Grinch Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These festive Grinch Cookies are a fun and delicious treat, perfect for the holiday season. With a bright green color and a peppermint hint, they add a playful twist to traditional cookies. Topped with a red heart sprinkle, they capture the spirit of the Grinch in every bite.
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 hearts
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- 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.
- Step 3: Add the peppermint (or mint) extract, vanilla extract, and enough green gel food coloring to reach your desired color. Mix on low speed just until combined. The batter will be thick and sticky.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch to prepare the coating mixture.
- 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. Place the coated dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 6: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look dry.
- Step 7: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a red heart-shaped sprinkle onto the center of each cookie so it sticks.
- Step 8: 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 heart-shaped sprinkles, cinnamon hearts work well as a festive substitute.
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant green without thinning the dough.
- Chilling the dough briefly can help with shaping if it’s too sticky to handle.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
You can use regular food coloring, but gel food coloring is recommended because it provides a more vibrant color without making the dough too wet.
Do I have to use peppermint extract?
Peppermint extract adds a festive flavor, but if you prefer, you can substitute vanilla extract or another flavor extract you like.
PrintGrinch Cookies Recipe
These festive Grinch Cookies are a fun and colorful treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with a white cake mix base, infused with peppermint and vanilla extracts, and dyed a vibrant green, these soft, chewy cookies are rolled in powdered sugar and topped with a red heart-shaped sprinkle to capture the whimsical spirit of the Grinch. They bake quickly, making them an easy and delightful dessert for holiday gatherings or gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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 (quantity as needed to achieve desired color)
Coating
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (32 g)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Topping
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon hearts
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prepare for baking.
- Mix ingredients: Using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer, combine the white cake mix, softened butter, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Add extracts and color: Mix in the peppermint or mint extract and vanilla extract. Add green gel food coloring a little at a time until you achieve your desired vibrant green color. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Prepare powdered sugar coating: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch until fully blended. This will make for a sticky-proof coating for the dough balls.
- Scoop and coat dough: Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll each ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to coat evenly. Arrange the coated dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look dry but centers remain soft.
- Add heart topping: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a red heart-shaped sprinkle or cinnamon heart gently into the center of each warm cookie so it adheres.
- Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature eggs and softened butter to ensure the dough mixes smoothly.
- If green gel food coloring is unavailable, use liquid food coloring but expect a less vibrant color.
- Make sure not to overbake; the cookies should remain soft and chewy in the center.
- You can substitute the heart-shaped sprinkles with mini cinnamon candies if preferred.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Keywords: Grinch Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Peppermint Cookies, Green Christmas Cookies, Soft Chewy Cookies, Festive Cookies, Cake Mix Cookies
