If you want one Christmas treat that makes everyone smile before they even take a bite, it’s these Grinch Brownies. They’re soft, chewy and buttery, with a bright green crumb, a thick layer of tangy cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of little red hearts on top — because, just like the Grinch, these brownies have a heart that grows three sizes.
They’re baked in one pan, need no fancy equipment and are perfect for holiday parties, classroom treats, cookie trays or a cozy movie night with the kids.
Why You’ll Love These Grinch Brownies
- Fun and festive. The bright green color and red hearts make them the star of any dessert table.
- Soft and chewy texture. A buttery, vanilla brownie (often called a blondie) with a fudgy center.
- Easy one-bowl batter. No mixer needed for the brownies.
- Make-ahead friendly. They taste even better the next day.
- Kid-approved. Little helpers love adding the sprinkles.
Ingredients
For the brownies
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (226 g), melted and slightly cooled.
- Granulated sugar – 1½ cups (300 g).
- Eggs – 3 large, at room temperature.
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons.
- All-purpose flour – 1½ cups (190 g).
- Baking powder and salt – ½ teaspoon each.
- Green gel food coloring – about 1 teaspoon (gel gives a brighter color than liquid).
- White chocolate chips – ¾ cup (optional, for extra fudginess).
For the cream cheese frosting
- Cream cheese – 4 oz (113 g), softened.
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup (113 g), softened.
- Powdered sugar – 3 cups (360 g).
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon.
- Milk – 1–2 tablespoons, if needed.
- Red heart sprinkles – 2 tablespoons.
How to Make Grinch Brownies
1. Prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides so you can lift the brownies out easily.
2. Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each, then stir in the vanilla and the green gel food coloring until the color is even and bright.
3. Add the dry ingredients
Add the flour, baking powder and salt, and gently fold with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain. Fold in the white chocolate chips if using. Don’t overmix, or the brownies will turn cakey.
4. Bake
Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are set and a toothpick in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour.
5. Make the frosting
Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until creamy, adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick to spread.
6. Frost and decorate
Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies in a thick, even layer and scatter the red heart sprinkles on top. Chill for 20–30 minutes so the frosting sets, then lift out and cut into squares.
Tips for the Best Grinch Brownies
- Use gel food coloring. It gives that vivid Grinch green without thinning the batter.
- Don’t overbake. Pull them out as soon as the center is just set for a chewy, fudgy texture.
- Cool completely before frosting, or the frosting will melt and slide off.
- Wipe your knife between cuts for clean, bakery-style squares.
Variations
- Peppermint Grinch Brownies: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the frosting.
- Chocolate version: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and extra green coloring for a darker green.
- Buttercream topping: Skip the cream cheese and use all butter for a sweeter frosting.
- Grinch hearts only: Press one big red candy heart into the center of each square.
How to Store Grinch Brownies
Because of the cream cheese frosting, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. You can freeze unfrosted brownies, well wrapped, for up to 3 months, then thaw and frost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Grinch brownies chocolate?
Not usually. They’re a buttery vanilla brownie (like a blondie) colored green, which keeps the color bright.
Can I make them in an 8×8 pan?
Yes, halve the recipe and bake for about 22–25 minutes.
Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely. Bake and frost them a day ahead and keep them chilled.
More Holiday Recipes You’ll Love
PrintGrinch Brownies
Soft, chewy green brownies topped with tangy cream cheese frosting and little red candy hearts. A fun, festive Christmas treat everyone loves!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 24 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp green gel food coloring
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Cream cheese frosting
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk, if needed
- 2 tbsp red heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk melted butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and green food coloring.
- Fold in flour, baking powder and salt just until combined. Fold in white chocolate chips.
- Spread in the pan and bake 25–30 minutes, until the center is just set. Cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; add milk if needed.
- Frost the cooled brownies, top with red heart sprinkles, chill 20–30 minutes and cut into squares.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a bright green color.
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.