If you’re ready to dive into a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, then you’re in the perfect spot. This Vegan Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe combines the rich, fudgy goodness of cocoa with the whimsical pop of green sprinkles or peppermint candies—all wrapped up in a soft and chewy vegan cookie that’s guaranteed to spread holiday cheer. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a delicious twist on the classic crinkle cookie, these delightfully festive bites will brighten up your cookie jar and your mood with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each one plays a vital role, from creating a tender crumb to delivering that signature chocolaty flavor and festive look.
- 1 cup coconut oil, solid (not melted): Provides moisture and a subtle tropical richness that keeps these cookies perfectly tender.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup almond milk: Keeps the batter smooth and dairy-free, while adding a slight nutty undertone.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that deepens the chocolate notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough, essential for structure.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder: For that rich, chocolatey punch that makes these cookies irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a bit of lift and softens texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling the cookies): Creates the classic crinkle effect and a sweet, snowy coating.
- 1/2 cup green sprinkles or chopped green peppermint candies: The festive pop of color and refreshing minty surprise.
How to Make Vegan Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream Coconut Oil and Brown Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the solid coconut oil and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth. Using a hand or stand mixer makes this step easier and ensures perfect blending.
Step 3: Add Almond Milk and Vanilla
Pour in the almond milk and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is silky and well combined. These ingredients add moisture and flavor depth to your dough.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and cocoa through your flour for balanced flavor and texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and soft.
Step 6: Fold in Green Sprinkles or Peppermint Candies
Add in your green sprinkles or chopped peppermint candies carefully, folding them into the dough to ensure a festive look and a hint of holiday mint.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Step 8: Scoop and Shape
Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions and roll them into balls. This consistent size helps cookies bake evenly.
Step 9: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Generously coat each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully covered. This not only lends the classic crinkle cookie appearance but also adds a sweet finishing touch.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the baking sheet with space between them, as they’ll spread during baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft for that perfect chewy texture.
Step 11: Cool Before Enjoying
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling lets them set up just right so you can enjoy every bite without crumbling.
How to Serve Vegan Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra green peppermint candies or edible glitter on top after baking to amp up the festive vibe. A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving also adds to the winter wonderland look.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of almond milk hot chocolate or your favorite plant-based coffee. The rich chocolate and mint flavors in the cookies complement cozy beverages perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a holiday platter decorated with fresh pine sprigs or cranberries for a charming centerpiece. You can also stack them in a glass jar tied with a red ribbon for a gift that spreads joy instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Vegan Grinch Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay soft and chewy, just like fresh from the oven.
Freezing
Freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep wonderfully for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a festive treat.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, zap them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm gently in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This revives their soft, melty goodness perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of non-dairy milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk works beautifully, but oat, soy, or coconut milk can also be used and might slightly change the flavor and texture in delightful ways.
What makes these cookies “Grinch” cookies?
The festive green sprinkles or chopped peppermint candies give these cookies their cheerful Grinch-inspired look, evoking that magical holiday spirit.
Can I substitute coconut oil with another fat?
You can try using vegan butter or margarine, but coconut oil adds a unique texture and flavor that’s key to the chewy, tender result in this Vegan Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written. To make them gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking, ensuring it provides similar structure and texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made up to 24 hours ahead and kept chilled in the fridge—this actually enhances the flavors and makes it easier to scoop and bake whenever you’re ready.
Final Thoughts
Bringing the joy of the holidays into your kitchen with this Vegan Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe is such a treat. Not only are these cookies super festive and delicious, but they also prove that vegan baking can be easy, fun, and incredibly tasty. So, don’t hesitate—whip up a batch, share them with your loved ones, and watch everyone’s smiles grow just as big as the Grinch’s heart on Christmas morning!
Print
Vegan Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 25m
- Cook Time: 0h 12m
- Total Time: 0h 37m
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delightfully festive and vegan-friendly, these Vegan Grinch Crinkle Cookies are rich, chocolatey, and perfectly soft with a crackled powdered sugar coating, finished with green sprinkles or chopped peppermint candies for a fun holiday touch. They offer a simple way to enjoy classic crinkle cookies without any animal products, making them suitable for vegan diets.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut oil, solid (not melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating and Decorations
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling the cookies)
- 1/2 cup green sprinkles or chopped green peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Coconut Oil and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the solid coconut oil and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is creamy and well combined, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Wet Flavors: Add the almond milk and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
- Incorporate Decorations: Fold in the green sprinkles or chopped green peppermint candies to give the cookies a vibrant and festive appearance and flavor.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 20-30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle and shape into balls.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled dough and roll them into balls, preparing them for the powdered sugar coat.
- Coat Cookies: Roll each dough ball thoroughly in powdered sugar until fully coated, which will create the signature crinkle effect once baked.
- Bake Cookies: Place the coated dough balls spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers remain slightly soft for a tender cookie.
- Cool Down: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring optimal texture.
Notes
- The dough must be chilled before baking to prevent spreading and maintain the crinkled appearance.
- Solid coconut oil, not melted, is essential for the proper texture and structure of the cookies.
- Use powdered sugar generously when rolling the dough balls to achieve the classic crinkle look.
- If you prefer a more intense peppermint flavor, use chopped peppermint candies over sprinkles.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
