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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- 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.
- Add Color: Incorporate green gel food coloring into the dough, mixing thoroughly until you achieve the desired bright green hue reminiscent of the Grinch.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
