Vegan Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Vegan Grinch Crinkle Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that adds a pop of green and a dash of fun to your celebrations. Inspired by the beloved Grinch character, these cookies are soft, chewy, and crinkled to perfection. Made with simple, plant-based ingredients, they provide a perfect dessert for those following a vegan lifestyle or anyone seeking a unique holiday cookie. These cookies are not only visually stunning, with their vibrant green color, but they also have a satisfying, sweet flavor that everyone will love.

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

  1. Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is completely plant-based, meaning it’s suitable for vegans and those with dairy or egg allergies.
  2. Easy to Make: With a short list of ingredients and simple steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
  3. Fun and Festive: The bright green color and crinkled texture make these cookies a standout in any holiday spread.
  4. Perfect for Gifting: Pack them up in a cute box or bag and gift them to friends and family during the holiday season.
  5. Customizable: You can tweak the flavors or decorations, adding sprinkles or swapping flavors to match your personal preferences.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon green food coloring
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Directions & Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the applesauce, vanilla extract, and green food coloring, combining well.
  5. Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until well incorporated.
  6. Chill the Dough: Place the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
  7. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and then roll them in powdered sugar.
  8. Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until they start to crack.
  9. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving or storing.

Nutritional Information

Per Cookie (approx. 20 cookies)

  • Calories: 140 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Potassium: 40mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Calcium: 0% DV
  • Iron: 2% DV

Variations

  • Add Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, add a handful of vegan chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
  • Swap Colors: If green isn’t your thing, you can easily use any other food coloring to make the cookies match your desired theme.
  • Mint Flavor: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a minty holiday flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, the dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.

Can I freeze the cookies? Absolutely! You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. If freezing the dough, roll it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag for longer storage.

Can I use margarine instead of vegan butter? Yes, margarine can be substituted, though it might slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.

Pro Tips By Elisa

  • Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough—it helps the cookies maintain their crinkled shape.
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the vegan butter is softened for easier mixing.
  • Roll the Dough Generously in Powdered Sugar: This will create a beautiful crackled effect when baked.

Serving Suggestions

These Grinch Crinkle Cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just as a fun snack during Christmas movie marathons. Serve them alongside a hot cup of vegan hot chocolate or a festive beverage for a complete holiday experience.