Grinch Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holidays

Every holiday season, Grinch Cookies become a staple in our home, filling the kitchen with laughter and sweet aromas that I can hardly resist. One lazy Saturday morning, Sarah and I decided to whip up a batch. Of course, Alex, after catching a whiff from his room, was quick to join in the kitchen fun, eagerly offering to sprinkle the heart-shaped decorations. These cookies have a cheerful green hue, reminiscent of our favorite holiday character, making them a fun and festive treat that brings the whole family together.

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Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Grinch Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holidays

If you enjoy simple, fun, and delicious treats, you might also love our Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

Why you’ll love this recipe

These Grinch Cookies are incredibly easy to make, especially for those hectic December weekends. Requiring only basic ingredients like cake mix and food coloring, they let everyone create something magical without the need for fancy culinary skills. Plus, decorating the cookies with heart-shaped sprinkles is a fun family activity that the kids love. They're perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday tables, or just a simple dessert to accompany a Christmas movie night.

Ingredients

¼ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon canola oil or vegetable oil
2 large eggs
15.25 oz (425g) box cake mix
Green food coloring
Heart shaped sprinkles or candy melts

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine powdered sugar with cornstarch and set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine butter with oil and eggs. Using a hand mixer, beat until well combined, about 30 seconds.
Add the cake mix, and mix until combined. The batter will be thick.
Add green food coloring, and mix again until the desired shade is reached.
Using a small cookie scoop, scoop dough balls directly into the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture. Gently roll in the mixture and transfer to the cookie sheets.
Bake, rotating the cookie sheets halfway through for 8-10 minutes or until the cookies have puffed up. Avoid overcooking to prevent browning.
Remove from the oven, allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
To decorate with hearts, mix 1 tablespoon of remaining corn starch and powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of water to use as glue for the hearts.

Recipe tips & variations

For a perfect Grinch Cookie, ensure that you use a high-quality green food coloring. Start with a few drops and gradually increase until you achieve the classic Grinch green.

If you want to add an extra dimension to the flavor, you could mix in some peppermint extract with the batter. Alternatively, for a subtle fruity twist, try lemon or almond extract.

Storage & reheating

To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh for up to a week. If you've baked a big batch, you can freeze them for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

How do you get the perfect green color for Grinch cookies without overdoing the food coloring?

Start with a small amount of food coloring and gradually add more, mixing well after each addition, until you achieve the desired shade.

Can I make Grinch cookies ahead of time and freeze the dough or baked cookies?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and freeze it for up to three months. You can also freeze the baked cookies and thaw them before serving.

What can I use instead of heart-shaped sprinkles for decorating Grinch cookies?

If you don’t have heart-shaped sprinkles, try using small red candies or colored sugar sprinkles to give it that festive look.

How do I keep Grinch cookies soft and chewy after baking?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain their chewy texture. The moisture from the bread keeps the cookies soft.

Recipes you may like

If you enjoyed these cookies, you might also want to try our Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost.

For a refreshing drink option, check out the Pineapple Green Smoothie.