These Grinch Cookies are a festive favorite that will steal your heart—just like the Grinch’s did in Whoville! Soft, chewy, and tinted a joyful green, these sugar cookies are finished with a bright red heart candy in the center. Perfect for holiday baking with kids, classroom parties, cookie swaps, or movie night with How the Grinch Stole Christmas, this recipe brings the holiday spirit to life in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 💚 Grinch-Inspired Fun – A hit with kids and adults alike
- 🍪 Soft & Chewy Texture – Classic sugar cookie base, no chill required
- 🎄 Holiday Showstopper – Bright green with that iconic red heart
- 👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly – Great for baking with little helpers
- ⏱️ Quick to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3–5 drops green food coloring (gel works best)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- 24–30 red heart candies (like cinnamon hearts or red M&Ms)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Color It Grinch Green: Add a few drops of green food coloring and stir until you reach your desired hue.
- Roll in Sugar: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat each one in powdered sugar.
- Bake: Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are just set.
- Add the Heart: While cookies are still warm, gently press a red heart candy into the center of each cookie.
- Cool & Serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy!
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24–30 cookies
Estimated Cost: ~$6
Nutrition Facts (per cookie, approx.)
- Calories: ~120
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: ~85mg
Values may vary by ingredient brand and candy choice.
Tips & Variations
- Use Gel Food Coloring: It gives a more vibrant color without thinning the dough
- Heart Candy Options: Red M&Ms, cinnamon hearts, or edible fondant hearts work well
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix
- Add Peppermint: Swap vanilla extract for peppermint for a minty twist
- No Candy? Use red icing to pipe a small heart after baking
Grinch Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop (optional)
Ingredients
- – 1 box 15.25 oz white cake mix
- – ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- – 2 large eggs
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – 3–5 drops green food coloring
- – ½ cup powdered sugar for rolling
- – 24–30 red heart candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix cake mix, butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add green food coloring to desired color.
- Roll dough into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
- Place on baking sheet and bake 8–10 minutes.
- Press heart candy into warm cookies.
- Cool on wire rack and serve!
Notes
– Red M&Ms or cinnamon hearts work best
– Make-ahead and freezer friendly
– Great for cookie swaps and parties
FAQs
Do I need to chill the dough?
Nope! This dough bakes perfectly without chilling—super convenient.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes. Freeze them before or after baking in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?
Yes! Just add food coloring and follow the same shaping and baking steps.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients—great for cookie swaps or holiday gifting.
Conclusion
These Grinch Cookies are as adorable as they are delicious. With a soft sugar cookie base, a merry green color, and a sweet red heart, they bring whimsical holiday fun to your kitchen. Make a batch with the family, pair with hot cocoa, and enjoy the sweetest kind of holiday magic.