Steam of fragrant warmth filled my kitchen the first time I baked these Grinch Sugar Cookie Bars, the edges turning golden while vivid green dough shimmered under my fingertips. After three rounds of tweaking the butter’s temperature and egg count, I nailed a tender bar that holds its shape yet yields a silky bite. These candy-topped squares are festive fun with a nostalgic twist—and a few discoveries you’ll appreciate when you bake along.
Why You’ll Love Grinch Sugar Cookie Bars
- Speedy from box mix yet tastes homemade thanks to room-temp butter and fresh vanilla.
- Vibrant green bars that delight kids and adults—no gelato-level artistry required.
- Gooey around the edges, tender in the center, with a glossy kiss on top.
- Sugar cookies hold cultural currency at Christmas; these bars channel Who-ville whimsy.
A Little Background
On a snowy December afternoon, I riffed on the classic sugar cookie bar by tinting the dough bright green and topping it with matching Hershey’s Kisses. Inspired by a childhood Who-mas celebration, these squares took three batches to perfect—my prep note: letting softened butter sit exactly 30 minutes before mixing gave the dough its ideal silkiness.
Key Ingredients for Grinch Sugar Cookie Bars
- Boxed sugar cookie mix (15.25 oz): shortcut base—swap for a 1½-cup homemade mix if you prefer.
- Butter (½ cup, softened): provides richness; room-temp for 30 minutes yields a smoother dough.
- Eggs (2 large): bind and lighten; straight from the fridge works fine.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): adds warmth; pure over imitation for best flavor.
- Green food coloring: gel or liquid—add until your festive shade appears.
- Hershey’s Kisses (green foil, 24 pieces): makes each bar a festive bite.
How to Make Grinch Sugar Cookie Bars
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sugar cookie mix, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and green food coloring until uniformly green.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 15–17 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. (My second batch benefited from a quick pan rotate at 10 minutes for even color.)
- Remove from oven and immediately press the green foil Hershey’s Kisses into the bars about 2 inches apart.
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing between the kisses into individual squares.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Room-temp butter yields silky dough; if too cold, chips form and bars crack around the edges.
- If bars brown too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking.
- Stir in a pinch of red sanding sugar for a Grinch-heart garnish on top of each kiss.
- Halve the recipe for an 8×8 pan or double and bake in two pans side by side.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping them away from heat or direct sunlight. Refrigerate up to 5 days—my third storage test found that chilling overnight in a sealed box deepened the vanilla notes. Freeze bars (unfrosted) for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge, then bring to room temp before serving. Always keep perishable ingredients below 40°F and avoid leaving them out over 2 hours.
Serving Suggestions
Line a holiday platter with evergreen sprigs and nestle these bars between red velvet cake squares for a green-and-red feast. Pair with hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for a cozy movie night. For a kids’ party, let little hands decorate extra kisses with edible markers before gentle pressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you store Grinch Sugar Cookie Bars? Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the fridge up to 5 days, or freeze for 3 months.
- Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of a box mix? Yes—swap with 1½ cups of your favorite recipe, adjusting butter and egg in your mix accordingly.
- How do I prevent Grinch Sugar Cookie Bars from sticking to the pan? Grease thoroughly or line with parchment, ensuring the edges are well coated to lift bars easily.
- What’s the best way to get bright green color in these bars? Use gel food coloring for a more intense hue without thinning the dough too much.
- Can I freeze Grinch Sugar Cookie Bars for later? Absolutely—wrap tightly in plastic and foil, freeze up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge.
- How long do Grinch Sugar Cookie Bars stay fresh? Best enjoyed within 2 days at room temp, or up to a week refrigerated to maintain texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something joyful about these Grinch Sugar Cookie Bars—the way the green crumb contrasts with silver-wrapped kisses feels like Who-ville magic on a pan. My go-to treat is a warm square alongside a peppermint latte. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out—tag me with your festive creations!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies – sugar cookie dough meets tropical sweetness for a playful twist.
- Pecan Pie Bars – buttery bars with nutty filling echo the rich sweetness of these festive treats.
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies – cozy spice flavors that complement holiday cookie spreads.
Grinch Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Main
- 15.25 oz sugar cookie mix box mix
- 0.5 cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- green food coloring as needed to tint the dough
- 24 pieces Hershey’s Kisses green foil
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sugar cookie mix, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and green food coloring until uniformly green.15.25 oz sugar cookie mix, 0.5 cup butter, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 15–17 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
- Remove from oven and immediately press the green foil Hershey’s Kisses into the bars about 2 inches apart.green food coloring
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing between the kisses into individual squares.