Grinch Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These festive Grinch Cookies capture the holiday spirit with a bright green color and a refreshing peppermint flavor. Soft and chewy, they’re perfect for sharing at Christmas parties or gifting to friends and family.

Ingredients

• 15.25 ounces white cake mix
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large room temperature eggs
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• Green gel food coloring
• Heart-shaped sprinkles (for decoration)
• Powdered sugar (for coating)
• Cornstarch (for coating)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, unsalted butter, and eggs. Stir until the dough is smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Add the peppermint extract and enough green gel food coloring to reach your desired shade of green. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the color and flavor.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch. This mixture will be used to coat the cookie dough balls.
5. Step 5: Use a cookie scoop to form balls of dough. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture until fully coated, then place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Immediately after removing from the oven, press heart-shaped sprinkles onto the top of each warm cookie.
7. Step 7: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a little extra peppermint extract, but be cautious as it can become overpowering.
• If you can’t find heart-shaped sprinkles, red or white sugar crystals make a festive alternative.
• Use a gel food coloring to achieve a vibrant green without altering the dough’s consistency.

Storage

Store your Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezer storage works well—freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes to refresh the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, but gel food coloring is recommended because it provides richer color without adding extra liquid that could affect the dough’s texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free white cake mix as a substitute, but results may vary. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free to maintain safety.

Grinch Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 62 reviews

These festive Grinch Cookies are a delightful holiday treat featuring a bright green peppermint-flavored dough made from white cake mix. Soft and chewy, they are coated in a sweet powdered sugar mixture and decorated with charming heart-shaped sprinkles, perfect for spreading holiday cheer at any gathering.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

• 15.25 ounces white cake mix
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• Green gel food coloring, enough to achieve desired shade

Coating

• Powdered sugar, quantity as needed
• Cornstarch, quantity as needed

Decoration

• Heart-shaped sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend together the white cake mix, softened unsalted butter, and room temperature eggs until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
3. Add Flavor and Color: Stir in the peppermint extract for a fresh, minty flavor and add green gel food coloring gradually until you achieve your desired vibrant shade of green.
4. Prepare Sugar Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch to create a smooth coating mixture for the cookie dough balls.
5. Form and Coat Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop, shape the dough into balls. Roll each ball thoroughly in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
7. Add Decorations and Cool: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press heart-shaped sprinkles onto the tops of the warm cookies. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for best mixing results.
• Adjust the amount of green gel food coloring to reach your preferred festive shade without overpowering the flavor.
• If desired, substitute peppermint extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor twist.
• Make sure to coat the dough balls well with the powdered sugar mixture to get a delicate crackled effect as they bake.
• Heart-shaped sprinkles add a themed decoration but can be substituted with other sprinkles or left off entirely.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

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