Grinch pistachio thumbprint cookies

 This is a sponsored post by Challenge Butter, but the text and opinions are all mine. Thank you for supporting brands that make Kylee's Kitchen possible! 

I can't remember where (maybe on TikTok) I saw someone add food coloring to their thumbprint cookie recipe to make grinch cookies. I loved the idea! But then I thought, what about instead of using food coloring, I used pistachio pudding mix. And thus this cookie recipe idea was born!

I love pistachio-flavored treats, and there are actually a lot of benefits to using pudding mix in cookies. Many people add cornstarch to their cookies for extra softness and an added lift because cornstarch retains moisture. But if you add to much cornstarch, your cookies may taste funky. Fun fact: A package of instant pudding mix contains cornstarch. So when you add the mix to your recipe, you’re guaranteed the perfect amount.

I will say, once the dough bakes, it loses some of its green coloring, so if you want the cookies to be a more vibrant green color, I recommend adding a few drops of green food coloring after mixing in the extracts.

I always use Challenge unsalted butter in my cookie recipes. Using high-quality butter, like Challenge, has a big impact on the richness, flavor, and structure of the cookies.

Grinch pistachio thumbprint cookies

Yield: Makes about 2 dozen cookies

Time: About 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) Challenge unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar
• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant pistachio pudding mix
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Optional: Several drops green food coloring, if desired
• 1/4 cup raspberry or strawberry jam

Directions

1. Measure flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Combine and set aside.
2. In large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add instant vanilla pudding package and beat until well blended.
4. Beat in egg yolks and extracts. 
5. If you want a more vibrant green color, add just a few drops green food coloring.
6. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until just incorporated.
7. Cover dough and chill in refrigerator for at least one hour.
8. Remove dough from refrigerator.
9. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Roll dough into balls (the size of 2 tablespoons) and place on baking sheet.
11. Create heart shape in center of each ball using two thumbprints joined at bottom. Fill heart indent with jam.
12. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
13. Remove from oven and cool on cookie sheet for several minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
14. Store cookies in airtight container for up to 5 days.