Name: Grinch Linzer Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract; 1 egg yolk; 1/4 tsp. salt; 1 1/2 cups flour; 1/4 cup raspberry jam

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Transform your holiday baking with these delightful Grinch Linzer Cookies! Inspired by the beloved character from Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” these cookies are perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Here’s everything you need to know to make and enjoy these festive treats.

Green cookies with heart-shaped cutouts filled with red jam are displayed on a wire rack. A candy cane and a jar of red jam accompany the cookies, with pine sprigs in the background, creating a festive holiday atmosphere.

How To Make Grinch Linzer Cookies

Prepare Your Baking Sheets:
Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Mix the Dough:
In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or using a hand-held mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and airy, about 2 minutes.
Add the vanilla and egg yolk to the butter mixture and mix until well combined. Add green food dye until you achieve your desired shade of green.
Add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough resembles crumbly pieces.
Form the Dough:
Use your hands to bring the dough together into a ball.
Roll the dough out on a piece of parchment paper. To prevent sticking, place another piece of parchment paper over the dough. Roll to about 1/8″ thickness.
Chill the Dough:
Transfer the rolled-out dough to a cookie sheet and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
Cut the Cookies:
Cut out as many 4 1/4″ scalloped circle cookies as you can. Cut a small heart out of the center of half of these circles. Re-roll the scraps and repeat until all dough is used.
Place cookies on a cookie sheet about 1 1/2″ apart.
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Bake for 8 minutes or until edges are just golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Assemble the Cookies:
Spread 1-2 tsp. of raspberry jam on the bottom side of the uncarved cookies, almost to the edges.
Place the top cookie with the heart cut-out over the jam layer.
Repeat until all cookies are assembled.

A baking tray lined with parchment paper, featuring several unbaked green cookies in circular shapes with a heart cutout in the center. There's a small heart-shaped cookie in the middle. Holiday decorations and a candy cane are in the background.

How to Store Grinch Linzer Cookies

Short-Term Storage: Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Long-Term Storage: Store the unassembled cookies and filling separately. Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and the jam in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Assemble before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

Festive and Fun: The bright green color and heart cut-out make these cookies perfect for holiday gatherings.
Flavor Combination: The buttery, crisp cookies pair perfectly with the tart and sweet raspberry jam.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.

A rolled-out sheet of green cookie dough on parchment paper with circular shapes being cut out using a metal cookie cutter. A candy cane and pine branches are visible in the background.

Grinch Dessert

These Grinch Linzer Cookies are a whimsical addition to any holiday dessert table. They capture the essence of the Grinch with their vibrant green color and playful design, making them a hit with both kids and adults.

Linzer Cookie Fillings

While raspberry jam is a classic filling, you can experiment with various options to suit your taste:
Strawberry Jam: For a sweeter, more traditional flavor.
Apricot Jam: Adds a unique twist with its tangy sweetness.
Nutella: For a rich, chocolatey filling.
Lemon Curd: Provides a tart contrast to the sweet cookie.

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