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Grinch Cookies Recipe

4.7 from 92 reviews

Delight in these festive Grinch Cookies, featuring a vibrant green cake mix base infused with peppermint and vanilla extracts. These soft, chewy cookies are coated in a sweet powdered sugar and cornstarch blend, baked until perfectly set, then topped with a charming red heart sprinkle to capture the spirit of the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 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 (enough for desired color)

Coating

  • ¼ cup powdered sugar (32 g)
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Decoration

  • Red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon hearts

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Mix Ingredients: Using a hand-held or stand mixer, combine the white cake mix, softened butter, and room temperature eggs until the mixture is smooth and fully integrated.
  3. Add Extracts and Coloring: Stir in the peppermint (or mint) extract, vanilla extract, and green gel food coloring. Mix on low speed just until the color is evenly distributed and the batter reaches a thick, sticky consistency.
  4. Prepare Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch. This mixture will be used to coat the sticky dough balls, adding a sweet and slightly crisp exterior.
  5. Form Dough Balls: Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to coat fully. Place the coated dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
  6. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear dry, indicating they are perfectly baked.
  7. Add Heart Decoration: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a red heart-shaped sprinkle onto the center of each cookie, gently pressing so it adheres as the cookies cool.
  8. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for the best dough consistency.
  • Adjust the amount of green gel food coloring to achieve your preferred shade without altering the flavor.
  • Use peppermint extract for a classic mint flavor, but mint extract can be substituted.
  • Coating the dough balls in powdered sugar and cornstarch prevents excessive sticking and gives a lovely crackled texture.
  • Press the heart sprinkles on while cookies are warm to ensure they stick well.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Grinch Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Peppermint Cookies, Holiday Treats, Green Cookies, Festive Desserts