Grinch Cookies Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/grinch-cookies-recipe/
