Easy Grinch Cookies Recipe: Festive Holiday Magic in Every Bite

These festive green Grinch cookies sparkle with holiday cheer and seasonal delight.

Christmas baking takes a whimsical turn with this playful treat.

Dark chocolate chips peek through the vibrant emerald-hued dough, creating a delightful contrast.

You’ll adore how simple and fun these cookies are to prepare.

The soft, chewy texture melts in your mouth with each delectable bite.

A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a magical finishing touch that captures the spirit of the season.

Bake a batch and watch smiles spread faster than the Grinch heart growing three sizes.

FAQs

• Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel food coloring?

Regular liquid food coloring won’t give you the same vibrant green color and might affect the cookie texture. Gel food coloring provides more intense color without adding extra moisture.

• Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar mixture?

The powdered sugar and cornstarch coating creates a crackled, snow-like appearance and adds a sweet, delicate texture to the outside of the cookies.

• What if I can't find heart-shaped sprinkles?

You can use small red candy hearts, red M&Ms, or red royal icing dots as an alternative to heart-shaped sprinkles. The goal is to create a festive Grinch-themed look.

Why Grinch Cookies Are a Holiday Hit

• Celebrate Holiday Cheer: Transform your kitchen into a festive wonderland with these delightful Grinch-themed cookies that bring whimsical Christmas spirit to life.
• Bake with Minimal Effort: Create stunning green cookies using a simple cake mix base, requiring just a few ingredients and basic mixing techniques for stunning results.
• Craft Kid-Friendly Treats: Engage children in holiday baking with an interactive recipe that lets them roll dough in powdered sugar and add cute heart sprinkles, making memories together.
• Impress Guests Instantly: Serve up a conversation-starting dessert that captures the playful essence of the beloved Grinch character, perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings.

Everything for Making Grinch Cookie Bakes

• Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides structure and flavor for the Grinch-themed cookies.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure.

• Peppermint Extract, Vanilla Extract: Provide a delightful minty and sweet flavor profile to the cookies.
• Green Gel Food Coloring: Creates the iconic Grinch-green color for festive appeal.

• Powdered Sugar, Cornstarch: Create a sweet, snow-like coating that gives the cookies a festive, powdery appearance.
• Red Heart-Shaped Sprinkles: Add a whimsical touch of color and represent the Grinch's growing heart.

Steps to Bake Festive Grinch Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Cookie Base

• Cake mix
• Softened butter
• Eggs

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Add Magical Green Color

• Peppermint extract
• Vanilla extract
• Green gel food coloring

Mix on low speed until the color spreads evenly throughout the dough.

Step 4: Prepare the Sugar Coating

In a separate bowl, mix powdered sugar and cornstarch for a delightful dusting.

Step 5: Shape the Dough Balls

Grab a cookie scoop and create little dough spheres.

Roll each ball completely in the sugar mixture until totally covered.

Step 6: Arrange and Bake

Place sugar-coated dough balls on prepared sheets, leaving space between each.

Slide into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges look set and tops appear dry.

Step 7: Add Heartfelt Decorations

While cookies are still warm, gently press a red heart-shaped sprinkle into the center of each cookie.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Get ready to steal Christmas with these adorable treats!

Notes for Bright and Chewy Grinch Cookies

• Use gel food coloring for a more intense green hue that truly captures the Grinch's spirit without watering down the dough.
• Sift the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to ensure a smooth, even coating on each cookie ball.
• Remove cookies from the oven when edges are just set to maintain a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth.
• Press heart-shaped sprinkles gently while cookies are still warm to help them stick without breaking the delicate surface.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and delicious.

Twists for Green Grinch Cookie Recipes

• Chocolate Chip Grinch Cookies: Replace green food coloring with chocolate chips for a classic cookie variation with a festive touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and use almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternative for those with dairy restrictions.
• Vegan Holiday Cookies: Use egg replacer, plant-based butter, and vegan cake mix to transform the recipe into a completely plant-based treat.

Pairings to Enjoy With Grinch Cookies

• Pair Creamy Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Brew a rich hot chocolate and add a splash of peppermint schnapps for an extra festive touch that complements the Grinch cookie's minty flavor profile.
• Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop cold, smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm cookies to create a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that enhances the dessert experience.
• Match Sparkling White Chocolate Martini: Mix a white chocolate martini with a hint of peppermint liqueur to echo the cookie's green color and minty undertones, creating a sophisticated holiday beverage pairing.
• Create Whipped Cream Topping: Dollop fresh whipped cream with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top of the cookies to add a creamy, crunchy element that elevates the festive treat.

Storing Grinch Cookies for the Season

• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sprinkles from melting.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness and slightly crisp edges.

Grinch Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Grinch cookies spread holiday cheer with festive green magic and sweet whimsy. Cheerful bakers can delight friends and family with these charming Christmas treats that sparkle with peppermint and joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) white cake mix
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

Flavoring and Coloring:

• 1 teaspoon peppermint or mint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green gel food coloring

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Red heart-shaped sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend cake mix, softened butter, and eggs until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
3. Incorporate peppermint and vanilla extracts, then introduce green gel food coloring, mixing thoroughly to create an even emerald-like hue throughout the dough.
4. Create a coating mixture by whisking powdered sugar and cornstarch in a separate shallow bowl.
5. Utilize a medium cookie scoop to form uniform dough balls, carefully rolling each one in the sugar-cornstarch mixture until completely enveloped.
6. Arrange the coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, ensuring approximately 2 inches of spacing between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and a dry surface appearance, indicating perfect doneness.
8. While cookies are still warm, delicately press a vibrant red heart-shaped sprinkle into the center of each cookie for a whimsical Grinch-inspired touch.
9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to achieve complete cooling and optimal texture.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing without lumps.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant green color that won’t water down the dough consistency.
• Roll cookies in powdered sugar mixture just before baking to create a beautiful crackled exterior.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft, delicate texture for several days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 128
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg