Ingredients
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.
Ingredient Substitutions
- 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.
Instructions
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.
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert