Grinch cookies recipe is the perfect way to bring some sweet holiday mischief into your kitchen. These soft, chewy green cookies are inspired by everyone’s favorite Christmas character — and they’re sure to steal hearts (not presents!) at every cookie exchange or holiday party. With a festive green hue, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a single red heart sprinkle, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Perfect for baking with kids, movie night treats, or gifting to neighbors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 💚 Bright & festive – Classic Grinch-green with heart sprinkles
- 🍪 Soft & chewy – Perfect cookie texture every time
- 👨👩👧👦 Kid-friendly – Fun and easy to make with little helpers
- 🎁 Great for gifting – Wrap up in holiday bags or boxes
- 🕒 Quick to make – Less than 30 minutes from start to finish
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or white cake mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ½ tsp mint or vanilla extract (optional for flavor)
- Green gel food coloring (about ¼ tsp)
- Powdered sugar, for rolling
- Red heart sprinkles (optional but adorable!)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dough: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and extract (if using). Mix until smooth.
- Add color: Stir in green food coloring until desired shade is reached.
- Roll & coat: Scoop 1-inch balls of dough. Roll in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Bake: Place on baking sheet and bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are set and tops crinkle.
- Decorate: Immediately press a red heart sprinkle gently into the center of each warm cookie.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: ~20 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Estimated Cost: $6–$8
Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 15g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 85mg
Estimated values per cookie
Tips & Variations
- 🍬 Add flavor: Try peppermint extract for a minty holiday twist.
- 🍫 Add-ins: Mix in white chocolate chips or crushed candy canes.
- 🧁 No heart sprinkles? Use a red M&M or a dollop of red icing.
- 🧊 Freeze ahead: Freeze dough balls before baking, then bake from frozen (add 1–2 minutes).
- 👩🍳 Make it from scratch: Use your favorite sugar cookie base instead of cake mix.
Grinch Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- – Mixing bowl
- – Cookie scoop
- – Baking sheet
- – Wire rack
- – Parchment paper
Ingredients
- – 1 box 15.25 oz vanilla or white cake mix
- – ½ cup vegetable oil
- – 2 large eggs
- – ½ tsp mint or vanilla extract optional
- – Green gel food coloring
- – Powdered sugar
- – Red heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix cake mix, oil, eggs, and extract.
- Add green food coloring to desired color.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and coat in powdered sugar.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until set and crinkled.
- Press red heart sprinkle into center of warm cookie.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
– Press heart sprinkles in while cookies are warm
– Store in airtight container for up to 5 days
FAQs
Can I use liquid food coloring?
Yes, but gel is more vibrant and won’t alter the dough texture.
Do I have to chill the dough?
No chilling required — bake right away!
Why roll in powdered sugar?
It creates that signature crinkle and a snowy, festive finish.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, freeze after baking for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
Are these good for mailing?
Yes! They hold their shape well and make excellent holiday cookie gifts.
Conclusion
This grinch cookies recipe brings holiday magic straight to your oven. With simple ingredients, bright green color, and that iconic red heart, these cookies are a joyful tribute to a Christmas classic. Bake them for a holiday party, Grinch movie night, or just to make someone smile — because even the grumpiest grinches can’t resist a sweet treat!