What kind of cake mix should I use for Grinch Cookies?

For best results, use a boxed vanilla cake mix . It provides the perfect sweet base for the cookies without overpowering the green color or soft texture. Avoid flavored mixes like lemon or funfetti, which may change the taste or appearance.

Can I make the dough in advance and freeze it?

Yes! You can prepare the Grinch Cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to 2 months. After scooping and rolling the dough into balls, place them on a tray to freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, roll them in sugars and bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

How do I prevent my Grinch Cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes is key. This solidifies the fats, helping the cookies maintain shape during baking. Also, avoid overmixing the dough and stick with gel food coloring to prevent thinning it out.

Grinch Cookie – Best Easy Recipe for Christmas Treats

Name: Grinch Cookie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 57 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz): base for the cookie dough; 2 large eggs: binds the ingredients and adds structure; 1/3 cup vegetable oil: keeps cookies soft and moist; 1/4 teaspoon green gel food coloring: gives the cookies their iconic Grinch color; 1/4 cup granulated sugar: adds texture and initial sugar coating; 1/4 cup powdered sugar: creates the crinkle effect on the cookie surface; 16 red heart sprinkles or candies: decorates each cookie and symbolizes the Grinch’s heart

Description

Celebrate the holidays with these festive Grinch Cookies — bright green crinkle cookies made with vanilla cake mix, rolled in sugar, and topped with a red heart candy. Easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for a themed Christmas movie night.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box vanilla cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz): base for the cookie dough
2 large eggs: binds the ingredients and adds structure
1/3 cup vegetable oil: keeps cookies soft and moist
1/4 teaspoon green gel food coloring: gives the cookies their iconic Grinch color
1/4 cup granulated sugar: adds texture and initial sugar coating
1/4 cup powdered sugar: creates the crinkle effect on the cookie surface
16 red heart sprinkles or candies: decorates each cookie and symbolizes the Grinch’s heart

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Instructions

In a large bowl, empty the box of vanilla cake mix.
Add 2 eggs and 1/3 cup of vegetable oil to the mix.
Add 1/4 teaspoon green gel food coloring and mix until a bright green dough forms.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Place granulated sugar and powdered sugar on two separate plates.
Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to portion dough, roll into balls by hand.
Roll each dough ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar.
Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are soft.
Remove from oven and immediately press a red heart sprinkle into the upper right of each cookie.
Cool on a wire rack for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chilling the dough prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Use gel food coloring to avoid thinning the dough.
For a fun variation, add white chocolate chips to the dough.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg