Grinch Cookies

Transform simple cake mix into magical, festive Grinch-themed cookies! These whimsical green cookies topped with tiny red hearts aren’t just adorable – they’re deliciously soft, perfectly sweet, and guaranteed to steal the show at any holiday gathering. The vibrant green color and cute red heart make them instantly recognizable as Grinch-inspired treats that both kids and adults will love.

Why This Recipe Works:

Quick and easy- Uses cake mix base for foolproof results every time
No chill time- Cookie dough can be baked immediately, perfect for last-minute baking
Kid-friendly- Fun to make and decorate together, great holiday activity
Make-ahead friendly- Perfect for holiday prep and cookie exchanges
Festive appearance- Bright green color and red hearts make them instantly festive
Consistent results- Starting with cake mix ensures perfect texture every time

Ingredient Notes

White cake mix- Any brand works, but stick to 15.25 oz size for proper ratios
Butter- Must be unsalted and softened to room temperature (65-67°F) for proper creaming
Eggs- Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the dough
Peppermint extract- Creates that classic holiday flavor
Vanilla extract- Balances and enhances the peppermint
Green gel food coloring- Gel provides vibrant color without thinning dough
Powdered sugar- Creates beautiful crackled coating
Cornstarch- Helps powdered sugar stick to cookies
Red heart sprinkles- Multiple options available (see variations below)

Ingredient Substitutions

Gluten-free- Use any gluten-free white cake mix one-to-one
Extract options- Pure mint extract or all vanilla if preferred
Heart options- Red M&Ms, heart candies, or royal icing hearts
Butter- Margarine works but will affect final texture
Food coloring- Liquid works but may need more for same intensity

Step By Step Instructions – Cookie Base

STEP 1: Prep oven and pans. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

STEP 2: Mix wet ingredients. In large bowl of stand mixer (or use hand mixer), beat softened butter until creamy, about 1 minute.

STEP 3: Add mix and eggs. Gradually add cake mix and eggs, beating on medium speed until fully combined and dough forms.

STEP 4: Add flavoring. Mix in peppermint and vanilla extracts until just combined.

STEP 5: Color dough. Add green gel food coloring gradually until desired shade is reached. Remember color will lighten slightly when baked.

Rolling and Coating Instructions

STEP 1: Prepare coating. Whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch in shallow bowl.

STEP 2: Form cookies. Using 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion dough into uniform balls.

STEP 3: Coat thoroughly. Roll each ball in powdered sugar mixture until completely covered.

STEP 4: Arrange. Place on prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart.

Baking and Decorating Instructions

STEP 1: Bake cookies. Place in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.

STEP 2: Add hearts. Remove from oven and immediately press one red heart into center of each warm cookie.

STEP 3: Cool properly. Let cookies rest on baking sheet 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.

Pro Tips for Perfect Grinch Cookies

All ingredients at room temperature for best mixing
Don’t overbake – edges should be just set
Press hearts in immediately while cookies are hot
Let cool on pan before moving
Use gel coloring for most vibrant green
Spray scoop with cooking spray if dough sticks

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cookies spread too much: Butter was too soft
Uneven coloring: Mix food coloring more thoroughly
Hearts won’t stick: Cookies cooled too much
Powdered sugar disappears: Skip cornstarch in coating

Storage Tips

Room temperature: Store in airtight container up to 4 days
Refrigerator: Store up to 1 week in sealed container
Freezer: Up to 2 months in freezer-safe container
For gifting: Layer between wax paper in decorative tins

Freezing Instructions

To freeze dough:

Form dough balls but don’t coat in sugar
Flash freeze on baking sheet 1 hour
Transfer to freezer bag
Store up to 3 months
Thaw before rolling in sugar mixture

To freeze baked cookies:

Cool completely
Layer between parchment
Store in airtight container
Freeze up to 2 months
Thaw overnight in refrigerator

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Bake up to 2 days ahead and store in airtight container. Add hearts just before serving for best appearance.

Why did my cookies flatten too much? Usually due to butter being too soft or hot oven. Make sure butter is just softened, not melted.

Can I use liquid food coloring? Yes, but you’ll need more drops and it may affect dough consistency. Gel gives best results.

How do I get the perfect green color? Start with a few drops and add gradually. Remember color lightens when baked.

What if I can’t find heart sprinkles?

Options include:

Red M&Ms
Heart candies
Royal icing hearts
Red decorator’s gel
Cinnamon imperials

Grinch Cookies

Festive green cookies topped with red hearts – perfect for Christmas celebrations and cookie exchanges. These cake mix cookies are soft, chewy, and guaranteed to steal everyone’s hearts!

Print Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Servings: 30 cookies
Calories: 93 kcal

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 box (15.25 oz/432g) white cake mix
8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Green gel food coloring (about 1 teaspoon)

For the Coating:

¼ cup (32g) powdered sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch

For Decorating:

30 red heart sprinkles
Extra powdered sugar if needed

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat softened butter until creamy, about 1 minute.
Add cake mix and eggs to the butter. Beat on medium speed until fully combined and a soft dough forms, about 2 minutes.
Mix in peppermint and vanilla extracts until just combined.
Add green gel food coloring gradually until desired shade is reached. Remember color will lighten when baked.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch for coating.
Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion dough into balls.
Roll each ball in the powdered sugar mixture until completely covered.
Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.
Remove from oven and immediately press one red heart into center of each cookie.
Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.