Name: Grinch Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-483994H24M20S
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 15.25 ounces white cake mix (432 g box): This forms the base of the cookies.; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and flavor.; 2 large eggs (room temperature): Helps bind the ingredients together.; 2 teaspoons peppermint extract (or mint extract): For a fresh, minty taste.; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.; Green gel food coloring: For that perfect Grinch-like color.; ¼ cup powdered sugar (32 g): Adds sweetness and helps coat the cookies.; 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Mixed with powdered sugar to give the cookies their signature coating.; Red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon hearts: To add the iconic heart detail.; Mint extract: If you prefer a milder flavor, mint extract is a great alternative to peppermint extract.; Food coloring: Use natural food coloring if you want a more health-conscious alternative.; Heart-shaped sprinkle alternatives: If you can’t find heart sprinkles, you can use red cinnamon candies, or even hand-pipe small red hearts with icing.

Get ready to bake up some holiday magic with these Grinch Cookies! These green, minty cookies are inspired by everyone’s favorite festive character—the Grinch—and are perfect for spreading cheer during the holiday season. With a vibrant color and a heart-shaped sprinkle, these cookies are as much fun to make as they are to eat. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Grinch Cookies are incredibly easy to make, starting with a simple white cake mix base. With minimal ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you can whip up these bright green cookies in no time. The cookies have a soft, cake-like texture, a refreshing peppermint flavor, and a festive look that makes them perfect for holiday gatherings. Plus, the added touch of a red heart-shaped sprinkle truly brings the Grinch to life!

Ingredients Needed for Grinch Cookies

To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients. Stick to the quantities for the best results, but feel free to tweak a few for personal preferences, such as adjusting the level of minty flavor.

15.25 ounces white cake mix (432 g box): This forms the base of the cookies.
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and flavor.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Helps bind the ingredients together.
2 teaspoons peppermint extract (or mint extract): For a fresh, minty taste.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
Green gel food coloring: For that perfect Grinch-like color.
¼ cup powdered sugar (32 g): Adds sweetness and helps coat the cookies.
3 tablespoons cornstarch: Mixed with powdered sugar to give the cookies their signature coating.
Red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon hearts: To add the iconic heart detail.

Equipment Needed

Mixer: A hand-held or stand mixer will help you combine the dough.
Large baking sheet: Line it with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
Parchment paper: Keeps cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
Small bowl: For mixing the powdered sugar and cornstarch coating.
1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop: Helps ensure all cookies are the same size.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grinch Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, using a hand-held or stand mixer, combine the white cake mix, softened butter, and eggs. Mix on medium speed until well combined. The mixture will start off slightly dry but will become a thick and sticky dough once fully mixed.

Step 3: Add Extracts and Coloring

Next, add in the peppermint (or mint) extract, vanilla extract, and a few drops of green gel food coloring. Start with a small amount of food coloring and mix on low speed until combined, then add more if needed to achieve the perfect Grinch green color.

Step 4: Prepare the Powdered Sugar Coating

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch. This mixture will give the cookies a nice crackly finish when baked.

Step 5: Form the Cookies

Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough and roll it into balls. Since the dough is sticky, you may want to lightly flour your hands or coat them in powdered sugar before handling. Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture until fully coated.

Step 6: Bake

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops of the cookies look dry.

Step 7: Add Heart Sprinkles

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a red heart-shaped sprinkle into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookies will help the sprinkle stick without melting.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Grinch Cookies

Avoid too much food coloring: Green gel food coloring is potent, so start with a few drops and build up the color gradually. Too much can leave a bitter aftertaste.
Don’t overbake: These cookies should have a soft and tender center, so make sure to remove them from the oven once the edges are set.
Handling sticky dough: If the dough is too sticky to handle, lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar or chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before rolling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using cold butter or eggs: Make sure your butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
Skipping the powdered sugar coating: The powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture not only adds flavor but also gives the cookies their signature appearance.
Baking too long: Overbaking will make the cookies dry instead of soft and cake-like. Watch the cookies closely after the 10-minute mark.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve these cookies on a bright, festive plate with a small bowl of red heart sprinkles nearby to continue the Grinch theme. If you’re hosting a holiday party, arrange them in a festive tree shape on a large platter, with a red bow at the top.

How to Store Grinch Cookies

To keep your Grinch Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days. If you want to make them ahead, you can freeze the dough balls (before baking) and bake them directly from frozen, just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing baked cookies: Let the cookies cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Freezing dough: Form the dough into balls and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate drizzle: For a twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies after they’ve cooled.
Different flavors: Swap the peppermint extract for almond or coconut extract to switch up the flavor profile.
Sprinkle switch-up: Try different holiday-themed sprinkles to suit.

FAQs about Grinch Cookies

Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes! You can substitute a gluten-free white cake mix to make gluten-free Grinch Cookies. Just follow the same process as outlined above.

What can I use instead of heart-shaped sprinkles? If you can’t find red heart-shaped sprinkles, use red cinnamon candies, or pipe small hearts onto each cookie using red icing.

Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re baking for a large group.

Conclusion

These Grinch Cookies are the perfect festive treat to brighten your holiday season. Whether you’re baking with the family or looking for a fun treat to bring to a festive gathering, these cookies will be a hit. Try this recipe, and don’t forget to share your results! If you love this recipe, make sure to subscribe to our blog for more holiday baking inspiration and share this recipe with your friends!