that echoes the joyful red in the Grinch Heart Cookies.
Peppermint Bark: The cool peppermint flavor and crunchy texture are a delicious contrast to the soft, chewy cookies, creating a delightful mix of tastes.
Nutty Coffee: Serve a cup of warm nutty coffee alongside your cookies for an adult twist, where the rich, deep flavors enhance the sweet, fruity notes of the filling.

Let these suggestions elevate your holiday treat experience, ensuring that each bite is matched with something equally delightful!

Grinch Heart Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to let your creativity shine while making these whimsical Grinch Heart Cookies—there are countless ways to make them your own!

Almond Joy: Substitute cherry filling with chopped almonds and a drizzle of chocolate for a nutty twist.
Chocolate Lovers: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, melty surprise inside with every bite.
Minty Fresh: Mix in a teaspoon of peppermint extract into the cookie dough for a refreshing holiday flavor.
Fruit Medley: Use diced strawberries or raspberries in place of cherries to brighten up the filling with different berries’ sweetness.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix, ensuring a delicious treat for everyone!
Spiced Up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy, warm spice that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
Nut-Free: Replace maraschino cherries with a spoonful of homemade jam for a delightful fruit filling without nuts.
Veggie Boost: Incorporate grated zucchini or carrots into the dough for extra nutrients while keeping the cookies moist and tasty.

With these variations, your Grinch Heart Cookies can cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this festive delight!

Grinch Heart Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my maraschino cherries are perfect for the heart filling?
Choose cherries that are bright red with no dark spots or bruising. Fresh, plump cherries give the best juicy burst, making your Grinch Heart Cookies truly shine.

What is the best way to store Grinch Heart Cookies to keep them soft?
Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week, but be sure to seal them well to maintain moisture and softness.

Can I freeze Grinch Heart Cookies, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! Lay the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What if the cherry filling leaks or spreads too much during baking?
This usually happens if there’s too much filling or the dough wells aren’t deep enough. Try reducing the filling to just ½ teaspoon per cookie and gently press your thumb well into the dough to create a nice deep well. Also, chilling your dough before baking helps cookies hold their shape better.

Are Grinch Heart Cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
While these cookies are a festive treat for humans, they typically contain ingredients like cherries, sugar, and dairy that are not recommended for pets. For allergy considerations, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends and use dairy-free butter alternatives to make them suitable for gluten or dairy sensitivities.