Grinch Cookies Recipe

There’s something so whimsical about holiday baking, and when it comes to cookies, these Grinch Cookies are hard to beat. These delightful green cookies are inspired by the grumpy green guy himself, but unlike the Grinch, they’ll fill you with holiday cheer. They’re soft, pillowy, and have just the right amount of peppermint goodness to bring a little festive magic to your kitchen. Plus, the cute red heart on top is a nod to the Grinch’s heart “growing three sizes” – perfect for a fun Christmas treat that both kids and adults will love.

Now, I have to confess: the first time I made these, I was a little skeptical about using a cake mix for cookies. But trust me, it’s genius! It makes the process quick and foolproof, which is exactly what we need during the busy holiday season. And the peppermint extract? It just screams Christmas. Let’s dive into the story behind these festive cookies and the recipe you’ll want to whip up year after year.

this RECIPE

A cozy holiday memory 🎅

I first made these Grinch Cookies last year, right after we put up the Christmas tree. The house smelled like pine, the twinkling lights gave off a warm glow, and Christmas music played softly in the background. It was one of those perfect December afternoons where everything felt cozy and magical. My kids were hanging ornaments, and I was in the kitchen, mixing up these cookies. The moment I pulled them out of the oven, my youngest ran over, eyes wide, and said, “Look! It’s the Grinch’s heart!” She carefully pressed the red heart sprinkle onto each cookie with so much care, and I knew we had a new family tradition on our hands.

Why these cookies are a holiday must-try

What I love most about these Grinch Cookies is that they’re not only adorable, but they’re incredibly easy to make. The cake mix base takes all the guesswork out of baking, so they come together in a snap. And that bright green color? It’s just plain fun. If you’re like me and you enjoy a little holiday mischief (like hiding the Grinch in random spots around the house), these cookies will definitely bring some playful joy to your festivities.

A bit of cookie trivia 🍪

The idea of Grinch-themed treats is actually pretty recent, growing in popularity with the resurgence of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. First published in 1957, this timeless story has been a holiday favorite for decades, inspiring everything from decorations to movies to (of course) themed desserts. These cookies take a fun twist on traditional Christmas cookies by capturing the Grinch’s green hue and heartwarming redemption.

Let’s talk ingredients: the key to Grinch cookie magic

The ingredients here are super simple, but there’s a little holiday magic in each one:

• White cake mix: This is the foundation of the cookies. It creates a soft, fluffy texture while keeping things easy. If you’re out of white cake mix, yellow or vanilla cake mix will work just fine, though it might slightly change the flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Butter brings richness and flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. If you’re in a pinch, margarine can be used, but I find butter gives the best results.
• Eggs: These provide structure and moisture. Room temperature eggs mix more smoothly into the batter, so try to pull them out of the fridge ahead of time.
• Peppermint extract: The secret to these cookies’ holiday flavor! You can swap it with mint extract if that’s what you have on hand, but I find peppermint has that true Christmas-y punch.
• Green gel food coloring: You’ll want to use gel coloring here, as it’s more concentrated and won’t thin out the dough like liquid food coloring might. Plus, you can achieve that perfect Grinch-green with just a few drops.
• Powdered sugar and cornstarch: These two ingredients create a light coating on the outside of the cookie, giving them that classic crinkle cookie appearance.
• Heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon candies: This is where the charm happens! The red heart symbolizes the Grinch’s transformation and adds a pop of color against the green cookie.

Must-have kitchen tools

When making these cookies, you don’t need anything too fancy, but a few tools make the process a lot smoother:

• Stand mixer or hand-held mixer: This helps ensure the batter is evenly mixed, especially since it’s on the thicker side. If you don’t have one, you can mix by hand, but get ready for a bit of an arm workout!
• Cookie scoop: Trust me on this one—using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop makes portioning out the dough so much easier. It also ensures uniform-sized cookies, so they bake evenly.
• Parchment paper: This keeps the cookies from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step-by-step: baking these festive Grinch cookies

Now let’s roll up our sleeves and get started! I promise, this process is quick and easy.

1. Preheat and prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so you’re ready to go. (Trust me, you don’t want to skip the parchment paper—it’ll save you a lot of cleanup!)
2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cake mix, softened butter, and eggs. The dough will be pretty thick and sticky, so don’t worry if it feels a bit stiff.
3. Add the flavor and color: Stir in your peppermint (or mint) and vanilla extracts. Now for the fun part: add your green gel food coloring! I usually start with a small amount and adjust until I get that perfect Grinch shade. Mix on low just until combined.
4. Powdered sugar magic: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch. This combo helps the cookies form that signature crackly top while keeping them light and airy.
5. Shape and coat: Using your cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each ball in the powdered sugar mixture. This part gets a little messy, but that’s half the fun! Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake and decorate: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set, and the tops look dry. As soon as they’re out of the oven, gently press a red heart sprinkle into each cookie. (I’ve definitely forgotten the sprinkles a few times—don’t be me!)
7. Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations: personalize your Grinch cookies!

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Here are a few fun ideas I’ve tried:

• Vegan Grinch cookies: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative (I like Earth Balance) and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg). The texture is slightly different but still delicious.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix. I’ve had great luck with Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur’s versions!
• Different colors: If you’re not feeling the Grinch-green, try these in red or blue for other fun, festive looks.
• Chocolate Grinch cookies: For a richer twist, use chocolate cake mix and add some chocolate chips to the batter.

Serving ideas and presentation

When it comes to serving these cookies, I like to make things festive. Arrange them on a bright red or green plate, and maybe sprinkle a little powdered sugar “snow” over the top for a wintery touch. If you’re setting them out for a holiday party, you can add some candy canes or mini ornaments around the plate for extra holiday spirit.

Drink pairings for the perfect cookie moment

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk (classic!) or a cozy cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream. For an adult twist, they’re also delicious with peppermint schnapps hot chocolate or even a festive holiday cocktail, like an eggnog martini.

Storing and reheating tips

These cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long!). You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just skip the heart sprinkle until after you thaw and reheat them. To reheat, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back their soft, chewy texture.

Scaling the recipe for a crowd

If you’re making these cookies for a party or cookie exchange, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just be mindful of the dough’s consistency—it’s pretty sticky, so you may need to chill it for 10 minutes if it becomes hard to handle in large batches.

Potential pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

One common issue with these cookies is the dough being too sticky. If that happens, just coat your hands with a little powdered sugar before rolling the dough balls. Another tip: make sure not to overbake! The cookies should still be soft when they come out of the oven.

Ready to spread some holiday cheer? 🎄

I hope you love making these Grinch Cookies as much as I do. They’re a fun, festive treat that brings a bit of whimsy to any holiday celebration. Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a cookie exchange, or just in the mood for some Christmas magic, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
   You can, but gel food coloring is more concentrated, so you’ll get a brighter green without thinning out the dough.
2. What if I don’t have heart-shaped sprinkles?
   No worries! You can use red cinnamon candies or even a little dot of red icing as a substitute.
3. Do these cookies freeze well?
   Yes! Freeze them without the heart sprinkles, then add the sprinkles after you thaw and reheat.
4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, then bake when you’re ready.
5. How can I make these cookies softer?
   Make sure not to overbake them. They should still be slightly soft when you remove them from the oven.

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