Grinch Cookies Recipe

Have you ever felt the holiday spirit sneaking up on you in the form of a cookie? Well, these Grinch Cookies do exactly that! Not only are they festively green and heartwarming, but they also pack a delicious punch of mint that will leave you feeling merry and bright. If you’re a fan of easy-to-make recipes that also happen to be a little cheeky and fun, these cookies are the perfect fit. They’re made with a cake mix base (a time-saver I absolutely swear by), have a delightful minty flavor, and feature a signature red heart sprinkle that channels all the Grinchy feels—perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or just a cozy night in.

Let’s jump into how to make these Grinch Cookies that are sure to grow your heart three sizes with every bite!

this RECIPE

The story behind these Grinch cookies

I first stumbled across this idea when I was looking for something festive but quick to whip up for a party. You know those moments when you’re last-minute scrolling through Pinterest, and then you see something and just know it’s a winner? That’s how I found these cookies. What sold me? Honestly, the little red heart. It’s such a cute detail that brings a playful touch—I knew the kids (and adults) would get a kick out of them.

And let me tell you, these cookies didn’t disappoint. They were a hit! The green, minty flavor is festive but not overwhelming, and the cake mix makes them super soft and chewy, just the way I like my cookies. Plus, the heart in the center gives each cookie a little something extra, like you’re sending a bit of love with every bite.

What makes these Grinch cookies so special?

These Grinch Cookies have all the components of a fun holiday bake: they’re colorful, simple to make, and taste like the holidays in cookie form. Here’s what really makes them stand out:

• Minty flavor: They’ve got a fresh burst of mint, which is not your everyday cookie flavor—perfect for the holiday season.
• Cake mix magic: Using a cake mix as the base cuts down on prep time and ensures the cookies come out soft and fluffy every time.
• Grinch-inspired design: The green color and the little red heart sprinkle are just adorable and fun—making them great for parties or gifting.

Let’s talk ingredients: what makes these cookies irresistible

White cake mix

The cake mix makes these cookies a breeze to pull together. It acts as your dry ingredients base, saving you the time of measuring flour, sugar, and leavening agents. I like using a white cake mix because it lets the green food coloring really pop! You could also try a vanilla or yellow cake mix in a pinch, but keep in mind the color may be a bit more muted.

Unsalted butter

Softened butter adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. I prefer unsalted butter because it lets me control the salt content in the recipe. If you only have salted butter on hand, just reduce or skip any added salt elsewhere.

Peppermint extract

This is where that holiday minty magic comes in! Peppermint extract brings a refreshing, cool taste to the cookies, and it pairs beautifully with the vanilla. If you’re not a huge fan of mint, you can tone it down by using just a teaspoon, or swap it for another extract like almond or coconut if you want to get creative.

Green gel food coloring

To get that Grinch-green color, gel food coloring is your best bet. It’s more concentrated than liquid food coloring, which means you need less to get vibrant results. Plus, it won’t add excess liquid to the dough.

Powdered sugar & cornstarch

Rolling the dough in powdered sugar mixed with cornstarch creates that crinkle effect on the cookies, giving them a snow-dusted look—perfect for the holidays!

Red heart-shaped sprinkles

The finishing touch! These heart-shaped sprinkles are what make the cookies feel so festive and tie into the whole Grinch theme. You can usually find them around the holidays or online. If you’re in a pinch, red cinnamon candies work too (and add a spicy little kick).

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can skip)

These cookies are straightforward, so you won’t need any fancy gadgets, but here are the essentials:

• Mixer: Whether it’s a hand-held or stand mixer, this will help blend the ingredients quickly and evenly. The dough gets sticky, so trust me, mixing by hand isn’t the way to go here.
• Cookie scoop: A 1 ½ tablespoon-sized scoop will make sure your cookies are all uniform, which means they’ll bake evenly. If you don’t have a scoop, two spoons will do the job, but it might get a bit messier.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Wire rack: Once the cookies are baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool. This keeps the bottoms from getting soggy.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method for perfect Grinch cookies

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This way, you’re ready to go once the dough is mixed!
2. Mix the dough: In your mixer, combine the cake mix, softened butter, and eggs until well combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little sticky at this point—that’s totally normal. Then, add in the peppermint and vanilla extracts along with your green gel food coloring. Mix on low speed until the color is even throughout the dough.Tip: The dough is sticky, so if it feels too tacky to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before shaping into balls.
3. Roll the dough: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch. Scoop out about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll them in the powdered sugar mixture. This coating will help create the signature crinkle look as they bake.Lesson learned: When rolling, the dough can stick to your hands. Dusting your hands with a bit of the powdered sugar mixture can help with that.
4. Bake: Place the dough balls on your baking sheet about an inch apart and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set, and the tops look dry but the centers are still soft.
5. Add the hearts: Right out of the oven, while the cookies are still warm, press a heart-shaped sprinkle into the center of each one. Gently press down so it sticks without squishing the cookie.
6. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience is key here—if you try to move them too soon, they might fall apart.

Fun variations and festive adaptations

Want to switch things up? Here are some variations I’ve tried that work great:

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free white cake mix, and you’ll be good to go. I’ve made these for friends with gluten sensitivities, and they were a hit!
• Vegan: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) in place of the eggs. The cookies may turn out slightly denser, but they’ll still be delicious.
• Seasonal colors: Try making these cookies for different holidays by swapping the green coloring for red or blue, and using different shaped sprinkles or candies on top.
• Citrus twist: Swap the peppermint extract for lemon or orange extract for a citrusy, refreshing cookie that’s still super festive.

Serving and presentation ideas: show off those cookies!

These Grinch Cookies are eye-catching enough that you don’t need to go overboard with presentation. I love stacking them on a holiday-themed plate and sprinkling a bit of powdered sugar over the top for a “snowy” effect. For a party platter, place them in concentric circles around a festive centerpiece, like a mini tree or some pine sprigs. They’re also great for gifting—just layer them in a cute tin with parchment paper in between the layers.

Suggested drink pairings

Pairing these cookies with a cozy drink takes them to the next level. Here are a few options that I love:

• Peppermint hot chocolate: Double up on the minty vibes with a cup of creamy hot chocolate spiked with a bit of peppermint syrup.
• Warm apple cider: The sweet and spicy flavors of apple cider complement the cool mintiness of the cookies without overpowering them.
• Vanilla chai latte: If you’re in the mood for something cozy and a little spiced, a vanilla chai latte is a perfect match.

Storage and reheating tips

These cookies store beautifully! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for about 4-5 days at room temperature. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze them. Just pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes, or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to give them that freshly-baked feel again.

Scaling the recipe for a crowd

This recipe yields about 24 cookies, but if you’re feeding a crowd (or just want extra to snack on!), you can easily double or triple the recipe. One thing to keep in mind: if you’re making a larger batch, it’s better to chill the dough in between rounds of baking, especially if your kitchen is warm. This helps keep the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

FAQs about Grinch cookies

1. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
You can, but you’ll need more to achieve a vibrant green color. Just be mindful that adding too much liquid food coloring can affect the dough’s consistency.

2. My cookies didn’t crinkle—what happened?
This usually happens if you don’t roll the dough balls generously in the powdered sugar. Make sure they’re well-coated to get that nice crinkle effect.

3. Can I use other flavored extracts?
Absolutely! If mint isn’t your thing, try almond, vanilla, or even coconut extract for a different twist.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking if it seems too soft. This helps the cookies hold their shape in the oven.

5. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Scoop the dough into balls, roll them in the powdered sugar mixture, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just pop them into the oven and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Time to get baking!

There you have it—Grinch Cookies that are festive, delicious, and a whole lot of fun to make! Whether you’re baking for a party, a cookie swap, or just because, these cookies are sure to bring some extra holiday cheer. And don’t forget to experiment with your own twists—after all, the best recipes are the ones you make your own! Happy baking! 💚

Print