Grinch Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Grinch Cookies are a festive and fun treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft, minty, and vividly green, they bring a playful twist to classic sugar cookies. Easy to make and delightful to share, they’re sure to brighten up any cookie platter.

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
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (32 g)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• Red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon decorations

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it 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 the mixture is well blended.
3. Step 3: Add the peppermint (or mint) extract, vanilla extract, and green gel food coloring to the batter. Mix on low speed just until everything is evenly combined. The dough 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 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll each ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to coat the sticky dough well.
6. Step 6: Place the coated dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear dry.
8. Step 8: Remove the cookies from the oven. Immediately press a red heart-shaped sprinkle gently onto the top of each cookie so it sticks.
9. Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger mint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly but avoid adding too much to prevent bitterness.
• If you don’t have green gel food coloring, you can use natural alternatives like spinach powder to achieve the color.
• Swap red heart sprinkles for cinnamon hearts or red sanding sugar for seasonal variety.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh slightly, warm in a low oven for a few minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is best for achieving the vibrant green color without thinning the dough. If using liquid coloring, add it sparingly to avoid changing the dough’s consistency.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Grinch Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 121 reviews

These festive Grinch Cookies are a fun and colorful treat inspired by the beloved holiday character. Made with a white cake mix base, peppermint and vanilla extracts, and vibrant green food coloring, these soft and chewy cookies are coated with a powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture for a sweet finish. Topped with a red heart-shaped sprinkle, they perfectly capture the Grinch’s mischievous yet lovable spirit, making them an ideal holiday bake for sharing with family and friends.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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, to desired shade

Coating

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
2. Mix the dough: Using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer, combine the white cake mix, softened butter, and eggs. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and you have a thick, sticky batter.
3. Add flavors and color: Add the peppermint or mint extract and vanilla extract to the batter. Then add green gel food coloring a little at a time until you reach your desired vibrant green color. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined.
4. Prepare the powdered sugar coating: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch to create the coating that will give the cookies a lightly sweet, crackly exterior.
5. Scoop and coat the dough: Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls. Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to coat thoroughly. Place the coated dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for slight spreading.
6. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Bake until the edges are set and the tops of the cookies appear dry but still soft to the touch.
7. Add the red heart topping: As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, gently press a red heart-shaped sprinkle or cinnamon heart onto the center of each cookie. This adds a cute, festive finishing touch.
8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• The batter is sticky, so rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar and cornstarch helps prevent sticking and gives a nice texture.
• You can substitute peppermint extract with mint extract if preferred.
• Using gel food coloring provides a more vibrant green without altering the batter consistency.
• Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Red heart-shaped sprinkles can be found in baking or craft stores, or substitute with small cinnamon candies.

Keywords: Grinch cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, peppermint cookies, green cookies, festive baking