Grinch Nutter Butter Cookies – No Bake Christmas Treat

If your heart’s feeling two sizes too small this season, these cheerful little Grinch Nutter Butter cookies will fix that right up.

They’re the easiest kind of holiday magic, no baking, just dipping, decorating, and giggling in the kitchen. The kids can handle the eyes and hearts while you melt the candy coating (because, let’s be honest, we’ve all over-zapped a candy melt or two).

All you need are a pack of Nutter Butters, bright green candy melts, and a few red candy hearts, that’s it. Fifteen minutes later, you’ve got a tray of grin-inducing cookies perfect for classroom parties, cookie swaps, or a cozy movie night with How the Grinch Stole Christmas playing in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Easy No-Bake Grinch Cookie Recipe

• Quick & no-bake – no oven, no mixing bowls, and no mess. Just melt, dip, decorate, and done!
• Kid-approved fun – perfect for little helpers; they can add hearts, eyes, and a few giggles.
• Perfect for gifting – tuck a few into clear bags or tins for classroom parties, cookie swaps, or holiday bake sales.
• Budget-friendly – just a handful of ingredients, all easy to find and affordable.
• Crowd-pleasing – ideal for Christmas cookie platters, bake sales, and classroom treats — a guaranteed grin every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of goodies to make these cheerful Grinch Nutter Butter Cookies — simple, budget-friendly, and easy to find at any grocery store:

• 12 oz. green candy melts – melt them gently until smooth and glossy; this is your Grinch-green coating.
• ¼ cup green sanding sugar – adds sparkle and a fun “fuzzy” Grinch texture.
• 16 Nutter Butter Cookies – the peanut-shaped ones make the perfect Grinch faces.
• 16 jumbo red heart sprinkles – for that famous “heart grew three sizes” grin.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

No Nutter Butters on hand or need a peanut-free option? No problem, here are a few easy swaps:

• Peanut-free: Use Vienna Fingers or another oval-shaped vanilla cookie for the same fun shape.
• Candy melts: White chocolate chips or almond bark work great, just add a few drops of green food coloring.
• Hearts & eyes: Red M&Ms or heart-shaped sprinkles can replace candy hearts. Mini chocolate chips make cute eyes in a pinch.
• Decorating gel: Melted dark chocolate or a black edible marker both work for drawing that Grinchy grin.

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy tools for these — just a few kitchen basics:

• Microwave-safe bowl – for melting the green candy coating.
• Fork or dipping tool – helps lift cookies out of the candy melt without fingerprints.
• Parchment or wax paper–lined baking sheet – keeps those pretty cookies from sticking.
• Toothpick or skewer – handy for nudging decorations into place.
• Small bowls or ramekins – perfect for holding hearts, sanding sugar, and candy eyes.
• Cooling rack or tray – optional, but great for setting while the coating firms up.

How to Make Grinch Nutter Butter Cookies

Step 1. Line a baking sheet: Cover it with parchment or wax paper so your dipped cookies don’t stick.

Step 2. Melt the candy melts: Place the 12 oz. green candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth. If it feels too thick, stir in up to ½ tsp coconut oil or shortening to thin.

Step 3. Dip the cookies: Holding each Nutter Butter by one end (or use a fork), dip it into the melted candy, covering completely. Let the extra drip off, then set the cookie on your prepared tray.

Step 4. Add sparkle: While the coating is still wet, sprinkle lightly with green sanding sugar for that fuzzy Grinch look.

Step 5. Decorate the face: Place one jumbo red heart sprinkle slightly off-center near the top third of each cookie. (Optional: add candy eyes now, or draw them later once the coating sets.)

Step 6. Let them set: Chill the tray in the fridge for about 10–15 minutes, or until the candy coating is firm.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing

• Make ahead: Dip and decorate up to 3 days in advance — the candy coating keeps them fresh and shiny.
• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerate them to keep the coating firm.
• Freezing: Freeze in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving — they’ll look and taste just as merry.
• Gifting tip: If you’re mailing them, freeze first so the coating stays smooth in transit.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Make your Grinch cookies gift-ready with a few quick touches:

• Download & print my free “Merry Grinchmas!” labels (link here). Print on sticker paper or cardstock, then cut and attach.
• Bag them up: Slip 2–3 cookies into clear cellophane bags. Tie with red or green baker’s twine and add a heart sticker or label.
• Box or tin: Line a small holiday tin or gift box with parchment. Add cookies and a sprinkle of green crinkle paper to keep them snug.
• Add a note: A simple tag that says “Made with love (and a little Grinchy mischief)” always brings a smile.
• Mailing tip: Freeze cookies before shipping so the coating stays firm and shiny. They’ll thaw perfectly in transit.

Whether you’re sharing them at a cookie swap, packing a few for your grandkids’ lunchboxes, or sneaking one with your coffee (no judgment here!), these Grinch Nutter Butter cookies bring instant smiles.

If you loved these, you might also enjoy:

• The Best Grinch Brownies Recipe – Fudgy, Festive, and Fun!
• Easy Grinch Eye Cookies Made with Nutter Butters
• Grinch Cookies You’ll Love to Bake This Christmas
• Grinch Poke Cake — The Holiday Dessert That’ll Melt Your Heart!
• Creamy, Dreamy Grinch Milkshake with a Whipped Cream Twist!
• Holiday Grinch Oreos – A Sweet Treat Straight from Whoville

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