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
Scale
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
