Grinch Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These easy Grinch cookies are as adorable as they are delicious. With their festive green color and sweet heart-shaped centers, they are perfect for spreading holiday cheer at your next gathering. Whip up a batch to make hearts grow!

Ingredients

• 1 (15.25 ounce) box white cake mix
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Green gel food coloring
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• Red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon candies

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until mostly combined.
3. Step 3: Add green gel food coloring and mix until you reach the desired shade of green.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and cornstarch.
5. Step 5: Portion the dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls, then roll each ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture until well coated on all sides.
6. Step 6: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and the cookies are puffed with visible cracks.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and immediately press a red heart-shaped sprinkle or cinnamon candy into the center of each cookie while still warm.
9. Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up before rolling.
• Use a cookie scoop or small ice cream scoop to make evenly sized cookies for consistent baking.
• For extra festive flair, try different colored heart-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter.
• Do not prepare the cake mix according to its package instructions; follow the recipe as written for best results.

Storage

Store the Grinch cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy them warm, gently reheat in a microwave for about 10 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Gel food coloring is recommended as it provides more vibrant color without adding extra liquid, which can affect the dough consistency. However, you can use regular food coloring if needed, just add it sparingly.

What if I don’t have heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon candies?

You can substitute with any small festive candies or even press a chocolate chip or a small piece of red fruit candy into the center for a similar effect.

Grinch Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 83 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 30 servings 1x

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Description

These easy Grinch cookies are delightfully festive and perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with white cake mix and vibrant green food coloring, they are sweet, soft, and topped with charming red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon candies. Their crackly texture and bright appearance make them an irresistible treat to spread holiday cheer.

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Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

• 1 (15.25 ounce) box white cake mix
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• green gel food coloring, as needed

Coating

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch

Topping

• red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon candies

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir the mixture until it is mostly combined and smooth.
3. Add Color: Incorporate green gel food coloring into the dough, mixing thoroughly until you achieve the desired bright green hue reminiscent of the Grinch.
4. Prepare Coating: In a separate small bowl, blend the powdered sugar and cornstarch evenly. This mixture will help prevent the dough from sticking and add a sweet outer texture.
5. Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll each ball thoroughly in the powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture, ensuring each is well coated on all sides.
6. Arrange and Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart for room to expand. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are set, cookies are puffed, and visible cracks appear.
7. Add Toppings: Immediately upon removing from the oven, press one red heart-shaped sprinkle or cinnamon candy into the center of each warm cookie, embedding it gently but firmly.
8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your festive Grinch cookies!

Notes

• Do not follow the cake mix package instructions—use the mix as is for this cookie dough.
• If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up before rolling.
• Use a cookie scoop or small ice cream scoop to ensure evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Grinch cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies, green cookies, cake mix cookies, Christmas cookies, heart sprinkles