Description
These festive Grinch Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Made from a simple vanilla cake mix and bright green food coloring, these soft, chewy cookies are rolled in a sweet powdered sugar and cornstarch coating, then topped with a cute red heart sprinkle for a pop of color. Easy to make and irresistibly charming, these cookies bring a fun Grinch-themed twist to your cookie platter.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- Green food coloring, to desired shade
Coating
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
Topping
- Heart sprinkles or small red candies such as M&M’s or Skittles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (177℃). Line two cookie sheets or sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch. This mixture will be used to coat the cookie dough balls before baking.
- Prepare Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, softened butter, vegetable oil, and eggs. Using a handheld mixer, blend until the ingredients are well combined and form a thick batter. Add green food coloring gradually and mix until you reach your preferred green shade.
- Form and Coat Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop out dough balls approximately 1½ inches in diameter. The dough will be soft, so handle gently. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to coat thoroughly, then place them on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Halfway through baking, rotate the cookie sheets for even cooking. The cookies are done when they puff up and the edges feel firm to the touch.
- Add Toppings: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a heart sprinkle or small red candy into each cookie. Position the sprinkle in a crack or crevice so it adheres well as the cookie cools.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will deflate and flatten as they cool, which is normal. Serve and enjoy these fun, festive treats!
Notes
- The batter is quite thick, so mixing thoroughly is key for even color and texture.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for best mixing consistency.
- If you don’t have heart sprinkles, small red candies like M&M’s or Skittles work well as a substitute.
- Be gentle when rolling the soft dough balls in the coating to keep their shape intact.
- Cookies will slightly flatten after baking but remain soft and chewy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
