Easy Grinch cookies made with cake mix are a delightful treat that brings the beloved character to life in the kitchen. The connection to the Grinch, a character from Dr. Seuss’s classic tale, makes these cookies a fun and festive addition to any holiday gathering. With the simplicity of using cake mix, these cookies are perfect for a quick holiday treat.
The ease of making these cookies is part of their charm, as they require minimal ingredients and effort, making them ideal for busy holiday schedules. The result is a delicious, green cookie with a red heart, symbolizing the Grinch’s transformation from a grouchy character to one with a heart of gold.
Imagine the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home, filling it with the warmth and joy of the holiday season. The smell of sweet vanilla and rich butter will tantalize your taste buds, making it hard to resist the temptation of these Easy Grinch cookies. If you’re looking for more holiday treats, check out our no-bake Christmas treats for some inspiration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The appeal of Grinch cookies for Christmas is undeniable, as they add a playful touch to any holiday gathering. These cookies are perfect for kids and cookie exchanges, as they are easy to make and fun to eat. The simplicity and speed of the recipe make it a great option for those short on time but still wanting to enjoy the holiday spirit.
The combination of green food coloring and red heart-shaped sprinkles creates a visually appealing cookie that is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. The best part is that these cookies can be made in no time, allowing you to focus on other holiday activities. For more holiday cookie ideas, visit our peanut star cookies recipe.
Whether you’re a fan of the Grinch or just looking for a fun and easy holiday cookie recipe, these Easy Grinch cookies are sure to become a new favorite. So, why not give them a try and make this holiday season a little more special? You can also try our melted snowman cookies for a fun winter treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- Green gel food coloring
- Red heart-shaped candy hearts or sprinkles
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
If you don’t have green gel food coloring, you can use liquid food coloring as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the color may not be as vibrant. For a different twist, you can also add a few drops of peppermint extract to give the cookies a refreshing flavor.
The powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture is essential for creating a crunchy exterior and a chewy interior. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of flour. However, the texture may vary slightly.
For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free cake mix and adjust the baking time accordingly. Additionally, you can customize the cookies by using different shapes and colors of sprinkles to match your holiday theme.
Equipment Needed
To make these Easy Grinch cookies, you’ll need a few basic pieces of equipment, including a baking sheet, a mixer (hand-held or stand), and parchment paper. These tools will help you to mix, bake, and decorate the cookies with ease.
A 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop is also recommended to ensure that the cookies are uniform in size. This will help them to bake evenly and prevent some cookies from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine cake mix, butter, and eggs using a hand-held or stand mixer until just combined.
- Add vanilla extract and green gel food coloring, mixing until the desired green color is met and fully blended.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch in a small mixing bowl.
- Scoop out the cookie dough with a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, rolling gently in hands to shape.
- Coat the dough balls in the powdered sugar mixture.
- Place the cookies onto the lined baking sheet, pressing down slightly, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges start to brown a little bit.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and gently place one heart-shaped sprinkle onto each cookie.
- Allow the cookies to cool for 5-10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Visual Guide & Tips
As you mix the dough, it should come together in a cohesive ball. If it’s too dry, you can add a little more butter or eggs. If it’s too wet, you can add a little more cake mix.
When shaping the cookies, make sure to handle the dough gently to prevent it from becoming too dense. This will help the cookies to retain their shape and bake evenly.
After baking, the cookies should be lightly golden brown around the edges and soft to the touch. If they’re not baked enough, they may be too soft and prone to breaking.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
To achieve the perfect green color, make sure to use a high-quality green gel food coloring. If the color is too light, you can add a few more drops of coloring to the dough.
To ensure that the cookies are soft and chewy, don’t overbake them. Take them out of the oven when they’re lightly golden brown around the edges and still slightly soft to the touch.
Some common mistakes to avoid include overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough cookies, and not chilling the dough long enough, which can cause the cookies to spread too much during baking.
Here are some troubleshooting tips:
- If your cookies are too dense, try adding a little more butter or eggs to the dough.
- If your cookies are too crumbly, try adding a little more cake mix to the dough.
- If your cookies are not baking evenly, try rotating the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.
Storage & Freezing
To store the cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. You can also store them in the fridge for up to 10 days.
To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the recipe:
- Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix? A: Yes, you can use a different type of cake mix, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary.
- Q: Can I add other mix-ins to the dough? A: Yes, you can add other mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough to give the cookies extra flavor and texture.
- Q: Can I make the cookies ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
- Q: Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies? A: Yes, you can freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies. Simply scoop the dough into balls and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Q: How do I get the perfect green color? A: To get the perfect green color, make sure to use a high-quality green gel food coloring and add it to the dough until you achieve the desired color.
- Q: Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel food coloring? A: Yes, you can use liquid food coloring instead of gel food coloring, but keep in mind that the color may not be as vibrant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Easy Grinch cookies made with cake mix are a fun and delicious addition to any holiday gathering. With their simple ingredients and easy instructions, they’re perfect for kids and adults alike. So why not give them a try and make this holiday season a little more special?
Did you make this? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes! I’d love to see your creations and hear about your experiences with the recipe.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine cake mix, butter, and eggs using a hand-held or stand mixer until just combined.
- Add vanilla extract and green gel food coloring, mixing until the desired green color is met and fully blended.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch in a small mixing bowl.
- Scoop out the cookie dough with a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, rolling gently in hands to shape.
- Coat the dough balls in the powdered sugar mixture.
- Place the cookies onto the lined baking sheet, pressing down slightly, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges start to brown a little bit.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and gently place one heart-shaped sprinkle onto each cookie.
- Allow the cookies to cool for 5-10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.