Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Okay, I’m so excited to share this Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe with you because it’s one of those festive treats that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whenever I’m in a pinch for quick holiday cookies that still look super cute and taste amazing, this recipe has my back. The green, festive vibe just screams Christmas, and you can totally customize it to fit whatever mood you’re in or decorations you’ve got on hand.
What makes this Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe special is that it starts with a box mix — yes, really! But don’t let that fool you. The additions of powdered sugar and cornstarch give these cookies that perfect soft, slightly cakey texture that I personally adore. Plus, the green food coloring? It’s instantly cheerful and perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, kids’ parties, or a cozy night in with a cup of cocoa.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for these cookies is straightforward, and each one plays an important part in making the dough easy to work with and the cookies exceptionally tender. Keep an eye out for good-quality vanilla cake mix and the gel food coloring because that really impacts the final color and flavor.
- Vanilla cake mix: I used Betty Crocker, but any vanilla cake mix will do. It’s the base that gives these cookies their sweet, soft structure.
- Vegetable oil: This adds moisture and keeps your cookies tender, plus it’s a neutral oil so it won’t overpower the flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the dough together, helping it rise and hold its shape during baking.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch to deepen the vanilla flavor beyond the cake mix.
- Green food coloring (gel kind): Gel is best because it gives a vibrant color without thinning the dough.
- Confectioners’ sugar: For that classic soft coating and a little extra sweetness at the end.
- Cornstarch: This is key! It softens the cookie dough and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Candy hearts or sprinkles: I love using candy hearts to add that Grinch-y, whimsical touch, but sprinkles work just as well.
Variations
Now, one of the best parts about this Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve tried a few versions with friends, and it’s always fun to swap out add-ins or tweak the decoration to match your holiday style.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix, and you’re good to go. The texture is slightly different but still delicious!
- Mint Flavor Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a festive kick. I once made this for a holiday party, and folks couldn’t stop asking what made it so special.
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Toss in mini chocolate chips before baking for a fun surprise inside.
- Sprinkles Swap: Instead of candy hearts, I’ve used red and white nonpareils to give a classic Christmas feel that looks great on a cookie platter.
How to Make Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Wet Ingredients and Add Color
Start by combining the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Whisk these together until they’re well blended. Then, add a few generous drops of green gel food coloring. I like to build up the color gradually because it’s easy to add more, but you can’t take it away — plus, this’ll let you find that perfect Grinch-y green shade you want!
Step 2: Incorporate the Cake Mix, Cornstarch, and Confectioners’ Sugar
Next, add in your vanilla cake mix, cornstarch, and confectioners’ sugar. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula until it forms a soft dough. Sometimes this dough will be a little sticky — don’t worry, that’s normal. You can chill it for about 30 minutes if it feels too soft to roll.
Step 3: Shape and Coat Your Cookies
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to take portions of dough, then roll them into balls. Drop the balls into a bowl of confectioners’ sugar or roll on parchment to coat them evenly. This sugar coating gives the cookies a subtle crunch and that snowy, festive look.
Step 4: Add Candy Hearts or Sprinkles
Before baking, gently press a candy heart or sprinkle onto the top of each cookie ball. This little step always brings a smile to people’s faces and makes the cookies feel extra special.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pop your cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them after 8 minutes — you want the edges just set, but the centers still soft. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish off these cookies with a light dusting of extra confectioners’ sugar if I’m serving them at a party—it just makes them look a little more magical. Plus, you can never go wrong with a few extra candy hearts scattered on the platter for that festive flair.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fabulous with a simple cup of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows or a cold glass of milk. During holiday gatherings, I like setting them out alongside some peppermint bark or gingerbread for variety.
Creative Ways to Present
One fun idea I tried last year was stacking the cookies into a little Christmas tree shape on a festive platter and adding some edible glitter for sparkle. Another time, I packaged them individually in clear bags tied with red and green ribbons — perfect for gifting neighbors or coworkers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, although in my house, they rarely last that long!
Freezing
I’ve frozen these cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray until firm and then transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw slightly and bake as usual. It’s a huge time saver during busy holiday weeks.
Reheating
If you have leftovers you want to warm, I recommend popping them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or placing them in a warm oven (about 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes. This refreshes that soft, cakey texture wonderfully.
FAQs
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Can I use a different flavor cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic and gives the best color for the Grinch theme, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors like funfetti or even lemon. Just keep in mind that the color and taste will vary a bit.
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Is cornstarch necessary in this Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe?
Yes, cornstarch helps make the cookies extra soft and tender by altering the dough’s structure. If you skip it, the cookies might turn out a little denser or chewier than intended.
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What if I don’t have gel food coloring?
You can use liquid food coloring, but be cautious not to add too much or it might make the dough too wet. Gel coloring is concentrated, so it’s easier to get a vibrant green without changing the dough consistency.
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Can I make these cookies vegan?
It’s a bit tricky with this recipe because of the eggs and cake mix, which usually contain dairy and eggs. However, you could try a vegan vanilla cake mix and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce — results may vary, so testing in small batches is a good idea.
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How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough isn’t too warm or wet, and chill it for 30 minutes before baking if it feels soft. Also, avoid adding extra oil or liquids beyond what the recipe calls for to keep the shape intact.
Final Thoughts
This Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking rotation because it’s a perfect balance of easy and festive, plus it delivers on taste every single time without fuss. Whether you’re making these for your family’s cookie plate or taking them to a holiday party, they’re sure to bring smiles and a bit of green cheer. Give it a try — I promise you’ll love how simple and fun this recipe is to whip up!
PrintGrinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
These festive Grinch Cake Mix Cookies are a fun and easy holiday treat made with a vanilla cake mix and bright green food coloring to capture the whimsical spirit of the Grinch. Soft and chewy on the inside with a sweet powdered sugar coating, they are perfect for holiday parties or a festive family baking activity. The candy hearts or sprinkles add a playful, colorful touch that mimics the Grinch’s mischievous personality.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (Betty Crocker recommended)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring, as needed for desired color
Coating
- ⅓ cup confectioners’ sugar
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
Decoration
- Candy hearts or sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add green gel food coloring little by little, mixing until the dough reaches a bright, festive green shade. Ensure the ingredients are fully incorporated for a smooth dough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
- Preheat the oven and prepare coating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch to create the coating mixture.
- Shape and coat cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form dough balls and roll each ball in the confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch mixture to completely coat the surface. This coating creates the signature powdery exterior.
- Arrange and decorate: Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Press a candy heart or sprinkle gently into the center of each cookie for decoration.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps them set properly.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant green without altering the cookie texture.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a stronger vanilla flavor, you can increase the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix.
Keywords: Grinch cookies, green cookies, holiday treats, cake mix cookies, Christmas cookies, festive desserts
