From Grumpy to Jolly: Grinch Cookies That Spread Holiday Cheer
Is your inner Grinch craving something sweet this holiday season? These delightfully green crinkle cookies are the perfect treat to satisfy your snacky side while keeping your Christmas spirit just the right amount of sassy. Made from simple cake mix magic and finished with a single red candy heart, they’re as festive as they are funny-looking (in the best way). Soft, chewy, and full of holiday mischief, these cookies might even make you hum along to a few carols—against your better judgment. So grab your mixing bowl, channel your best Grinch grin, and get ready to bake up some merry mischief!
Why these Grinch cookies are a must-try:
- Festive & Fun: Their bright green color and red candy hearts make them the ultimate holiday showstopper.
- Easy to Make: Starts with a simple cake mix—no complicated steps or fancy ingredients required!
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for baking with little Whos who love getting messy (and sneaking cookie dough).
- Grinch-Themed Delight: A playful nod to everyone’s favorite Christmas curmudgeon—great for themed parties or movie nights.
- Soft, Chewy, & Delicious: The crinkle texture and sweet flavor make them irresistible to even the grinchiest guest!
These holiday cake mix cookies are perfect for:
- Christmas parties – A festive treat that steals the dessert table spotlight.
- Grinch movie nights – Themed snacks make the viewing extra fun (and extra green!).
- Holiday cookie exchanges – Unique, eye-catching, and guaranteed to stand out from the sugar cookie crowd.
- School or office potlucks – Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Family baking days – A fun and simple recipe to make with kids or grandkids.
- Gifts for neighbors or friends – Package them up with a cute tag for a sweet, whimsical surprise.
- Christmas Eve dessert spread – Add a pop of color and cheer to your holiday lineup.
- Winter birthdays – Perfect for anyone who loves a little holiday mischief mixed into their celebration!
Grinch Cake Mix Cookies
Servings: 30 servings
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces white cake mix
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet.
Mix together cake mix, butter, and eggs until fully combined.
Add in the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and desired amount of green food coloring. Mix until fully combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch.
Scoop the dough into about 1 ½ tablespoon scoops and roll the dough balls into the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to fully coat.
Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the edges become set.
When the cookies are finished add a small dusting of powdered sugar and place a heart-shaped sprinkle on each.
Cool for about 5 minutes and enjoy!
Grinch Cookies FAQ
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While white or vanilla cake mix gives the best bright green color, you can experiment with other light-colored mixes like lemon or butter for a fun twist.
How do I get that perfect Grinch-green color?
Start with a few drops of green gel food coloring and mix well—add more until you reach your desired shade of “Grinchy.” Gel coloring works best since it won’t thin out your dough.
Why do my cookies lose their crinkle look after baking?
If your dough is too warm, the cookies may spread too much. Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before rolling in powdered sugar to help them hold that signature crinkle.
How should I store Grinch cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to thaw before serving so they’re soft and chewy again!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Grinch Cookies
- Chill the dough: Pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking to keep your cookies thick and crinkly.
- Use gel food coloring: It gives a vibrant green hue without making the dough too runny.
- Double coat in powdered sugar: Roll the dough balls once, then again before baking for extra snowy crinkles.
- Add hearts after baking: Press the red candy hearts on while the cookies are still warm so they stick perfectly.
- Don’t overbake: Take them out when the edges are set but the centers still look soft—they’ll finish baking on the sheet!
With their merry green glow and sweet little hearts, these Grinch cookies are guaranteed to spread cheer—even to the grumpiest guests at your holiday gathering! They’re simple, festive, and just mischievous enough to make baking feel like a bit of Christmas magic. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, leaving them out for Santa, or keeping the whole batch for yourself (no judgment, Grinch-style), these cookies are bound to become a new holiday favorite. So grab your whisk, cue up some carols, and let the cookie mischief begin!
