Introduction
The holiday season is the perfect time to bake fun and colorful treats. And what could be more cheerful than making Grinch Cookies? These bright green cookies with cute red hearts are inspired by the classic Christmas story How the Grinch Stole Christmas. They’re soft, chewy, and so delicious that even the Grinch himself would smile.
Not only do they taste amazing, but they also look magical on any holiday dessert table. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so you don’t need to be a baking expert to enjoy them.
Ingredients – Grinch Cookies
Here’s what you will need to make the perfect Grinch Cookies.
For the cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) of vanilla cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring (about 6–8 drops, or until you get your perfect shade)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
For decoration:
- Small red heart sprinkles or candies (about 24 pieces)
Step-by-Step Process – Grinch Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Turn on your oven and set it to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies don’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Step 3: Add the cake mix
Pour the vanilla cake mix into the bowl. Mix well until all the dry cake mix is combined with the wet ingredients. You’ll have a soft dough.
Step 4: Add the color
Add a few drops of green gel food coloring. Mix well until you get a bright green cookie dough. You can add more coloring if you want a deeper shade.
Step 5: Chill the dough
Place the dough in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This makes it easier to roll into balls.
Step 6: Roll in powdered sugar
Take small scoops of dough and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in size. Then roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake the cookies
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Step 8: Add the red hearts
Right after taking the cookies out of the oven, gently press one red heart sprinkle into the center of each cookie.
Step 9: Cool and enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa or gift them to friends and family.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (1 of 24) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 110mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 1g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make Grinch Cookies without cake mix?
Yes! You can make them from scratch using flour, sugar, baking powder, butter, and eggs. But using cake mix saves time and still tastes delicious.
Q2: How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Add a slice of bread inside the container to keep them moist for up to 5 days.
Q3: Can I freeze Grinch Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Q4: What if I don’t have red heart sprinkles?
You can use red M&Ms, red candy melts, or even pipe small hearts using red icing.
Q5: Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
You can, but gel food coloring gives a brighter, richer green without making the dough too wet.
Final Thoughts
Grinch Cookies are more than just a tasty treat — they’re a fun way to add a little holiday magic to your home. The bright green color, the soft chewy texture, and the sweet red heart make them a hit with kids and adults alike.
They’re perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the fire. Plus, they’re quick and easy enough to make in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
So, grab your mixing bowl, add a little green, and make these cookies part of your holiday tradition. Even the Grinch himself wouldn’t be able to resist a second bite!
