Introduction

These Grinch Heart Cookies bring festive cheer with their vibrant green color and sweet stained glass centers. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they combine a tender almond-flavored dough with a colorful, crunchy candy surprise.

A close-up of a green heart-shaped cookie with a smaller red heart-shaped cutout filled with a shiny, translucent red layer in the center. The cookie has a soft, slightly textured surface and is held by a woman's hand at the bottom left of the image. In the background, there are three more similar green heart cookies with red heart centers lying flat on a white marbled surface, slightly blurred. The overall image is bright and clear with a simple, clean setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), room temperature
1 cup sugar

1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

3 cups flour (do not overfill)
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt
Green food coloring (about 10 drops or to desired color)
Red Jolly Rancher candies (cherry flavor; other flavors can be used for stained glass effect)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add the egg and almond extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. This may take some effort to fully incorporate.

Step 4: Stir in green food coloring until you reach your preferred shade. Chill the dough until ready to use.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of parchment paper. Cut out larger heart shapes first, then cut a smaller heart from the center of each. Place a Jolly Rancher candy into each center hole. It helps to cut the cookies on the parchment paper to avoid handling the dough excessively.
Step 6: Bake the cookies for 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. To speed up cooling, place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator.

Step 7: Once cooled, store the cookies layered between sheets of parchment paper. Optional: frost with green frosting for an extra festive look.

Tips & Variations

For a different stained glass color, experiment with other Jolly Rancher flavors like watermelon or green apple.
Use almond extract carefully; a little goes a long way and adds a lovely, subtle flavor.

Rolling the dough between parchment papers prevents sticking and makes transfer easier.
To keep the candy centers clear and glossy, avoid overbaking the cookies.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container layered between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep well at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To enjoy after freezing, let them thaw at room temperature. Reheating is not necessary, as they are best served fresh or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows several stained glass cookies on a white marbled texture, each cookie is made of a thick, light beige dough forming the outer layer with smooth edges. Inside each cookie, a translucent, shiny candy center fills the cut-out shape, creating a colorful glass-like effect. There are star-shaped cookies with red, blue, and green centers, each having a bright and glossy texture. Also visible are a round cookie with a blue center and a gingerbread person shape filled with blue candy. The cookies are spread out casually, showing their soft texture and vibrant candy centers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other shapes besides hearts?

Absolutely! These cookies work well with any cookie cutter that allows you to cut a smaller shape inside for the candy center. Stars, circles, or trees would be festive alternatives.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can substitute vanilla extract instead, though the flavor will be milder. The almond extract adds a nice nutty twist but is not essential.