Grinch Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a treat that perfectly captures the heartwarming magic of the holidays, Grinch Cookies are about to become your new favorite! These delightfully soft, vibrant green cookies are not just for fans of the classic holiday tale—they’re a joyful baking project that brings a burst of color and a smile to any cookie tray. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture, sweet vanilla cake flavor, and that iconic little red heart on top, Grinch Cookies are an irresistible way to spread cheer with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly special about Grinch Cookies is how a handful of pantry staples can be transformed into something whimsical and festive. Each ingredient plays a starring role in giving these cookies their unforgettable look and delightful flavor.
- Vanilla cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The secret shortcut for soft, fluffy cookies bursting with vanilla sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds rich, creamy flavor and gives the cookies their tender, chewy center.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the cake mix’s flavor for a more from-scratch, aromatic taste.
- Large eggs (2): Help bind the dough and contribute to the perfect soft-baked texture.
- Green gel food coloring: Essential for that classic Grinchy hue—gel ensures a vibrant color without making the dough too wet.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup, for rolling): Provides a sweet, snowy coating that bakes into irresistible crackle tops.
- Red heart sprinkles (for decoration): The finishing touch—just like the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes!
How to Make Grinch Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Game Plan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures an easy release for the cookies and minimal cleanup—so you can spend more time enjoying your Grinch Cookies and less time doing dishes!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, softened unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Use a sturdy spatula or electric hand mixer to blend everything together until a soft, cohesive dough forms. The mixture should be smooth, thick, and wonderfully fragrant.
Step 3: Add That Grinchy Green
For that signature color, reach for your green gel food coloring. Add a little at a time, mixing well between additions, until you hit your favorite shade of bold, playful Grinch green. Remember, you want it vibrant—this is the showstopper moment for Grinch Cookies!
Step 4: Shape and Sugar-Coat
Scoop generous tablespoonfuls of cookie dough and roll each into a ball. Drop each one straight into a shallow bowl filled with powdered sugar, tossing gently so they’re fully coated in a snowy layer. This coating transforms into the prettiest crinkles while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Space your sugar-coated dough balls about two inches apart on the lined baking sheets. Pop them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges set but the centers are still soft. Watch for that magical moment when the crackly tops form—pure Grinch Cookies magic!
Step 6: Add the Heart and Cool
As soon as they emerge from the oven, press a red heart sprinkle into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm and soft. Let your cookies cool on the sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. The hearts will set as the cookies cool, locking in all that charm.
How to Serve Grinch Cookies
Garnishes
To really make your Grinch Cookies pop, add an extra dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. A few festive sprinkles or even a drizzle of white chocolate can bring an extra layer of sparkle, making them the centerpiece of your holiday platter.
Side Dishes
Grinch Cookies pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk, creamy hot cocoa, or even festive lattes and eggnog. Consider serving them alongside a platter of red velvet or peppermint bark cookies for a colorful, crowd-pleasing dessert display.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Grinch Cookies on a tiered cake stand surrounded by playful decorations or pile them into clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for sweet holiday gifts. For parties, arrange them in the shape of a Christmas tree or add whimsical “Grinch” food labels for a storybook presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully soft and chewy for up to five days—perfect for sneaking a cookie or two throughout the week.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled Grinch Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months; just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, simply pop a few Grinch Cookies in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. This will revive that just-baked softness and make the vanilla flavor really sing.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel for Grinch Cookies?
Gel food coloring is strongly recommended because it provides intense color without altering the dough’s moisture. If you use liquid food coloring, add it sparingly, as too much can make the dough sticky and tricky to roll.
What if I can’t find red heart sprinkles?
No worries! You can use a small dab of red icing or any red sprinkle you like to mimic the Grinch’s heart. Alternatively, a mini red candy or even a heart piped from melted chocolate would work beautifully.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix the dough and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften before shaping and coating in powdered sugar.
Do Grinch Cookies spread a lot during baking?
They do puff and crackle, but generally hold their shape nicely thanks to the cake mix base. Be sure not to overcrowd your baking sheet—two inches apart is ideal for perfectly even cookies.
How do I make Grinch Cookies gluten free?
Simply swap in a gluten-free vanilla cake mix. Check that all your other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well. The result should be just as delicious and festive!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Grinch Cookies enough for anyone who loves baking, sharing, and a good dash of holiday fun. Every bite is cheerful and sweet, from the soft vanilla crumb to that heartwarming pop of color. If you’re looking for a playful way to spread some seasonal cheer, gather your ingredients and give these darling cookies a try—they may even become a new family favorite!
Print
Grinch Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Grinch Cookies are a festive and fun treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with a vanilla cake mix base and decorated with a vibrant green color and red heart sprinkles, these cookies are sure to bring a touch of whimsy to any gathering.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- Green gel food coloring
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Red heart sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms. Add green gel food coloring to achieve the desired color.
- Shape and bake: Scoop out dough balls, roll them in powdered sugar, and place them on the baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes until set.
- Decorate: Press a red heart sprinkle onto each cookie while warm. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant green color.
- If red heart sprinkles are unavailable, pipe red icing hearts.
- Cookies stay soft and chewy in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
