It’s that time of year again — when holiday magic fills the air, and our kitchens are bursting with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies. And if you’re looking to bring a little “Grinch” into your home this season (but in a good way), these Easy Holiday Grinch Cookies with Cake Mix are just the treat for you.
Imagine soft, chewy cookies with a bright green color that’s as mischievous as the Grinch himself, all topped with a tiny red heart that’s grown three sizes. They're simple, quick, and oh-so-cute — making them perfect for your next cookie exchange or Grinch movie night with the family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Made with a box of cake mix and a few pantry staples.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for little hands to help with rolling, coating, and adding the “Grinch’s small heart.”
- Festive Fun: The bright green color and red candy hearts scream “holiday spirit” in the most playful way.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or a cozy night watching your favorite Christmas movies.
The Story Behind the Dish
If you’re thinking, “Why Grinch cookies?” the answer is simple — Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a holiday classic that’s practically required viewing each year.
These cookies embody that playful spirit, with their bold green hue and heart-shaped decoration symbolizing the Grinch’s change of heart. Plus, they’re a hit at any cookie exchange, standing out from the sea of other sugar cookies and snickerdoodles.
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl: To combine all the ingredients easily.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: To blend that sticky dough with minimal effort.
- Small bowl: For powdered sugar coating.
- Small cookie scoop: To get perfectly portioned cookie dough balls.
- Parchment paper: Ensures cookies don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Baking sheet: The stage where the Grinch magic happens.
- Wire rack: For cooling your adorable Grinch cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe
- White cake mix: The base of this recipe for easy, soft cookies.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- Eggs: Binds the dough and provides structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and aroma.
- Almond extract: Gives the cookies a little extra flair.
- Green gel food coloring: For that bright green color that’s Grinch-approved.
- Powdered sugar: Creates that crinkle effect on the cookies’ surface.
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles: The iconic “Grinch’s heart” that makes these cookies stand out.
How to Make Easy Holiday Grinch Cookies
1. Prepare Your Space
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so those cookies don’t stick. Trust me, parchment paper is your best friend here.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, softened butter, and eggs. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed until everything’s combined. Add in vanilla extract, almond extract, and green gel food coloring. Mix until the dough has a bright green color. (Tip: Start with a little bit of color and add more as needed.)
3. Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, pour in the powdered sugar. This is where the “crinkle” magic happens.
4. Form the Cookies
Use a small cookie scoop to scoop cookie dough balls. Roll each one in the powdered sugar, coating it completely. (Yes, it’s a little sticky, but that’s part of the fun!) Place the dough balls on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet about an inch apart.
5. Bake Cookies
All ovens vary. Mine baked for 5 and a half minutes and were perfect. So, bake for 5 to 8 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops have that signature crinkle look. Keep an eye on them — you want chewy cookies, not dry cookies – and you don't want them browned, just slightly golden around the edges.
6. Add the Heart
While the baked cookies are still warm, press a small red heart sprinkle onto each cookie. It’s the final, heartwarming touch.
7. Cool the Cookies
Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. But let’s be real — you’ll probably sneak one before they’re fully cooled.
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Chef Secrets & Tips
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Liquid food coloring can thin the dough, so go for gel food coloring for a bold green look.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Ensures a smooth, well-incorporated dough.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue cooking as they cool on the baking sheet. Take them out as soon as the edges are set.
- Use a Small Cookie Scoop: Keeps cookies uniform in size and helps them bake evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these chewy sugar cookies with a steaming mug of hot peppermint cocoa or a frothy glass of eggnog. For a full Grinch experience, serve them at a Grinch movie night with a platter of Christmas sugar cookies. They’re also a standout choice for any cookie exchange or holiday party spread.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls, coat in powdered sugar, and freeze them. When ready to bake, add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Vanilla, lemon, or even strawberry could give you a fun twist on these Grinch cookies. Just keep in mind that certain flavors may change the color of your cookies.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes, but it adds a nice touch of flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can replace it with extra vanilla extract.
Storage Tips
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
These Easy Holiday Grinch Cookies with Cake Mix are as playful as they are delicious. With their adorable bright green color, tiny red heart, and crinkly powdered sugar coating, they’re bound to be the cutest (and tastiest) cookies at your next holiday party.
Make them for a cookie exchange, holiday parties, or just because you’re feeling a little mischievous. One bite, and you’ll see why this recipe is truly the perfect holiday cookie recipe.
More Holiday Treats
- Red Hots Apple Cider: Cozy up with this warm, spiced apple cider infused with the sweet heat of red hots candy — a perfect wintertime treat.
- Chocolate Hershey Kiss Cookies: Classic, bite-sized cookies with a soft, chewy base and a Hershey’s kiss nestled right on top. Holiday perfection in every bite.
- Candied Cranberries: Sweet, tart, and sparkling with sugar, these candied cranberries make a stunning garnish or a tasty snack on their own.
- Soft and Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies: Warm spices and deep molasses flavor come together to create these soft, chewy cookies that are a must-have for any holiday cookie platter.
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Grinch Cookies
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25-ounce) vanilla cake mix
- 6 tablespoons salted butter softened
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon green gel food coloring or more as needed to achieve desired color
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 24 red heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
Prepare Your Workspace
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Make the Cookie Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs using a hand-held or stand mixer. Mix until well combined.
- Add almond extract, vanilla extract, and green food coloring (adjust for your desired shade). Mix on low speed until just incorporated. The dough will be thick and sticky.
Prepare the Coating
- In a small bowl, measure out the powdered sugar and place in the bowl and set aside.
Form the Cookies
- Scoop the dough using a 1 ½-tablespoon cookie scoop.
- Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated. Be mindful that the dough is sticky.
- Place the coated dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Press down slightly on each ball with the palm of your hand to flatten slightly.
Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear dry.
Add the Heart Sprinkles
- Remove the cookies from the oven. Immediately press a heart-shaped sprinkle gently onto the top of each cookie.
Cool the Cookies
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
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