Grinch Cookies Recipe

Introduction

I recently baked these Grinch Cookies for a holiday gathering, and they were an instant hit! The combination of peppermint extract, green coloring, and heart-shaped sprinkles gives them a festive and fun twist, perfectly embodying the Grinch’s mischievous yet lovable nature. My family adored how soft and chewy they were, and the bright green color made them a true Christmas treat. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make, thanks to the convenience of using a cake mix as the base. My kids especially enjoyed rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar and pressing the little red heart sprinkles in the center of each cookie. These cookies are a perfect addition to any holiday spread, and I highly recommend them for anyone looking for a quick and fun Christmas cookie recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Grinch Cookies

These Grinch Cookies are the ultimate Christmas treat, combining festive flavors, vibrant colors, and a touch of fun decoration. The peppermint extract gives them a refreshing, minty taste, while the soft, chewy texture makes them irresistible. The green gel food coloring adds a bold and eye-catching look, and the heart-shaped red sprinkles give them an extra festive touch. These cookies are not only delicious, but they’re also a fun activity to do with the family—kids will love rolling the dough in powdered sugar and helping to decorate them. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these Grinch Cookies are perfect for holiday parties, gift baskets, or just as a sweet snack to enjoy during the season.

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (e.g., Pillsbury)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon peppermint or mint extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green gel food coloring (about 1 teaspoon, adjust to preference)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or tapioca starch/arrowroot powder)
• Red heart-shaped sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, and eggs. Mix until smooth and well combined.
   Add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and green gel food coloring. Mix on low speed until the color is evenly distributed. The dough should have a vibrant green color, just like the Grinch’s heart!
3. Coat the Dough in Powdered Sugar:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch. This mixture will give the cookies their signature crackled look once baked.
   Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), scoop the cookie dough into balls. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar mixture until it is fully coated.
4. Bake the Cookies:
   Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread as they bake.
   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear dry. The cookies should be soft in the center, so be careful not to overbake them.
5. Decorate the Cookies:
   While the cookies are still warm, gently press a red heart-shaped sprinkle into the center of each cookie. This adds a lovely touch that makes the cookies even more festive and playful.
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies (approximately)
• Calories per serving: 150
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredient brands used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Holiday Treats: Serve these Grinch Cookies at your next Christmas party, holiday gathering, or cookie exchange for a fun, festive treat.
• Gift Giving: These cookies make wonderful homemade gifts. Package them in cute boxes or tins with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful gift.
• Snacking: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or holiday-themed beverages.
• For Family Fun: Get the kids involved by letting them help roll the dough balls in powdered sugar and decorate with the heart-shaped sprinkles.
• On a Cookie Platter: These cookies look great on a holiday dessert platter alongside other festive cookies and treats.

Additional Tips

1. Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors, but you can adjust the amount based on your desired shade of green.
2. Dampen Hands for Rolling: If the dough is a bit sticky, dampen your hands slightly to make rolling the dough balls easier.
3. Customize with Sprinkles: You can use different colored sprinkles or even edible glitter for a more festive look.
4. Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be soft in the center, so keep an eye on them in the oven and avoid overbaking them to keep them chewy.
5. Make Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
   Yes, you can substitute the white cake mix with any other cake mix flavor, but the green color and peppermint flavor are key for making them Grinch-themed.
2. Can I use mint extract instead of peppermint extract?
   Yes, mint extract works as a substitute for peppermint extract if you prefer a slightly different mint flavor.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just roll the dough into balls, coat with powdered sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
4. How do I store these cookies?
   Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
5. Can I use mini heart-shaped sprinkles?
   Yes, mini heart-shaped sprinkles work well if you want a smaller, more subtle decoration on each cookie.
6. What can I do if I don’t have a medium cookie scoop?
   You can use a tablespoon to scoop the dough and roll it into balls by hand. Just try to keep them even in size for uniform baking.
7. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
   Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to the dough would enhance the flavor and make the cookies even more indulgent.
8. Can I use another type of extract instead of mint or peppermint?
   You can use vanilla extract or almond extract, but the minty flavor is key for making these cookies Grinch-inspired.
9. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
   Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
10. Can I use colored sugar instead of powdered sugar?
    Yes, colored sugar can be used for rolling the dough balls, though it won’t give you the same crackled effect as powdered sugar.

Conclusion

These Grinch Cookies are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season with a sweet, minty treat. They are easy to make, require only a few ingredients, and are perfect for holiday parties, gift giving, or just as a snack to enjoy while watching holiday movies. The vibrant green color and heart-shaped red sprinkles make them extra special, and the peppermint flavor gives them a delightful seasonal twist. Whether you’re baking with family, sharing them with friends, or gifting them to loved ones, these Grinch Cookies are sure to bring holiday cheer to everyone. So, grab your ingredients and get baking—these cookies are sure to be a new holiday favorite!

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