Grinch Cookies are a fun and festive holiday treat inspired by the beloved Christmas character. These bright green, crinkled cookies are soft, chewy, and often topped with a tiny red heart to symbolize the Grinch’s growing heart. Whether you’re baking them for a Christmas party, cookie exchange, or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to bring holiday cheer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients, including a cake mix for convenience.
- Soft and Chewy – Perfectly tender cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Festive and Fun – Bright green cookies with a red heart make a great holiday treat.
- Kid-Friendly – A great recipe for baking with children.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box white cake mix (approximately 15.25 ounces)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
- Green gel food coloring
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles or candies
Directions
- Prepare the Dough – In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs until combined. If using, add peppermint extract.
- Add Color – Stir in green gel food coloring until you reach your desired shade.
- Chill – Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Preheat Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form Cookies – Scoop dough into small balls and roll in powdered sugar to coat.
- Bake – Arrange on the baking sheet, leaving space between cookies. Bake for 10-12 minutes until they crackle on top.
- Decorate – While warm, gently press a red heart sprinkle into each cookie.
- Cool – Let the cookies sit for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
- Different Flavors – Swap peppermint extract for vanilla or almond extract.
- Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free cake mix.
- Extra Add-Ins – Mix in white chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezing – Freeze cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Make Ahead – Dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
FAQs
What type of food coloring should I use?
Gel food coloring works best for vibrant color without altering the dough.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
Why did my powdered sugar disappear?
Try rolling the dough in a mix of powdered sugar and cornstarch to help it stick.
What can I use instead of heart sprinkles?
Red M&M’s, cinnamon candies, or a small icing heart work well.
Can I add mix-ins?
Yes! White chocolate chips or festive sprinkles add extra fun.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling helps prevent spreading and makes handling easier.
Can I use liquid food coloring?
Yes, but you may need more to achieve the same bright green color.
How can I make the cookies chewier?
Adding an extra egg yolk can create a chewier texture.
Are these cookies good for cookie exchanges?
Absolutely! They’re festive, easy to transport, and always a hit.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in batches.
Conclusion
Grinch Cookies are a festive and delicious holiday treat that everyone will love. Whether you make them for a party, a cookie exchange, or just for fun, these bright green cookies with a sweet touch of love will bring smiles to all. Happy baking!
PrintGrinch Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive cookies are soft, chewy, and bright green—just like the Grinch himself! With a hint of vanilla and a cute red candy heart on top, they’re a perfect Christmas treat.
Ingredients
1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
4–5 drops green food coloring
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
1/2 cup cornstarch (for rolling)
20–24 red heart sprinkles or red M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, vanilla extract, eggs, and green food coloring. Stir until a dough forms.
- Prepare for rolling: In a separate small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop 1-inch balls of dough, roll them in the sugar mixture, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are soft.
- Add the heart: While the cookies are still warm, gently press a red heart sprinkle or M&M into the center of each.
- Cool & enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before rolling.
You can use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor twist.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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