As the holiday season sweeps in, I find myself enchanted by the vivid colors and festive aromas that fill my home. One of my joyful discoveries during this time has been these delightful Grinch cookies. Just imagine the soft, gooey centers radiating cheerful green, topped with vibrant heart-shaped sprinkles—perfect for adding a little magic to our family gatherings.
Baking has always been a means of creating cherished memories, and with this Grinch cookies recipe crafted from cake mix, you’ll have a fun and simple way to involve the little ones in the kitchen. Not only do they come together quickly, but they also transform an ordinary day into a whimsical celebration. Whether you’re planning a holiday cookie exchange or simply want to brighten up your dessert table, these cookies are sure to spread plenty of cheer! Get ready to indulge in a festive treat that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat!
Why are these grinch cookies recipe unforgettable?
Quick and Easy: This Grinch cookies recipe is perfect for busy bakers, transforming a simple cake mix into festive treats in no time.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in the process—decorating these vibrant cookies can be a delightful family activity.
Visually Stunning: With their eye-catching green hue and heart-shaped sprinkles, these cookies make for an impressive addition to any holiday spread.
Versatile Treats: Feel free to swap in different colors or themed sprinkles to match various celebrations.
Light and Chewy: The soft, gooey centers will disappear quickly, making them a hit with guests and family alike!
Check out our guide on easy holiday desserts for more sweet inspirations!
Grinch Cookies Recipe Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and a snowy appearance when rolled.
- Cornstarch – Lightens the texture, creating a soft cookie.
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Canola Oil – Adds moisture to the dough; you can use vegetable oil as a substitute.
- Large Eggs – Acts as a binding agent; ensure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
- Boxed Cake Mix (15.25 oz) – The base for creating your Grinch cookies dough; be cautious of the box size.
- Green Food Coloring – Gives the cookies their signature color; add gradually with a toothpick to achieve your desired shade.
For Decoration
- Heart-Shaped Sprinkles or Candy Melts – For topping the cookies post-baking; feel free to swap for any holiday-themed sprinkles that catch your eye.
This Grinch cookies recipe is designed to bring joy and festivity to your baking, ensuring that you create something memorable for everyone!
How to Make Grinch Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking. This ensures an even baking surface for your delicious cookies!
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Mix together the powdered sugar and cornstarch in a medium bowl; set aside. This dusting mixture will add a lovely snowy finish to your cookies.
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Beat the unsalted butter, canola oil, and large eggs in a separate bowl until well combined, approximately 30 seconds. The mixture should be light and fluffy to ensure a rich cookie base.
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Add the boxed cake mix into the wet ingredients and mix until a thick dough forms. This step is crucial for creating that delightful chewy texture you’ll love in your Grinch cookies!
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Incorporate the green food coloring into the dough until the desired shade of green is reached. Use a toothpick to gradually add color and achieve the festive vibrancy these cookies need.
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Scoop the dough using a small cookie scoop, then transfer the dough balls into the powdered sugar mixture, rolling gently to coat. Place them on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving space in between for spreading.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through. The cookies should puff up but remain soft and not brown. Trust me, they are perfect when they look slightly underbaked!
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Cool the cookies on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. This helps them to set perfectly while keeping that gooey center.
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Decorate the cooled cookies with heart-shaped sprinkles or candy melts, using a mix of cornstarch and powdered sugar as glue or icing for a festive finish.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of edible glitter for an extra magical touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Grinch Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your Grinch cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best flavor and texture.
Fridge: For longer storage, these cookies can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week, but this may slightly alter their softness.
Freezer: If you’d like to freeze your cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy your Grinch cookies warm, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will help restore some of their gooey center magic!
Grinch Cookies Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this festive treat, exploring flavors and textures that make your heart sing!
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Colorful Options: Experiment with different food coloring to create various holiday-themed cookies like red for Christmas or pastel shades for spring.
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Gluten-Free: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix to cater to those with dietary restrictions while keeping the delightful taste.
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Add Zest: For a zingy twist, mix in a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to brighten up the flavors of your Grinch cookies.
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Chocolate Chips: Fold in some semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for a delightful chocolatey surprise in each bite. It elevates the chewy factor!
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Nutty Delight: Toss in some finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a cozy, homemade feel.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, comforting spice that evokes holiday cheer.
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Candy-Cane Crunch: Crush some candy canes and sprinkle them on top of the cookies before baking for a festive minty twist—perfect for a holiday party!
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Dipped in Chocolate: For an extra special treat, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let them cool on parchment paper to set.
The possibilities are endless with this Grinch cookies recipe! Your kitchen is the perfect place to let your creativity shine.
Expert Tips for Grinch Cookies
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Mixing Method: Use a mixer for the butter, oil, and eggs; this ensures a fluffy dough, which is essential for your grinch cookies recipe.
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Dough Consistency: Be careful not to overmix after adding the cake mix; overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of delightful softness.
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Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies during the last moments of baking; they should puff up but remain pale instead of brown.
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Decorating Fun: Let your kids choose the sprinkles; it encourages creativity and makes the grinch cookies even more fun to decorate together!
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Storage Method: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture for several days.
Remember, each step adds magic to your grinch cookies recipe, enhancing the joy of holiday baking!
What to Serve with Grinch Cookies?
These festive treats are perfect for festive gatherings, and pairing them with delightful sides can elevate your celebrations.
- Holiday Hot Cocoa: A warm, chocolatey drink that complements the sweet, gooey texture of the cookies—a cozy pairing for a winter gathering.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh, colorful fruit adds a bright contrast to the sweet flavors of Grinch cookies and provides a refreshing balance.
- Milk: The classic duo of cookies and milk is never outdated! Its creaminess perfectly offsets the sweetness and richness of the cookies.
- Ice Cream Sundaes: Pairing your cookies with vanilla ice cream creates a heavenly contrast of hot and cold for luxurious indulgence.
- Cheese Platter: The tangy flavors of cheese balance out the sweetness of the cookies, providing a surprising yet delightful taste experience.
- Sparkling Cider: A bubbly drink elevates your dessert experience, giving a festive flare that complements the cheerful spirit of the holidays.
- Sugar Cookie Bars: For cookie lovers, serving additional sweet treats offers a delightful variety while keeping the theme festive and fun.
- Gingerbread Coffee: The warm spices in gingerbread coffee beautifully enhance the flavors of the Grinch cookies, creating a cozy pairing for chilly nights.
Imagine setting out these sweet and savory options, making every bite of your Grinch cookies even more memorable!
Make Ahead Options
These Grinch cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, roll the dough balls in the powdered sugar mixture only before baking to maintain that festive appearance. When you’re ready to celebrate, simply bake the cookies as directed and decorate them with sprinkles once cooled. This way, you’ll have ultra-fresh, gooey Grinch cookies ready to delight your family and friends without the last-minute rush!
Grinch Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for Grinch cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use fresh and ripe ingredients. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing—this helps in creating a smooth batter. Look for unsalted butter that’s soft and creamy, allowing it to blend better into your dough. When it comes to food coloring, pick a gel-based coloring for more vibrant and consistent results!
How should I store my Grinch cookies after baking?
Very! To keep your Grinch cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration might affect their wonderful chewiness. Be sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking!
Can I freeze my Grinch cookies for later enjoyment?
Absolutely! To freeze your Grinch cookies, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. To bring back their gooey centers, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds!
What if my Grinch cookies turn out too flat or tough?
No worries! Ensuring that your butter is just the right temperature is crucial—too soft and they will spread; too cold and they won’t spread enough. If your cookies come out flat, you might want to chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. If they’re tough, it could be from overmixing; make sure to mix just until combined after adding the cake mix. Trust me, it’s all about that delicate balance!
Are these Grinch cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
Very! It’s always wise to be cautious. These cookies contain common allergens like eggs and wheat (from the cake mix). If you’re looking for an egg-free option, you can try substituting each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. However, keep them away from our furry friends, as chocolate and certain sweeteners like xylitol can be toxic to pets. Always check the ingredients before sharing!
Can I use different cake mixes for Grinch cookies?
Absolutely! The beauty of this Grinch cookies recipe lies in its versatility. You can swap the classic yellow cake mix for chocolate, red velvet, or even gluten-free options to accommodate dietary needs. Just make sure that any substitutes maintain similar volumes for the best results!
Festive Grinch Cookies Recipe Made Easy with Cake Mix
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing bowls
- - Mixer
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar Adds sweetness and snowy appearance
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch Lightens the texture
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter At room temperature
- 1/4 cup Canola Oil Can substitute with vegetable oil
- 2 large Large Eggs At room temperature
- 15.25 oz Boxed Cake Mix Ensure correct box size
- 1 teaspoon Green Food Coloring Add gradually to achieve the color
For Decoration
- 1 cup Heart-Shaped Sprinkles Or any holiday-themed sprinkles
Instructions
How to Make Grinch Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix together the powdered sugar and cornstarch in a medium bowl; set aside.
- Beat the unsalted butter, canola oil, and large eggs in a separate bowl until well combined, approximately 30 seconds.
- Add the boxed cake mix into the wet ingredients and mix until a thick dough forms.
- Incorporate the green food coloring into the dough until the desired shade of green is reached.
- Scoop the dough using a small cookie scoop, then roll in the powdered sugar mixture.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through.
- Cool the cookies on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Decorate the cooled cookies with heart-shaped sprinkles or candy melts.