This Grinch dip began as a playful idea the first year I wanted something silly and joyful for our holiday spread. I discovered the combination while testing no-bake party sweets: a whipped cream and cream cheese base with just enough powdered sugar to sweeten and a pop of neon green food coloring to make it unmistakably Grinch-like. The texture is light and cloudlike, with a silky tang from the cream cheese balancing the sweetness. I often serve it with strawberries, pretzels, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, and butter cookies; the contrast of salty and sweet is what makes guests reach for seconds.

I first mixed this up late one December evening when company was arriving the next day. It came together in under 20 minutes, and the platter disappeared faster than any baked dessert I’d made. What makes this variation special is its versatility: the optional mini marshmallows add an aerated, marshmallowy lift that makes the dip feel indulgent without being heavy. The bright green color becomes a conversation starter, and the little red heart sprinkles on top provide a festive contrast that’s always charming on a holiday table.

Ingredients

• Heavy cream (1 cup / 240 ml): Choose a full-fat heavy cream or whipping cream for best volume when whipped; higher fat whips more stably. I prefer name-brand heavy cream such as Organic Valley or local cream from the farmer’s market for superior flavor.
• Cream cheese (8 oz / 225 g, softened): Full-fat block-style cream cheese gives the smoothest base. Allow it to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or microwave in 5-second bursts until slightly softened if short on time.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup / 120 g): Also known as confectioners’ sugar; sifts smoothly into the cream cheese without graininess. Adjust sweetness to taste if you prefer a less sweet dip.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth compared with imitation vanilla. Nielsen-Massey or Simply Organic are reliable choices.
• Green food coloring (a few drops): Neon green or gel food coloring provides the classic Grinch hue; gel colorants are more concentrated so you need less and they won’t thin the mixture.
• Mini marshmallows (1/4 cup / 40 g, optional): Adds loft and a marshmallowy chew. Use mini marshmallows or cut regular ones into small pieces; if you avoid gelatin, omit them or use a gelatin-free brand.
• Red heart sprinkles: For garnish — these tiny red hearts create a festive contrast and nod to the Grinch’s metaphorical heart.
• Assorted dippers: Strawberries, pretzels, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, and shortbread cookies are suggested. Choose a mix of salty and sweet for the best flavor contrast.

Instructions

Whip the cream: Chill the mixing bowl and beaters briefly in the freezer for 5 minutes for extra-stable peaks. Pour 1 cup heavy cream into the chilled bowl and whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, then continue another 30–60 seconds until stiff peaks hold their shape. Stiff peaks mean the cream stands up with tips that do not fold over when you lift the beaters. Prepare the cream cheese base: In a separate large bowl, beat the 8 oz softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth, about 1–2 minutes. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and beat until incorporated and silky. If the cream cheese feels lumpy, scrape down the sides and beat an extra 30 seconds to ensure smoothness. Color and sweeten: Add a few drops of green gel food coloring to the cream cheese mixture and mix gently until evenly colored. Use gel color to avoid thinning the mixture; add color a drop at a time until you reach a bright Grinch green. Taste and adjust sweetness with a teaspoon more powdered sugar if desired. Fold together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the green cream cheese mixture using a flexible spatula. Use wide, sweeping motions to preserve airiness: add a third of the whipped cream, fold until partially combined, then fold in the remaining cream until uniform. If using mini marshmallows, fold them in at the end to keep them intact. Decorate and serve: Transfer the dip into a serving bowl and smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle red heart sprinkles evenly over the surface. Arrange dippers—strawberries, pretzels, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, and shortbread cookies—around the bowl on a large platter for guests to dip and enjoy.

Storage Tips

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize moisture loss and prevent a skin from forming. If the mixture separates slightly after chilling, whisk it briefly with a fork or hand whisk to restore a smooth texture — avoid overworking it, which can deflate the whipped components. For travel, pack the dip in a sealed container and keep it chilled with ice packs until serving; transfer to a serving bowl and add sprinkles just before presenting.

Ingredient Substitutions

To reduce sugar, substitute half of the powdered sugar with a sugar-free powdered sweetener, tasting as you go. Use light cream cheese for a lighter version, though the texture will be less rich. For a gelatin-free marshmallow option, look for vegan marshmallows or omit them entirely and fold in 2–3 tablespoons of marshmallow fluff instead. If you prefer natural coloring, blend a small amount of spinach or matcha into a tablespoon of warm water and strain; this yields a more muted green and may alter the flavor subtly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the dip chilled with a variety of dippers for different textures: fresh strawberries and apple slices for freshness, salted pretzels for contrast, graham crackers and shortbread for buttery sweetness. For a holiday platter, garnish with extra red heart sprinkles and a few fresh mint leaves for color balance. Pair the dip with hot cocoa or sparkling cider for a festive beverage combination at a family gathering or cookie exchange.

Seasonal Adaptations

In winter, serve with spiced shortbread or ginger cookies to echo seasonal flavors. For a Valentine’s twist, use pink food coloring and heart sprinkles. In summer, lighten the dip by folding in 1/2 cup mashed ripe strawberries for a fruity variation and use fresh berries as the primary dipper. Swap the green for pastel colors for Easter gatherings or use Halloween orange for autumn parties.

Meal Prep Tips

Prepare the base up to 24 hours ahead: whip the cream and make the cream cheese mixture separately, then store both components covered. On the day of serving, combine them and add marshmallows and sprinkles before plating. Portion the dip into small individual cups for grab-and-go parties or kid-friendly servings. Use shallow, wide bowls to maximize surface area for sprinkles and garnish and to make dipping easier during busy events.

Whether you’re assembling a holiday platter or adding whimsy to a gathering, this Grinch dip is an easy, crowd-pleasing addition that brings both flavor and festive cheer. Make it your own with different dippers, natural colorings, or seasonal garnishes, and enjoy the smiles it creates around your table.