Grinch Brownies: The Sweetest Way to Steal Christmas
Feeling a little Grinchy this holiday season? Don’t worry — these Grinch Brownies are here to turn that frown (and your heart) three sizes bigger! Rich, fudgy brownies get a festive makeover with green icing, bright green M&Ms, and a sweet red candy heart on top — because even the Grinch deserves dessert. They’re the perfect treat for Christmas movie nights, cookie swaps, or anyone who’s secretly rooting for the guy in green. So grab your whisk, channel your inner Whoville baker, and let’s whip up a batch that’ll make even the Grinch say, “Okay fine, maybe Christmas does mean a little bit more.”
Why you should make these brownies:
- Festive & Fun: The bright green icing, M&Ms, and red hearts make these brownies the ultimate holiday showstopper.
- Easy to Make: No fancy tools or baking degree required — just simple ingredients and a little Christmas spirit.
- Perfect for Parties: Great for cookie swaps, classroom treats, or movie nights with How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
- Kid-Approved: Little hands will love helping decorate (and sneaking a few M&Ms along the way).
- Deliciously Fudgy: Under all that Grinchy green is a rich, chocolatey brownie that’ll melt even the coldest of hearts.
These Grinch Brownies are great for:
- Christmas Parties: A festive favorite that’ll stand out on any dessert table.
- Holiday Movie Nights: The perfect snack to enjoy while watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas and other holiday movies.
- Cookie Swaps or Bake Sales: A creative twist that’ll steal the spotlight from ordinary cookies.
- School or Office Celebrations: Fun, shareable, and guaranteed to spread some holiday cheer.
- Family Baking Days: A sweet way to get everyone (even the Grinch) into the Christmas spirit.
- Gift Boxes or Treat Trays: Wrapped up with a bow, they make a whimsical homemade gift.
- Winter Birthdays: Add a touch of festive mischief to any December celebration.
- Grinch-Themed Parties: Create your own How the Grinch Stole Christmas themed party for holidays or birthdays.
Grinch Brownies
Prep Time: 20 min / Bake Time: 30 min
Serves: 9
Ingredients
- 1 box milk chocolate brownie mix, plus the ingredients from the box (water, oil, eggs)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp. heavy cream of milk
- Neon green gel food coloring
- 1 tbsp. Heart sprinkles
- 2 tbsp. Green M&Ms
Directions
Prepare the brownie mix, according to the box directions. Add chocolate chips and mix well.
Pour into parchment lined pan and bake according to directions.
Allow the brownies to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the butter and powdered sugar.
Add the vanilla, and continue to mix.
Alternate adding the gel food coloring and small amounts of milk until the frosting forms and is the shade of green you want.
Frost the top of the cooled brownies. Top with green M&Ms and heart sprinkles.
Enjoy!
Grinch Brownies FAQ
Can I use any brand of boxed brownie mix?
Absolutely! Any brand or style of boxed brownie mix will work — just follow the package directions for the best results. You can even use a fudge or dark chocolate variety for extra richness.
Do I have to use homemade icing?
No! Feel free to use any store-bought white icing and tint it green.
Can I make the brownies ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the brownies a day in advance, let them cool completely, and store them covered at room temperature. Add the icing and decorations right before serving for the freshest look.
How do I get the perfect Grinch-green icing color?
Start with a few drops of green food coloring and mix well, adding more until you reach your desired shade of Grinchy green. Gel food coloring works best for vibrant color without thinning your icing.
Can I freeze these brownies?
You can! Freeze the undecorated brownies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw, add the icing, M&Ms, and candy hearts, and they’ll look (and taste) freshly baked.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Grinch Brownies
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges — no Grinch-level frustration required.
- Don’t overbake! Slightly gooey brownies make the perfect fudgy base for your decorations.
- Cool completely before icing to prevent the frosting from melting into a sticky mess.
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for neat, even icing swirls.
- Get creative! Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes for extra holiday cheer.
Looks like your holiday baking just got a Grinchy upgrade! These fudgy, festive brownies are the perfect way to bring a little mischief — and a lot of sweetness — to your Christmas celebrations. Whether you’re sharing them with friends in Whoville or keeping a secret stash for yourself, they’re guaranteed to make hearts grow three sizes. So slip on your Santa hat, turn up the carols, and let these Grinch Brownies remind you that even the grumpiest days can end on a delicious note. Merry baking, you holiday hero!
