Grinch Cookie – Best Easy Recipe for Christmas Treats

Celebrate the holiday season with this whimsical Grinch Cookie recipe — a vibrant, green crinkle cookie inspired by the classic Dr. Seuss tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas. These soft-baked cookies are not only festive in color, but they’re also incredibly easy to make, thanks to a boxed cake mix base. Topped with a tiny red heart, each bite is a delicious nod to the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes. Whether for a cookie exchange, holiday movie night, or a fun baking project with kids, these cookies bring sweetness and smiles to every occasion.

Why You’ll Love These Grinch Cookies

These Grinch Cookies are the perfect mix of fun and function. With only a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you’ll have a batch of chewy, sweet, and ultra-cute cookies ready in under an hour. They’re:

• Kid-approved and ideal for family baking days
• Quick and convenient thanks to boxed cake mix
• Perfect for Christmas parties or themed movie nights
• Visually striking with their green crinkle finish and red candy heart

Plus, they freeze well and make great edible gifts during the holidays.

What You’ll Need: Grinch Cookie Ingredients

• Vanilla Cake Mix: Acts as the dough base and saves time by skipping the measuring of dry ingredients.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cookies rise and bind.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
• Green Food Coloring (Gel): Gives the cookies their iconic Grinch-inspired hue. Gel is preferred for its vibrant color without thinning the dough.
• Granulated Sugar: The first sugar coating adds texture and a light crunch.
• Powdered Sugar: The second coating helps create the signature crinkle appearance.
• Red Heart Sprinkles or Candies: Symbolize the Grinch’s growing heart and add a pop of color.

Ingredient Swaps & Dietary Substitutes

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix in the same quantity.
• Dairy-Free Option: This recipe is naturally dairy-free if your cake mix doesn’t include dairy. Always check the label.
• Heart Sprinkle Alternatives: If you can’t find red heart sprinkles, red M&Ms or candy pearls work well and are readily available.
• Oil Substitutes: Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or canola oil if needed.

How to Make Grinch Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, empty one box of vanilla cake mix. Add two eggs and 1/3 cup of vegetable oil. Stir together with a rubber spatula or use a hand mixer until a thick dough forms.
2. Color the Dough: Add about 1/4 teaspoon of green gel food coloring. Mix until the dough is evenly colored a bright Grinchy green. Add more if desired, but avoid over-coloring, which may darken the cookies too much.
3. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up and prevents excessive spreading in the oven.
4. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
5. Roll in Sugar: Scoop 1-inch balls of chilled dough using a cookie scoop. First, roll each ball in granulated sugar. Then, roll it in powdered sugar for the classic crinkle effect.
6. Bake: Place the sugared dough balls on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers are still soft.
7. Add the Heart: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a red heart sprinkle or candy onto the upper right side of each cookie.
8. Cool and Serve: Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for 15–20 minutes. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Grinch Cookie

• Don’t skip the chill time: Chilling solidifies the fat and helps maintain that puffy cookie shape with beautiful crinkles.
• Use gel food coloring: It delivers vibrant color without altering dough texture.
• Double sugar coating: Rolling in both granulated and powdered sugar ensures a crisp outside and pronounced crinkle finish.
• Let them rest: These cookies actually taste even better the next day after the flavors settle and the texture softens slightly.

Delicious Pairings & Creative Variations

• Movie Night Snack Board: Serve Grinch Cookies with hot cocoa, marshmallows, and popcorn while watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
• Drizzle with White Chocolate: Add a festive touch and extra sweetness by drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies.
• Stuffed Version: Place a mini marshmallow or Hershey’s kiss inside each dough ball for a surprise filling.
• Add Peppermint: Stir in crushed candy canes to give a minty twist perfect for Christmas.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Dough can be made and refrigerated up to 48 hours in advance. Baked cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

A Holiday Favorite Worth Baking Again and Again

The Grinch Cookie isn’t just about taste — it’s a playful homage to a holiday classic. Inspired by the transformation of the Grinch’s heart, the red candy heart on a bright green cookie adds emotional and visual joy. Making these cookies can become a cherished annual tradition, especially when paired with holiday music, stories, or themed family movie nights.

Whether you’re baking for a school party, cookie swap, or just to kick off December with something festive, these Grinch Cookies deliver cheer, color, and crave-worthy flavor.

Wrapping Up: A Sweet Holiday Treat That Warms the Heart

The Grinch Cookie recipe brings holiday joy to your kitchen in the easiest, most delightful way. With vibrant green crinkle textures and a charming red heart candy, these cookies are more than just a treat — they’re a celebration of holiday spirit and creativity. Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a cookie swap, or enjoying a cozy movie night, this recipe checks all the boxes for fun, flavor, and festive flair.

By using boxed cake mix and simple ingredients, you save time without sacrificing taste. And with the addition of customization tips, dietary swaps, and creative variations, you can make this recipe your own year after year.

Add these cookies to your annual holiday baking list — and watch hearts grow three sizes every time you serve them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grinch Cookies

More Relevant Recipes

• Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting: These soft, spiced pumpkin cookies are topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting, making them a warm and festive option that pairs perfectly with the Grinch Cookie’s holiday theme and sweetness.
• Halloween Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies: A fun, indulgent treat filled with surprise Oreo centers. These cookies share the playful and festive vibe of Grinch Cookies, ideal for seasonal parties or movie nights.
• Milk Chocolate Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Cookies: Shaped like pumpkins and filled with gooey chocolate, these cookies echo the whimsical holiday spirit of Grinch Cookies and are perfect for themed baking projects.

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