Grinch Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Grinch Cookies are festive, minty treats perfect for the holiday season. Soft, cake-like, and vibrantly green, they bring a playful twist to your cookie platter.

Ingredients

• 15.25 ounces white cake mix (1 box, 432 g)
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract (or mint extract)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green gel food coloring
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (32 g)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• Red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon hearts

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use a hand-held or stand mixer to combine the cake mix, softened butter, and eggs until well mixed.
3. Step 3: Add the peppermint (or mint) extract, vanilla extract, and enough green gel food coloring to reach your desired shade. Mix on low speed just until combined; the batter will be thick and sticky.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch.
5. Step 5: Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough balls. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to coat thoroughly. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look dry.
7. Step 7: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a red heart-shaped sprinkle gently onto the center of each cookie.
8. Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, add an extra ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. For a more subtle taste, use vanilla extract only.
• To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free white cake mix instead of regular.
• Try different shaped sprinkles to match other holidays or themes.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. These cookies retain their soft texture well after reheating briefly in the oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other food colorings instead of green gel?

Yes, you can use liquid or powder food coloring, but gel food coloring provides a more vibrant color without thinning the batter.

Can I substitute the peppermint extract with another flavor?

Absolutely. You can use vanilla extract alone or try almond extract for a different flavor profile, though it won’t have the same minty effect.

Grinch Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 50 reviews

These festive Grinch Cookies are a delightful twist on classic cake mix cookies, infused with refreshing peppermint and mint extracts and bright green food coloring to capture the holiday spirit. Soft, chewy, and perfect for Christmas celebrations, they are finished with a charming red heart sprinkle to symbolize the Grinch’s growing heart.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough Ingredients

• 15.25 ounces white cake mix (432 g box)
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract (or mint extract)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• green gel food coloring (to desired color)

Coating and Decoration

• ¼ cup powdered sugar (32 g)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon heart candies

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for baking.
2. Mix Ingredients: Using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer, combine the white cake mix, softened unsalted butter, and room temperature eggs. Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly blended and a thick batter forms.
3. Add Extracts and Color: Incorporate the peppermint or mint extract and the vanilla extract into the batter. Add green gel food coloring a little at a time until you reach the desired vibrant green hue. Mix on low speed just until combined; the batter will be thick and sticky.
4. Prepare Powdered Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch. This mixture will be used to coat the cookie dough, preventing sticking and creating a light, sweet crust.
5. Scoop and Coat Dough: Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out balls of dough. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to coat thoroughly. Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops of the cookies appear dry to the touch. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
7. Add Heart Decoration: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a red heart-shaped sprinkle or cinnamon heart candy onto the top of each cookie so it adheres well.
8. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to mix easily and create a smooth batter.
• The green gel food coloring provides more vibrant color without thinning the batter; add gradually until you reach your desired shade.
• If you don’t have heart-shaped sprinkles, small red candies or cinnamon hearts work as festive substitutes.
• Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to allow cookies to spread evenly and bake uniformly.
• Cooling the cookies properly prevents breakage and helps them set to the right texture.

Keywords: Grinch Cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint cookies, Christmas cookies, green cookies, festive desserts