Grinch Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These playful Grinch Cookies are a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. Soft, minty, and vibrantly green, they’re sure to bring fun and flavor to any cookie platter.

Ingredients

• 15.25 ounces white cake mix (1 box, 432 g)
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract (or mint extract)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green gel food coloring
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (32 g)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• Red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon hearts

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, use a hand-held mixer or stand mixer to combine the cake mix, softened butter, and eggs until well blended.
3. Step 3: Add the peppermint (or mint) extract, vanilla extract, and enough green gel food coloring to reach your desired shade. Mix on low speed until just combined. The batter will be thick and sticky.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch.
5. Step 5: Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll each ball in the powdered sugar mixture to coat. Place the coated dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear dry.
7. Step 7: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a red heart-shaped sprinkle gently onto the top of each cookie so it sticks.
8. Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger mint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly but be careful not to overpower the sweetness.
• If you don’t have green gel food coloring, mix blue and yellow gel colors to achieve a vibrant green.
• Substitute the red heart-shaped sprinkles with red cinnamon candies for a spicy kick.
• Use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Storage

Store the Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat briefly in a microwave or warm oven if you prefer them soft and warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any cake mix flavor?

For the best results and classic flavor, use white cake mix. Other flavors may alter the taste and color of the cookies.

Why do I need to roll the dough in powdered sugar and cornstarch?

This coating prevents the sticky dough from clumping and helps create a slightly crisp exterior while baking.

Grinch Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 80 reviews

These festive Grinch Cookies are moist, minty green cake mix cookies, coated in powdered sugar and cornstarch for a delightful texture and topped with a red heart sprinkle to capture the holiday spirit. Perfect for Christmas celebrations, they combine simple ingredients with a fun presentation to make a cheerful treat.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough Ingredients

• 15.25 ounces white cake mix (432 g box)
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract (or mint extract)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• green gel food coloring, amount as needed

Coating and Decoration

• ¼ cup powdered sugar (32 g)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• Red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon hearts, enough for decorating

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for the cookie dough.
2. Mix the main ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, softened unsalted butter, and eggs. Use a hand-held mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until it is well blended and smooth.
3. Add flavor and color: Incorporate the peppermint or mint extract, vanilla extract, and green gel food coloring into the dough. Mix on low speed just until fully combined. The dough will be thick and sticky at this stage.
4. Prepare the powdered sugar coating: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch so they are thoroughly combined. This mixture will be used to coat the cookies before baking.
5. Scoop and coat the dough: Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough balls. Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to coat them evenly. Place the coated dough balls about 1 inch apart on the lined baking sheet, allowing room for expansion.
6. Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Bake until the cookie edges are set and the tops appear dry but not browned.
7. Add festive decoration: Remove the cookies from the oven immediately and gently press a red heart-shaped sprinkle into the center of each cookie so it adheres properly.
8. Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack or serving. This cooling time helps the cookies set further while maintaining softness inside.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth dough.
• The amount of green gel food coloring can be adjusted depending on how vibrant you want the cookie color.
• The powdered sugar and cornstarch coating helps reduce stickiness and creates a slight crinkle effect on the cookie surface.
• Cookies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For a stronger peppermint flavor, you can increase the peppermint extract slightly, but avoid overpowering the dough.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.

Keywords: Grinch cookies, Christmas cookies, mint cookies, festive cookies, cake mix cookies, holiday treats