If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat that captures the playful spirit of the holidays, this Grinch Cookies Recipe is going to be your new favorite. These bright green, peppermint-scented cookies not only look adorable with their vibrant coloring and red heart sprinkles but also delight with a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for sharing at holiday parties or gifting to friends, these cookies bring joy and a pop of color to any occasion and are surprisingly easy to make with simple pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Grinch Cookies Recipe is a breeze. Each component plays an important role in creating the cookie’s perfect flavor, texture, and iconic green color that sets it apart on any dessert table.
- White cake mix (15.25 oz): The base of the cookies, this mix provides a tender crumb and light flavor that makes them irresistibly soft.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and helps achieve that chewy texture we love.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind the ingredients together and give the dough structure.
- Peppermint or mint extract (1 teaspoon): Gives that refreshing minty kick that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Balances and deepens the overall flavor with warm undertones.
- Green gel food coloring (about 1 teaspoon): Provides that unmistakable Grinch-green hue—adjust to get your perfect shade.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): For rolling the cookies and adding a delicate—soft outer layer.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Or tapioca starch/arrowroot powder to keep the cookies tender and prevent spreading.
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles: The whimsical finishing touch that mimics the Grinch’s change of heart.
How to Make Grinch Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the white cake mix, softened butter, eggs, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and green gel food coloring in a large mixing bowl. Use a mixer or sturdy spoon to blend everything until the dough is smooth and uniformly green. This step is where the cookie’s signature flavor and color come together, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and ensuring the cookies bake evenly without flattening too much.
Step 3: Prepare Baking Surface
While the dough chills, mix the powdered sugar and cornstarch in a shallow bowl. This mixture will be used to coat the dough balls before baking, creating a delicate crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Once chilled, scoop tablespoons of dough and roll into balls, then gently roll each ball in the powdered sugar mixture until well coated. Arrange them spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t forget to press a few red heart-shaped sprinkles into the tops of the cookies to give each one that festive personality.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges look set but the centers remain soft. The result is a chewy cookie that holds the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling helps them set up so you can enjoy that classic chewy bite without crumbling. Then, dig in or package them up to spread some holiday cheer!
How to Serve Grinch Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
The red heart sprinkles are a charming garnish that turns these cookies from simple to spectacular, symbolizing the Grinch’s newfound love and warmth. For parties, you can also dust with a little extra powdered sugar or add a drizzle of white chocolate for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate. The mint flavor complements creamy or chocolaty beverages perfectly, making every bite and sip a cozy holiday moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Place the cookies on a festive serving platter surrounded by holly leaves or candy canes to enhance the Christmas vibe. Alternatively, arrange them in clear treat bags tied with red and green ribbons for delightful gift-giving. You can even stack them in a cookie tower centerpiece—it’s sure to be a conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Grinch Cookies Recipe creations in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, so you can enjoy that delicious minty chewiness anytime.
Freezing
To keep cookies longer, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
If you want to revive that just-baked warmth, reheat frozen or stored cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back the soft, chewy texture and warms the peppermint aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
While regular food coloring works, gel food coloring is preferred because it provides more intense color without thinning out the dough. It helps achieve that vibrant Grinch green you want.
Can I substitute peppermint extract with another flavor?
You can experiment with almond or vanilla extract, but peppermint or mint really defines the classic Grinch Cookies Recipe flavor. The refreshing minty notes are what make these cookies stand out.
What’s the best way to prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking and mixing in cornstarch helps control spreading. Also, avoid over-mixing the dough to maintain its structure for perfectly shaped cookies.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free white cake mix, and double-check that your other ingredients like extracts and sprinkles are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this festive treat.
How do I keep the cookies soft for longer?
Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a small piece of apple inside; it helps retain moisture and keeps the cookies softer for days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about baking and sharing a batch of Grinch Cookies Recipe during the holidays. With their cheerful color, delightful flavor, and easy preparation, they’re perfect for novice and seasoned bakers alike. So, pull out your mixing bowl, gather your ingredients, and create some merry magic with these enchanting cookies – your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Grinch Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Grinch Cookies are soft, peppermint-infused sugar cookies perfect for holiday celebrations. Made from a simple white cake mix base and colored vibrant green with gel food coloring, they are adorned with red heart-shaped sprinkles to capture the essence of the Grinch’s holiday spirit. The cookies offer a delightful peppermint and vanilla flavor with a tender, crumbly texture, making them an easy and fun holiday treat for families and cookie lovers alike.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (e.g., Pillsbury)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon peppermint or mint extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring (about 1 teaspoon, adjust to preference)
Coating and Decoration
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or tapioca starch/arrowroot powder)
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, softened butter, eggs, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and green gel food coloring. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, blend the ingredients together until a smooth, evenly colored dough forms.
- Make the Coating Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch to create the coating powder. This mixture will give the cookies a nice sweet exterior and prevent sticking.
- Form the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Toss each dough ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture until thoroughly coated.
- Add Sprinkles: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press red heart-shaped sprinkles onto the tops of the dough balls to decorate.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy these festive cookies fresh or store them in an airtight container for several days.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of green food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of green.
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted for the best dough consistency.
- Room temperature eggs help the ingredients combine smoothly.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly, but be careful not to overpower the taste.
- These cookies freeze well; store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Use parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
