Grinch-Inspired Snowball Cookies

There’s something about these bright green snowball cookies that instantly feels nostalgic, like a playful wink to a certain classic holiday story about a grumpy recluse whose heart grows three sizes. Snowball cookies are already one of the most irresistible treats of the season — buttery, nutty, tender, and coated in a blizzard of powdered sugar — and they serve as the perfect foundation for a whimsical holiday spin. 

Swapping out walnuts for pistachios, adding green food coloring, and topping each cookie with a single red heart gives a sweet reminder of the story’s message: that the holidays are about more than bright ribbons and toys. They’re about sharing, and caring, and cookies, and joy!

These Grinch-inspired snowball cookies capture all of that in one bite. They’re simple, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and, if you’re anything like me, dangerously hard to stop eating once you start.

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture. This snowball cookie recipe nails the butter-to-flour ratio, hitting the sweet spot for that signature tender crumb.
• Perfectly festive for the holiday season. Roasted pistachios add depth and a subtle green tint, and a swirl of green food coloring and one little red heart transform the classic cookie into a holiday showstopper straight out of Dr. Seuss’ storybook.

• All-purpose flour: The goal is a tender, crumbly bite, and regular AP flour gives you just that.
• Roasted pistachios: Opt for unsalted or lightly salted pistachios to maintain a balanced flavor. Finely chop them with a knife or grind in batches with a mortar and pestle (a food processor works, too).
• Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it creams smoothly with the powdered sugar. This ensures that signature tender crumb.
• Powdered sugar: Used in both the dough and the coating; it’s key to the cookie’s signature “snowy” look and delicate texture.
• Green food coloring: Gel food coloring is ideal for delivering that vivid shade without over-hydrating the dough. Liquid food coloring works well too; however, you will need more drops of liquid to achieve the same vibrant color as the gel.
• Jumbo red heart sprinkles: The finishing touch. Press one onto each cookie after coating in powdered sugar. It’s a wink to the classic character’s heart growing three sizes, and a festive detail that makes everyone smile. You can find these sprinkles at Michael’s, Target, or on Amazon.

1. Make the dough. Whip butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until they’re light and fluffy. Gradually add flour and pistachios until a soft dough forms. 
2. Chill, then scoop. Refrigerate the dough briefly to firm it up. Using tablespoon portions, roll the dough into balls and arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
3. Bake the cookies. They shouldn’t brown much on top, but the edges will brown slightly. Cool them slightly on the trays.
4. Coat the cookies. Toss each cookie in powdered sugar while still a little warm, and then cool completely before giving them a second coat. Press a red heart sprinkle onto each cookie for the perfect Grinchy touch.