Grinch 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
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 (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
Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/grinch-cookies-recipe/
