If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s fun, festive, and downright irresistible, I have to share this with you: my Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe is an absolute showstopper! These charming green cookies packed with peppermint flavor and topped with a cute heart sprinkle bring all the holiday cheer and a little nostalgic whimsy to your kitchen. Trust me, once you bake a batch, you’ll find everyone asking for the recipe—and who could resist that vibrant green hue that looks like it came straight from the Grinch’s world?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: It uses an accessible white cake mix base that makes these cookies a breeze to whip up any time.
- Festive Flavor Boost: The peppermint extract gives these cookies that cool holiday freshness without overpowering the sweetness.
- Perfect Texture: Slightly soft in the center and gently crisp on the edges—just the way festive cookies should be!
- Showstopper Presentation: The bright green color and heart-shaped sprinkles make these a delightful centerpiece on any Christmas cookie tray.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One thing I love about this Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe is how well these ingredients work together to create a quick yet deeply festive cookie. The cake mix forms a tender base and the peppermint brings in that unmistakable holiday vibe. Just a quick heads up—getting good quality peppermint extract really makes a difference here, so don’t settle for imitation flavors!
- White cake mix: This is your cookie’s foundation, keeping things soft and tender without needing tons of extra steps.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture—make sure it’s not melted or cold for the best texture.
- Large eggs: At room temperature to help everything blend smoothly and create a uniform dough.
- Peppermint extract: The star of the show for the signature minty flavor; fresh peppermint extract outshines artificial alternatives.
- Vanilla extract: Just a hint round out and deepen the flavor.
- Green gel food coloring: Gel works best here so you get that vibrant Grinch-green without watering down the dough.
- Powdered sugar: Mixed with cornstarch, it creates the perfect coating and cuts the stickiness of the dough.
- Cornstarch: Helps keep the powdered sugar mixture light and prevents clumping on the cookie dough balls.
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon hearts: Adds a pop of contrasting color and a pretty festive touch on top of each cookie.
Variations
One thing I absolutely encourage is making this recipe your own. Over the years, I’ve played around with tweaks—some subtle, some bold—that let this cookie fit any holiday vibe you’re going for. Feel free to experiment with these variations to really dial in your favorite version.
- Chocolate Peppermint Twist: I love adding mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate after baking for an extra decadent touch.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free white cake mix, and be sure your cornstarch and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to keep the textures spot-on.
- Extra Minty Boost: Sometimes I like mixing in a crushed peppermint candy or candy cane into the dough for a little crunch and festive sparkle.
- Vegan Adaptation: Substituting flax or chia eggs and vegan butter can work here, but the texture changes slightly—just something I learned after a few batches!
How to Make Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep your oven and workspace
Start by heating your oven to 375°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This little prep move is a game changer—it helps your cookies bake evenly and keeps your pan clean so you’re not scrubbing afterward.
Step 2: Mix the magic together
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, combine the white cake mix, softened butter, and eggs until the batter is smooth and cohesive. Then, pour in your peppermint and vanilla extracts along with the green gel food coloring. Mix briefly on low speed until you get that vibrant green, thick, and sticky dough—don’t overmix or you risk tough cookies.
Step 3: Prepare your coating and shape your cookies
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch to make your rolling mixture. Using about a 1 ½ tablespoon scoop, form dough balls and roll each one in the powdered sugar mixture. This part is a little sticky—don’t be discouraged, just keep your hands lightly dusted and take your time. Place the coated dough balls about an inch apart on your parchment-lined sheet.
Step 4: Bake and decorate
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges firm up and the tops look dry. While the cookies are still warm on the baking sheet, gently press a red heart-shaped sprinkle onto each one—my kids love this part because it feels like frosting a cookie with love! Let them cool about 5 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Making Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe
- Use Gel Food Coloring: I learned that gel gives you that bold green without watering down the dough like liquid colors sometimes do.
- Work Quickly With Sticky Dough: Keep your hands powdered and don’t overwork the dough to prevent it from becoming too warm and gooey.
- Don’t Skip Cooling on Sheet: Letting the cookies set on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them firm up enough so they transfer easily without breaking.
- Press Sprinkles Immediately: Add the heart sprinkle right after the cookies come out of the oven so it sets softly in place without falling off later.
How to Serve Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with those cute red heart sprinkles because they contrast beautifully against the green, creating that festive Grinch vibe. Sometimes I swap those out for tiny crushed peppermint candies for a bit of extra crunch and sparkle—the kids especially love that!
Side Dishes
Serving these alongside a glass of warm eggnog, hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, or even a peppermint mocha is my go-to winter combo. The hint of mint in the cookies pairs perfectly with those cozy drinks for an extra festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, arrange these Grinch Peppermint Cookies on a platter with pine sprigs, mini candy canes, and a sprinkle of edible glitter or powdered sugar “snow.” For kids’ parties, packing them up in clear cello bags tied with red and green ribbons makes darling, edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh for several days. Make sure they’ve fully cooled before storing to prevent sogginess—this little tip helped me avoid a mushy cookie fiasco last holiday.
Freezing
These cookies freeze really well whether you freeze the dough balls pre-bake or the baked cookies themselves. When freezing dough, just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. For baked cookies, wrap tightly and keep them in a sealed container or freezer bag to maintain freshness.
Reheating
A quick tip I swear by: pop frozen or refrigerated cookies into a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to refresh that freshly baked warmth without drying them out. It’s like they just came out of the oven again!
FAQs
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Can I use regular peppermint instead of peppermint extract in the Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe?
Regular peppermint leaves or fresh peppermint won’t provide the concentrated flavor you get from peppermint extract, so the cookies might lack that bold minty punch. I definitely recommend sticking with peppermint extract for the best flavor in this recipe.
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What if I don’t have green food coloring for the Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe?
If you don’t have green gel food coloring, you can try mixing blue and yellow gel colors to get green, or simply skip the coloring altogether—the cookies will taste just as delicious, just looking a bit less festive!
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How do I make sure my Peppermint Cookies don’t spread too much during baking?
Using the powdered sugar and cornstarch coating helps control spreading, and making sure your dough isn’t too warm before baking prevents overly thin cookies. Also, spacing them about an inch apart on the baking sheet is key, which the recipe guides you on.
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Can I make these Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap the butter for a dairy-free substitute like vegan margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free cake mix. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe is one of my favorite holiday traditions now. There’s something so joyful about watching the dough transform into these cute, minty green cookies that feel like a festive hug. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, for gifts, or just a cozy night in, these cookies never disappoint. Give them a try—I promise you’ll fall just as hard for these cheerful treats as I have. Happy baking and merry everything!
Print
Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Grinch Cookies are a fun and easy holiday treat made with white cake mix, peppermint extract, and vibrant green food coloring. Soft and chewy with a refreshing hint of mint, they’re perfectly decorated with a heart-shaped sprinkle to capture the spirit of Christmas. Ideal for cookie plates and holiday dessert tables, these cookies combine simplicity and whimsy into a delightful seasonal snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 15.25 ounces white cake mix (432 g box)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract (or mint extract)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring (to desired color)
Coating
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (32 g)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Decoration
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon hearts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for easy cookie transfer and cleanup.
- Mix the Dough: Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer, blend together the white cake mix, softened butter, and eggs until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add Flavor and Color: Incorporate peppermint (or mint) extract and vanilla extract into the batter. Add green gel food coloring gradually until you reach your desired festive shade. Mix on low speed just until combined; expect a thick and sticky dough.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch evenly. This will prevent the sticky dough from adhering too much during shaping.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Scoop cookie dough with a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, then roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture, coating fully. Place the coated dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops appear dry but not browned. Avoid overbaking for a soft, chewy texture.
- Add Decoration: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, press a red heart-shaped sprinkle or cinnamon heart gently into the center of each cookie so it adheres while warm.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and ensures ideal texture.
Notes
- These Grinch Cookies are quick and easy to make, making them perfect for last-minute holiday treats or cookie exchanges.
- For an extra minty flavor, you can increase the peppermint extract by a half teaspoon.
- If green gel food coloring is unavailable, use any green liquid food coloring, but the gel type gives a more vibrant color without altering dough consistency.
- Make sure the butter is softened (not melted) for better dough consistency and mixing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Use heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon hearts to tie into the Grinch’s heart-growing theme for a fun presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 93 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
