Grinch Cookies Recipe

Get ready to add a pop of festive color and joyful sweetness to your holiday baking with the irresistible Grinch Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a delightful mix of soft, gooey texture and vibrant green hue that perfectly captures the holiday spirit. Topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and tiny red heart sprinkles, they’re not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these Grinch Cookies will quickly become your new seasonal favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind the Grinch Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of soft texture, delightful sweetness, and that iconic Grinch-green color.

• 1 box Vanilla Cake Mix: The base of these cookies, providing sweetness and a tender crumb.
• 1 Stick Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture for that gooey softness.
• 1 tablespoon Canola Oil: Helps keep the batter moist and adds a subtle depth to the flavor.
• 2 eggs (room temperature): Binds everything together and gives the dough structure.
• 1 Cup Powdered Sugar: For coating the cookies and adding a delicate sweetness.
• 1 Cup Corn Starch: Mixed with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and add a bit of powdery texture.
• Green Gel Food Coloring: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their iconic Grinch green color.
• Red Heart Sprinkles: The perfect festive touch, adding charm and a pop of red contrast.

How to Make Grinch Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Space

First things first, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Having your baking space ready beforehand makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix Powdered Sugar and Corn Starch

In a loaf pan, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1 cup of corn starch and mix well. This mixture will be used later to coat the dough balls, preventing them from sticking while adding a lovely powdery finish.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, vanilla cake mix, canola oil, and eggs. The batter will be quite thick, which is exactly what you want for these snuggly chewy cookies.

Step 4: Add the Green Glamour

Now, bring on the holiday color by stirring in green gel food coloring. About 3 drops should do the trick, but feel free to adjust until you reach that perfect vibrant Grinch shade. Mixing it thoroughly ensures even color throughout.

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Using a small ice cream scoop, grab portions of dough and roll each chunk in the powdered sugar and corn starch mixture. Then, roll the coated dough into smooth balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. This spacing helps the cookies puff up beautifully without sticking to each other.

Step 6: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Bake your cookies at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until they puff up nicely. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Add the Festive Finishing Touch

After the cookies have cooled, mix a small bowl of sugar glue by blending a tablespoon of powdered sugar with about a teaspoon of water. Use this to gently stick one red heart sprinkle onto each cookie’s center. You can also press the hearts onto the dough before baking if you prefer, but the sugar glue method ensures a neat finish.

How to Serve Grinch Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies are truly charming on their own, but adding a light dusting of extra powdered sugar or a few festive sprinkles can elevate their appearance. The red heart sprinkle adds such a sweet contrast, making each cookie feel like a little holiday gift.

Side Dishes

Pair your Grinch Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa, creamy eggnog, or even a chilled glass of milk for a classic holiday combo. These drinks complement the soft, gooey texture while helping balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider arranging your Grinch Cookies Recipe on a holiday-themed platter surrounded by fresh pine branches or small ornaments for a festive display. Wrapping them up in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons makes perfect take-home gifts for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft texture. They should stay fresh and tasty for up to a week, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer-safe zip bag. When properly sealed, they hold up well for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop frozen or leftover cookies in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This quick heat-up revives the soft, gooey texture that makes the Grinch Cookies Recipe so beloved.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

While the recipe calls for vanilla cake mix to keep the flavor classic and sweet, you can experiment with funfetti or butter pecan if you’re feeling adventurous. Just keep in mind it might change the color and sweetness balance.

Do I have to use green gel food coloring?

Gel food coloring gives the most vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency. Liquid food coloring can work but might make the batter runnier, and the color may not be as intense.

Can I make these cookies without the powdered sugar and corn starch coating?

The coating helps prevent sticking and adds a soft outer texture, but if you’re in a pinch, you could lightly flour your hands or the scoop before shaping the dough.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Since this recipe uses a store-bought vanilla cake mix, it’s important to check the label for gluten content. For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix.

Can the cookies be frozen before baking?

Yes! You can freeze the dough balls before baking—just place them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen but add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Final Thoughts

This Grinch Cookies Recipe is a festive treasure that effortlessly combines ease, flavor, and holiday spirit. I can’t wait for you to try baking these little green delights and watch how they brighten up your celebrations. They’re the perfect cheeky, sweet treat that will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe itself!

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