Grinch Cookies

Soft, chewy, and festively green, these Grinch Cookies are the perfect holiday treat. They’re fun to make, adorable to serve, and guaranteed to bring a little Christmas cheer to any cookie platter. With their bright color, crinkled tops, and signature red heart, they’re a sweet nod to a beloved holiday classic — and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive, colorful cookies — perfect for Christmas parties and gifting
• Soft, chewy texture with a lightly crisp edge
• Simple ingredients and quick prep
• Great holiday baking activity for kids
• The red candy heart makes them extra cute and instantly recognizable

Ingredients

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (about 15.25 oz / 432 g)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1–2 tsp green gel food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
• Red heart sprinkles or small red candies (for decorating)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla.
   • Mix until a soft dough forms.
   • Add green gel food coloring, starting with 1 teaspoon and increasing until you reach the desired Grinch-green shade.
2. Shape the Cookies
   • Scoop out small spoonfuls of dough and roll into smooth balls.
   • Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar to coat completely.
   • Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
3. Bake
   • Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the middle.
   • Immediately press one red heart onto the warm cookie so it sticks.
4. Cool & Serve
   • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
   • Transfer to a cooling rack to finish setting.
   • Serve as-is or package for gifting.

You Must Know

• Gel food coloring gives a brighter green than liquid coloring.
• Don’t overbake — cookies should stay soft and slightly puffy.
• Press the red heart candy on while cookies are hot so it adheres.

Pro Tips

• Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for extra depth of flavor.
• Chill dough 15 minutes if it feels too sticky — makes rolling easier.
• For extra crinkles, roll dough balls in powdered sugar twice.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Cake mix: Use yellow cake mix or white cake mix interchangeably.
• Oil: Melted butter can be used for richer flavor.
• Red heart decoration: Use red M&Ms, red chocolate chips, or royal icing dots.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect addition to holiday cookie trays
• Serve with hot cocoa or Christmas punch
• Package in clear treat bags for festive edible gifts

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days.
• Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months — thaw at room temp.
• Keep powdered-sugar coating intact by layering cookies with parchment paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made 24 hours ahead and kept chilled. Let it soften slightly before rolling.

→ Why are my cookies not crinkling?
They’re likely under-coated. Roll generously in powdered sugar before baking.

→ Can I make them without cake mix?
This recipe is designed for cake mix, but you can adapt any soft sugar-cookie dough with green coloring and a heart decoration.

→ Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — shape into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.

Enjoy your adorable, soft, festive Grinch Cookies — the sweetest way to spread holiday cheer! 🍪💚❤️

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