Grinch Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, the Grinch Cookies Recipe is pure magic. These vibrant green cookies, dusted with powdered sugar and crowned with a cute candy heart, capture the playful spirit of the season perfectly. With a tender, cakey texture and a burst of cheerful color, these Grinch Cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a sweet, satisfying bite that will have your friends and family asking for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to making the Grinch Cookies Recipe come to life. Each item plays a role: from the soft cakey base to the bright green hue that makes these cookies truly stand out.

• 15.25 ounces white cake mix: The foundation that gives your cookies a soft, fluffy texture.
• 2 eggs (room temperature): Helps bind all ingredients, providing structure and richness.
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that enhances overall taste.
• GEL green food coloring: Bring on that signature Grinch green for festive flair.
• ¾ cup powdered sugar: Used for coating, it adds a sweet outer layer that contrasts beautifully.
• ¼ cup cornstarch: Mixed with powdered sugar to prevent clumping and create a perfect coating.
• Candy heart sprinkles: The charming finishing touch to these playful cookies.

How to Make Grinch Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Start by adding the white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into a large mixing bowl. Using a mixer on medium-low speed, blend everything until the dough forms a uniform mixture. This combination creates a soft dough that will bake into tender cookies.

Step 2: Add the Green Color

Next, gradually incorporate green gel food coloring to the dough. Add it little by little until you reach that perfect Grinch-green shade that’s vibrant and festive. The gel coloring ensures a rich color without affecting the dough’s consistency.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape into perfect spheres in the next steps.

Step 4: Prepare to Bake

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.

Step 5: Make the Powdered Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and cornstarch. This mixture not only adds a sweet dusting but also helps keep the cookies from sticking when baked.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, measure out roughly 1.5 tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into smooth, 1.5-inch diameter balls. The even size ensures consistent baking.

Step 7: Coat and Arrange

Roll each cookie ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture until thoroughly coated. Arrange them spaced about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.

Step 8: Flatten and Add Candy Hearts

Gently press down on each coated dough ball with your hand, glass, or spatula bottom to slightly flatten it. Then, press a candy heart firmly into the center of each cookie – these add a burst of color and whimsy, perfect for the Grinch theme.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely until the edges just start to turn light golden and the tops look dry. This timing keeps them soft and cakey, just like they should be.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for about three minutes so they firm up slightly. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures your Grinch Cookies Recipe results in perfect texture and presentation.

How to Serve Grinch Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your Grinch Cookies by sprinkling fine edible glitter in silver or gold for some holiday sparkle. You could also add a tiny drizzle of white chocolate or a quick dab of green royal icing around the candy heart to make it pop even more.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate or a classic glass of milk. The richness of the milk balances the sweet cookie, while the peppermint adds a festive touch that complements the Grinch theme.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, arrange your Grinch Cookies Recipe treats on a festive platter decorated with holiday greenery or a red and white striped cloth. You might also stack them in a clear jar with a ribbon for gifting, making a delightful visual as well as a tasty surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place your leftover Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days, making them perfect for enjoying over a few days or sharing with friends.

Freezing

If you want to save your cookies for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag once solid. They can last up to 2 months frozen, so you always have a festive treat ready to go!

Reheating

To enjoy frozen cookies as if freshly baked, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then warm in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes. This brings back their soft cakey texture and lovely warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix instead of white?

White cake mix is recommended for the best classic look and soft texture, but you could try yellow or even funfetti for a different flavor and appearance. Just keep in mind the color and taste will change.

What if I don’t have gel food coloring?

Gel coloring is more concentrated and won’t thin the dough, but if you only have liquid, you can use it. Start with a small amount to avoid overly soft dough and add more as needed to get a good green color.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make a vegan version of this Grinch Cookies Recipe, substitute eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer and use a plant-based oil and vegan-friendly cake mix. The texture may differ slightly but will still be delicious.

Why do I need to coat the cookies in powdered sugar and cornstarch?

The powdered sugar and cornstarch coating adds a sweet outer crust, prevents sticking, and creates that signature look reminiscent of classic crinkle cookies, enhancing both taste and texture.

How can I tell when the cookies are perfectly baked?

You’ll know they’re done when the edges at the bottom are just turning a light golden shade and the tops look dry but not cracked. Overbaking might make them dry, so keep an eye during the last couple of minutes.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a soft, beautifully green cookie decked out with a cute candy heart, and this Grinch Cookies Recipe delivers exactly that delight. It’s easy, fun, and perfect for holiday baking with family or gifting to friends. So roll up your sleeves, have fun with the colors, and spread a little cheer with every delicious bite!

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