Grinch Crinkle Cookies (vegan) Recipe

I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for a whimsical holiday cookie, and these Grinch crinkle cookies have been my go-to since I discovered the recipe a few years ago. They’re bright, zesty, and a little quirky—just like the Grinch himself! But here’s the twist: they’re vegan, so you can share these cookies with everyone at your holiday gathering. Their lime-green hue and pop of red from the candy Skittles in the center make them so eye-catching on the cookie platter. Oh, and did I mention they’re surprisingly easy to whip up?

One holiday season, I decided to host a “Grinch” movie night for some friends, complete with green snacks and drinks. These cookies were the star of the show. As the Grinch tried to steal Christmas on screen, my friends and I happily munched away, giggling over the perfect blend of citrusy flavors and festive vibes. It was one of those evenings where the food wasn’t just part of the party—it was the memory itself. I’ve made these cookies every December since, and they never fail to bring a smile.

Let’s dive into what makes these cookies so special—and how you can make them a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.

this RECIPE

Where do Grinch crinkle cookies come from?

These playful cookies are inspired by the beloved character from Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. While the Grinch’s green hue is due to his slightly grouchy disposition, the green here comes from lime-green food coloring and pure holiday cheer. Crinkle cookies themselves have a long history, originating as soft, chewy treats with a crackled powdered sugar coating. Think of them as the perfect cross between a cookie and a sugar-dusted snowball.

This vegan version stays true to the spirit of the classic crinkle cookie while adding a citrusy twist and a festive nod to the Grinch. The red candy center is a playful nod to the Grinch’s heart, which famously grew three sizes that day.

Let’s talk ingredients: what makes these cookies shine

Self-raising flour

This is the backbone of your cookie dough, giving the cookies their soft texture and slight rise. If you only have all-purpose flour on hand, you can mix in 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt to create a DIY version.

Vegan margarine

Vegan margarine provides the fat needed for a tender cookie. I’ve had great results with spreads like Earth Balance, but any vegan butter should work. Just ensure it’s cold to help with rubbing into the flour.

Caster sugar

The finer texture of caster sugar helps the dough come together smoothly. If you’re out of caster sugar, granulated sugar can be used as a substitute, but you might end up with slightly less smooth cookies.

Vanilla and lemon extract

Vanilla adds warmth and sweetness, while the lemon extract brings a tangy, citrusy note that complements the green color. If lemon isn’t your thing, feel free to double the vanilla extract or experiment with almond extract for a nutty twist.

Soy milk

Soy milk is our liquid base here, helping to bind the dough. If soy milk isn’t your favorite, any other plant milk (like almond or oat) will do the trick.

Lime green food coloring

This gives the cookies their signature Grinchy color! I recommend gel-based food coloring, like Colour Splash, for vibrant hues. If you want to skip artificial colorings, you could try matcha powder for a subtle green tint (and a mild earthy flavor).

Icing sugar

A generous coating of icing sugar creates the signature crinkled look. The sugar dissolves slightly in the oven, creating that snow-dusted effect.

Red Skittles

These are the “heart” of the cookies! If you’re not a Skittles fan, any small red vegan candy will work—think red M&M’s (check for vegan varieties) or even dried cranberries for a natural option.

Essential kitchen tools for this recipe

No need for anything fancy here! You’ll just need a few basics:

• Mixing bowl: A large one will give you plenty of space to work the dough.
• Wooden spoon: For mixing the dough before you get your hands in there.
• Baking tray: Line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Plate: To roll the dough balls in icing sugar—this keeps things tidy.
• Fridge: Not a tool, but chilling the dough is key for achieving the right texture.

If you don’t have a cookie scoop, don’t worry! Just eyeball the dough portions, and you’ll be fine.

Step-by-step: How to make Grinch crinkle cookies

1. Rub the flour and margarine together

Start by adding your self-raising flour to a large bowl. Rub in the cold vegan margarine with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This step helps create a tender, crumbly cookie texture.

Pro tip: If the margarine starts to melt from the warmth of your hands, pop the mixture into the fridge for a few minutes to cool down.

2. Stir in the sugar

Mix in the caster sugar until it’s evenly distributed. At this point, the mixture should still be dry and crumbly.

3. Add the wet ingredients and color

In a small bowl or cup, mix the vanilla extract, lemon extract, and soy milk. Pour this into the dry mixture, then add your lime green food coloring. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until it starts to come together, then use your hands to form a dough ball.

If the dough feels too dry, add a splash more soy milk. Too sticky? Sprinkle in a little more flour. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.

4. Chill the dough

Wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents spreading during baking.

5. Shape and coat the cookies

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Divide the chilled dough into 12 equal pieces, rolling each into a ball. Roll the balls in icing sugar until completely coated, then gently press them into thick discs.

Quick tip: Coat them generously! The more sugar, the better the crinkle effect.

6. Bake and add the “hearts”

Place the discs onto a lined baking tray, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies look crinkled and no longer wet in the center.

As soon as they come out of the oven, press a red Skittle into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookies will help the candy stick without cracking.

Fun variations to try

1. Gluten-free Grinch cookies: Swap the self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend and add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum for structure.
2. Natural coloring: Use matcha powder or spirulina for a subtle green color and an added health boost.
3. Peppermint twist: Replace the lemon extract with peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday vibe.
4. Chocolate crinkle crossover: Mix in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and a handful of vegan chocolate chips for a chocolate-lime combo.
5. Rainbow Grinch cookies: Add a mix of vegan rainbow sprinkles to the dough for a colorful surprise inside.

How to serve your cookies with flair

These cookies look adorable on a holiday dessert platter, surrounded by sprigs of fresh rosemary or mint leaves for a festive pop of green. For an extra touch, dust the cookies with a light sprinkling of edible glitter. Pair them with mugs of hot cocoa (vegan, of course!) topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

Drinks that pair perfectly

• Classic hot cocoa: The chocolatey warmth balances the citrusy notes of the cookies.
• Spiced chai latte: The spices complement the zesty lemon extract beautifully.
• Sparkling water with lime: For a light, refreshing option, add a squeeze of lime juice.

Storing and reheating

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to store them longer, pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh their softness.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

Making cookies for a bigger group? Just double or triple the recipe—it scales beautifully. If you’re halving the recipe, be careful with the soy milk; add it gradually to avoid overhydrating the dough.

Potential hiccups and how to avoid them

• Dough too dry: Add soy milk a teaspoon at a time until it holds together.
• Cookies spreading too much: Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly.
• Skittles melting: Always press them into the cookies after baking!

Give them a try!

These vegan Grinch crinkle cookies are a holiday crowd-pleaser that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re hosting a party, baking with kids, or just treating yourself, these cookies are a cheerful reminder of the magic of the season. Don’t be afraid to put your own twist on them—I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!

FAQ

1. Can I make these without food coloring?
Absolutely! The cookies will still taste delicious without the green hue. You could use matcha for a natural green color.

2. Are Skittles always vegan?
Check the label, as some varieties contain non-vegan ingredients. Look for ones labeled vegan-friendly.

3. Can I freeze the dough instead of the cookies?
Yes! Portion the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen (just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time).

4. Can I use other extracts?
Of course! Almond, orange, or peppermint extract all work beautifully.

5. Why do my cookies look flat?
Flat cookies often mean the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Make sure to chill it for at least 30 minutes.

Print