If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and absolutely delightful treat to brighten up your holiday celebrations, this Grinch Cookies Recipe is a total game changer. These vibrant green cookies are not only irresistibly soft and chewy thanks to a white cake mix base, but they also bring a playful twist with a pop of red heart sprinkles that perfectly capture the whimsical spirit of the Grinch. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a holiday snack that’s as cheerful as it is tasty, this recipe has it all: simplicity, festive flair, and a delicious minty touch that will win over both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grinch Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create a cookie that’s tender, colorful, and just sweet enough. Each element plays a key role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and that unmistakable bright green hue.
- White cake mix: Forms the soft, tender base of the cookie that melts in your mouth.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and helps the texture stay soft rather than cakey.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together perfectly for just the right dough consistency.
- Mint or vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aromatic note, with mint bringing a festive freshness.
- Green gel food coloring: Infuses each cookie with that iconic Grinch green, vibrant and eye-catching.
- Powdered sugar: Used for rolling the dough balls, giving the cookies a sugary, slightly crisp outside.
- Red heart sprinkles: Add a Valentine-like pop of color and sweetness, mimicking the Grinch’s heart.
How to Make Grinch Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to keep those vibrant green beauties from sticking and help with easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and your choice of mint or vanilla extract. Stir everything together until a thick dough forms. This mixture is the heart of your Grinch Cookies and its consistency should be thick enough to scoop but pliable enough to shape.
Step 3: Add the Green Glow
Now for the fun part: add green gel food coloring a little at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Keep going until you achieve that iconic, vibrant Grinch-green color. Don’t be shy – this is what makes these cookies truly special!
Step 4: Shape and Sugar Coat
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Then, generously roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated – this creates a lovely sugary exterior that contrasts nicely with the soft center.
Step 5: Add Heart Sprinkles
Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Gently press one red heart sprinkle onto the top of each ball. This little detail symbolizes the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes and adds that festive pop of color.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure the edges are set while the centers remain soft and tender. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Grinch Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the holiday cheer, dust your cookies lightly with extra powdered sugar for a snow-kissed effect or drizzle with white chocolate to add a creamy sweetness. Adding extra red or green sprinkles can make them even more festive if you want to impress your guests visually.
Side Dishes
Pair your Grinch Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of peppermint hot chocolate to bring out the minty notes and make your snack time extra cozy. For a party, a small plate of mixed nuts or candied cranberries make a nice salty contrast to the sweet cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn a simple cookie into a festive centerpiece. Try stacking the cookies in a clear jar tied with a red ribbon for gifts, or arrange them on a bright holiday platter alongside candy canes and pine sprigs. You can also serve them alongside other colorful holiday treats to create a visually stunning cookie tray.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any cookies left (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to five days — perfect for nibbling throughout the holiday week.
Freezing
To enjoy them later, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Just place the cooled, uncoated dough balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, just pop the frozen dough balls right into the oven, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
If your cookies lose that fresh-baked warmth, quickly warm them in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This’ll soften the centers again and bring back that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint or vanilla?
Absolutely! Peppermint extract adds a festive, slightly stronger mint flavor, making your Grinch Cookies even more holiday-appropriate and refreshing.
What if I don’t have green gel food coloring?
Green gel coloring tends to be more vibrant and concentrated than liquid food coloring, but if that’s all you have, just add a bit more. Keep in mind the color may not be as intense, but the cookies will still taste wonderful.
How do I keep my cookies soft and chewy?
The combination of cake mix and vegetable oil helps achieve that perfect soft texture. Be careful not to overbake; take them out when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
If you have a gluten-free cake mix with similar properties, feel free to experiment! Just be sure to double-check all your ingredients to maintain the intended flavor and texture.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 24 cookies, making it perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or gifting to friends and family.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about baking and sharing these Grinch Cookies Recipe treats. Their cheerful green color, soft texture, and festive heart sprinkles are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. So roll up your sleeves, invite a friend or family member to join in the fun, and enjoy a batch of these delightful cookies that will surely become a holiday favorite year after year!
Print
Grinch Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully festive Grinch Cookies made with white cake mix and tinted a vibrant green, these soft and chewy cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations. Rolled in powdered sugar and topped with a red heart sprinkle, they capture the playful spirit of the Grinch in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon mint or vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring (as needed for vibrant color)
Coating & Decoration
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Red heart sprinkles (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and extract (mint or vanilla). Stir until a thick dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Green Coloring: Gradually add green gel food coloring to the dough, mixing thoroughly after each addition, until you achieve a vibrant Grinch-green shade perfect for a festive appearance.
- Shape and Coat Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Then roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated to create a sweet, snowy outer layer.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow spreading during baking.
- Add Toppings: Gently press a single red heart sprinkle on top of each dough ball to add a charming decorative touch reminiscent of the Grinch’s heart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set while the centers remain soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- You can substitute peppermint extract for mint or vanilla extract for a festive holiday flavor.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
- These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie trays or gifting to friends and family.
