The holiday season brings out the joy of baking, and there’s nothing quite like the cheerful spirit of making Grinch Cookies! Picture this: the kitchen fills with a delightful aroma while vibrant green cookie dough transforms into soft, gooey morsels of happiness. I discovered this fun recipe using boxed cake mix during a frantic evening of holiday prep, and it quickly became a family favorite that I love to whip up with my kids.
These Easy Grinch Cookies not only taste fantastic; they’re also adorned with vibrant heart-shaped sprinkles and a light dusting of powdered sugar, making them perfect for festive gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply craving a cozy treat after a long day, these cookies are sure to impress. Join me in bringing a little holiday magic to your kitchen with this easy and fun Grinch Cookies recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why are Grinch Cookies so delightful?
Festive Fun: These Grinch Cookies bring vibrant colors and joyful vibes to any gathering, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
Quick and Easy: Using boxed cake mix means you can whip up a batch in no time—perfect for holiday surprises!
Chewy Texture: Expect soft, gooey goodness in every bite, with a delightful sprinkle of sweetness from the powdered sugar.
Creative Decorating: Let your kids get involved by adding heart-shaped sprinkles, turning cookie-making into a magical holiday experience.
Crowd-Pleaser: With their holiday spirit and unforgettable taste, these cookies will have everyone raving and asking for your secret recipe!
For more fun holiday treats that are easy to make, check out my other fantastic recipes!
Grinch Cookies Recipe Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Boxed Cake Mix (15.25oz/425g) – The foundation for these Grinch cookies, offering quick and easy preparation; any flavor works, but vanilla highlights the green beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter – Provides a rich, moist texture; if you’re dairy-free, margarine is a great alternative.
• Canola or Vegetable Oil – Adds moisture and a slight softness; for a unique twist, consider coconut oil for flavor.
• Large Eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients; use room temperature eggs for best results or omit if going vegan.
• Green Food Coloring – For that iconic Grinch hue; gel colorings are preferred for a more vibrant shade.
For the Dusting and Decoration
• Powdered Sugar – Dust lightly for a snowy finish; granulated sugar can work in a pinch, but won’t offer the same effect.
• Cornstarch – Helps to create a tender texture; cornflour is a suitable substitute in the UK and Australia.
• Heart Shaped Sprinkles or Candy Melts – Perfect for decorating your cookies; alternative festive sprinkles can also be used for variety.
These Grinch Cookies are not just about flavor; they add a splash of holiday cheer to your celebrations! Enjoy bringing joy to your kitchen and your loved ones with this delightful treat!
How to Make Grinch Cookies
Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). While it’s heating, line 2 cookie sheets with parchment or silicone mats to ensure easy removal later.
Combine Dry: In a medium bowl, mix the powdered sugar and cornstarch together until well blended; set aside to use later for rolling your cookie dough.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, canola or vegetable oil, and large eggs for about 30 seconds until fully combined and creamy.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the boxed cake mix to the wet mixture. Stir it all together until a thick and vibrant green dough forms, adding green food coloring to reach your desired shade.
Shape Cookies: Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture from earlier before placing them on your prepared cookie sheets.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, taking care to rotate the sheets halfway through. They should look puffed up and not browned on the edges when they’re ready.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate: For a festive touch, mix leftover powdered sugar and cornstarch with a little water to create a glue for heart sprinkles or drizzle with icing for an extra sweet finish.
Optional: Sprinkle additional powdered sugar on top before serving for a snowy delight!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Grinch Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your Grinch cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and delightful flavor.
Fridge: If you want to extend their life, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, ensuring they stay fresh and tasty.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. They can last up to 3 months and be enjoyed later!
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Grinch cookies, let them thaw at room temperature before briefly reheating in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to regain that gooey consistency.
What to Serve with Grinch Cookies?
The holiday spirit calls for a joyful feast that delights both the palate and the heart!
Hot Cocoa: Pair with a steaming cup of hot cocoa to enhance the festive feel. The rich chocolate complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly!
Milk: A classic choice, cold milk balances the sugary, chewy goodness of these Grinch Cookies, making each bite even more delightful.
Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds a light, refreshing touch to your meal. Its natural sweetness beautifully contrasts with the cookies’ sugary flair.
Cheesecake Bites: Mini chocolate or plain cheesecake bites lend a creamy richness that contrasts the cookie’s texture—a perfect duo for holiday gatherings.
Christmas Punch: Consider a festive holiday punch or flavored sparkling water; their flavors will keep your guests refreshed and cheerful!
Ice Cream: Spice up your dessert table by serving Grinch Cookies with a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream, transforming it into a heavenly treat.
With these pairings, your Grinch Cookies will shine brighter than ever during your holiday celebrations!
Make Ahead Options
These Grinch Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time on busy baking days but also helps the flavors meld beautifully. Additionally, you can roll the cookies into balls and coat them in the powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and place them on a baking sheet—there’s no need to thaw! With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy freshly baked, festive cookies with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Grinch Cookies
Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies; overbaking can lead to dry edges. Remove them when they’re puffed but not browned.
Color Gradually: When adding green food coloring, start with just a few drops. You can always add more to reach the perfect Grinch hue!
Uniform Shapes: Use a small cookie scoop for even-sized cookies. This ensures they bake at the same rate and makes approximately 32 cookies in one go.
Cool Properly: Don’t rush the cooling process. Allow cookies to set on the sheet to help maintain their soft, chewy texture before transferring to a wire rack.
Involve the Kids: Turn decorating into a family fun time! Let your kids sprinkle on the heart-shaped toppings for a delightful, interactive baking experience.
Enjoy creating your delicious Grinch cookies recipe with these simple yet effective tips!
Grinch Cookies Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and make these Grinch Cookies even more delightful!
Colorful Twist: Try using blue or red food coloring for a unique celebration. Give your cookies an unexpected flair and match them to different occasions!
Minty Fresh: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing holiday punch. This twist will evoke the delightful essence of the season!
Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in a cup of mini chocolate chips for a richer flavor. The gooey chocolate complements the sweetness of the cookie beautifully.
Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for some added texture. The crunchiness balances well with the soft, chewy cookies.
Coconut Delight: Substitute some of the oil with coconut oil for a tropical twist. This will lend a subtle coconut flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix instead of traditional cake mix. Everyone can enjoy these festive treats, no matter their dietary needs!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for a bit of warmth. This will elevate the flavor and bring cozy vibes to your holiday baking.
Mini Cookie Bites: Make smaller versions of the cookies for bite-sized treats. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or keeping for yourself!
With these variations, you can transform your Grinch Cookies into a delightful showcase of flavors and textures!
Grinch Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of cake mix should I use for Grinch Cookies?
I recommend using a standard vanilla cake mix for the best vibrant green color. However, feel free to experiment with other flavors like lemon or almond for a fun twist—just remember that the color might not be as bright!
How should I store Grinch Cookies for maximum freshness?
To keep your Grinch cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze Grinch Cookies, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Grinch cookies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep fresh for up to 3 months! When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
What if my Grinch Cookies are too dry after baking?
If your cookies turn out dry, it’s likely due to overbaking. Remember to take them out when they are puffed and slightly undercooked in the center—this will give them that soft, chewy texture! If you do end up with dry cookies, consider warming them briefly in the microwave with a damp paper towel for a few seconds to revive their moisture.
Are there any dietary considerations for Grinch Cookies?
Yes, if you or someone you’re serving has dietary restrictions, you can make simple substitutions. For a dairy-free option, use margarine instead of unsalted butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of the large egg. Also, ensure that your cake mix and sprinkles are gluten-free if necessary! Always check the ingredient labels to avoid allergies.
How can I tell when the Grinch Cookies are done baking?
The important thing to look for is the puffiness of the cookies. They should have risen slightly and not show any browning on the edges. A good visual cue is that they’ll appear soft and slightly underbaked in the center. Let them cool completely—this is when they will firm up and acquire their chewy texture!
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Grinch Cookies Recipe That's So Easy
Equipment
- - Oven
- Medium bowl
- Cookie sheets
- - Parchment paper or silicone mats
- - Mixing bowl
- Small cookie scoop
- - Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 box Boxed Cake Mix 15.25oz/425g
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 1/4 cup Canola or Vegetable Oil
- 2 large Eggs room temperature
- 1-2 drops Green Food Coloring gel preferred
For the Dusting and Decoration
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1 cup Heart Shaped Sprinkles or Candy Melts
Instructions
How to Make Grinch Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, mix the powdered sugar and cornstarch until well blended; set aside.
- In another bowl, beat together the butter, oil, and eggs for 30 seconds until creamy.
- Gradually add the boxed cake mix and stir until a thick green dough forms, adding food coloring as needed.
- Scoop and roll the dough into balls, then coat in the powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, rotating sheets halfway until puffed and not browned.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.
- Mix powdered sugar and cornstarch with water for a glue to attach heart sprinkles.