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If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat that perfectly captures the playful spirit of the holidays, the Grinch Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These vibrant green cookies, dusted with a snowy coating of powdered sugar and crowned with red heart sprinkles, are not only adorable but also delightfully soft and flavorful. Made from a simple cake mix base, they come together quickly and are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face—just like the Grinch himself after a change of heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Grinch Cookies Recipe plays an essential role in making the final result irresistible. From the light, fluffy texture that the vanilla cake mix provides to the vivid green hue that screams holiday joy, each component is simple yet crucial.
- Vanilla or white cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The foundation for tender, cakey cookies with built-in flavor.
- Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Adds moisture to keep the cookies soft and prevents dryness.
- Large eggs (2): Helps bind everything together and contributes to the cookies’ rich structure.
- Green food coloring: Brings that unmistakable Grinch-green color to the cookies, making them festive and fun.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Used for rolling the dough, it creates a delicate, sweet crust that contrasts nicely with the soft cookie.
- Red heart sprinkles: The charming finishing touch that adds color contrast and a bit of holiday cheer.
How to Make Grinch Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup easier and your cookies perfect every time.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir the mixture until you form a soft, cohesive dough. Then add a few drops of green food coloring and mix thoroughly until the dough turns a festive, uniform green color—this is when the magic happens!
Step 3: Form the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a neat ball. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, covering them completely. This coating not only looks like a light dusting of snow but also gives the cookies a slight crunch outside while keeping them tender inside.
Step 4: Add Heart Sprinkles and Bake
Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Gently press one red heart sprinkle into the top of each ball — this little detail adds personality and a pop of color that truly embodies the Grinch’s unexpected love for Christmas. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled, these Grinch cookies are ready to spread holiday cheer. Their soft texture and bright colors make them irresistible to kids and adults alike. Pair them with milk or hot cocoa for an extra cozy treat.
How to Serve Grinch Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the festive vibe, consider adding a dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving, or sprinkle with edible glitter for sparkle. A few fresh mint leaves on the side also complement the green color and add a refreshing note.
Side Dishes
Grinch Cookies go wonderfully with a warm beverage like hot chocolate, spiced cider, or a peppermint latte. They also pair well with simple vanilla or mint ice cream to make a creative dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation as fun as the cookies themselves by arranging them on a festive holiday platter shaped like a Christmas tree or decorating your serving tray with pine sprigs and red berries. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with a red ribbon also makes for charming gifts or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Grinch cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, perfect for sneaking a treat whenever the holiday mood strikes.
Freezing
You can freeze baked Grinch cookies by laying them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge or on the counter before serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for 5 minutes. This helps revive that soft, freshly baked texture and makes them extra comforting.
FAQs
Can I use a different food coloring instead of green?
Absolutely! While green is iconic for the Grinch theme, you can experiment with other colors to match different themes or holidays. Just remember that a vibrant color helps capture the fun look of the cookies.
What if I don’t have a cake mix on hand?
You can try a homemade vanilla cake mix substitute, but keep in mind that the cake mix provides the exact texture and sweetness these cookies need. Using other mixes might alter the softness or taste.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
They aren’t as written since the cake mix usually contains gluten. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free vanilla cake mix to make a suitable alternative.
How do I make the cookies less sweet?
If you want a less sweet version, reduce the powdered sugar coating slightly and opt for sprinkles with less added sugar. Keep in mind that the cake mix already adds sweetness, so balancing it is key.
Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins?
Sure! Adding a hint of vanilla extract, lemon zest, or small white chocolate chips can add subtle depth to the flavor without overpowering the Grinch charm.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about this Grinch Cookies Recipe that gets you right in the holiday spirit. Easy to make, delightful to eat, and cheekily festive in appearance, these cookies are destined to become a beloved seasonal favorite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging in a solo treat, don’t hesitate to try them yourself—you might just find it’s the most joyful cookie of your season.
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Print
Grinch Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Grinch Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies made using a cake mix base. Vibrantly green and coated in powdered sugar with a cute red heart sprinkle on top, they bring fun, color, and holiday cheer to any gathering. Easy to prepare and bake, these cookies have a soft texture and a sweet vanilla flavor perfect for celebrating the season.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or white cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- Green food coloring (a few drops)
For Coating and Decoration
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Red heart sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla or white cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until a soft dough forms. Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix well until the dough is uniformly green.
- Form the Cookies: Using a tablespoon scoop, portion out the dough and roll each into a ball. Then, roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar to coat completely, which gives the cookies their signature festive look.
- Add Heart Sprinkles: Place each coated dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet. Press one red heart sprinkle gently into the top center of each dough ball for decoration.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up to the perfect texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these charming Grinch-inspired cookies with a glass of milk or a warm mug of hot cocoa to celebrate the holidays joyfully.
Notes
- Use white or vanilla cake mix for the best vanilla flavor and light color.
- Adjust the amount of green food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of green.
- Powdered sugar coating helps create the festive snowy look and adds a slight crunch.
- Red heart sprinkles add a pop of color and represent the Grinch’s heart growing.
- Cookies are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer softer cookies, slightly underbake them by a minute or two.
