Description
These delightful Grinch Cookies are a festive, green-tinted treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with a simple vanilla cake mix base, they are rolled in a powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to create a soft, lightly crisp texture. Finished with a charming red heart sprinkle, these cookies capture the playful spirit of the Grinch in a tasty and easy-to-make dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Green food coloring (as needed to achieve desired color)
Wet Ingredients
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
Toppings
- Heart sprinkles or small red candies such as M&M’s or Skittles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets or sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Powdered Sugar and Cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch thoroughly. Set this mixture aside; it will be used later to coat the dough balls.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the vanilla cake mix, softened unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and eggs. Using a handheld mixer, blend the ingredients until fully combined and smooth. Then, mix in green food coloring incrementally until you reach the vibrant green shade desired. Note that the batter will be very thick.
- Scoop and Coat Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, form dough balls approximately 1½ inches in diameter. Drop each ball into the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture, gently rolling to coat evenly. The dough will be soft, so handle carefully. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving at least two inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Halfway through baking, rotate the cookie sheets to ensure even cooking. The cookies are done when they puff up and the edges feel firm to the touch.
- Add Decorative Sprinkles: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a heart sprinkle or small round red candy gently onto the top of each cookie. Place the sprinkle into one of the cracks to help it stick as the cookies cool.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will deflate and flatten as they cool, which is normal. Once cooled, serve and enjoy your festive Grinch Cookies!
Notes
- Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and dough consistency.
- The thick dough consistency makes it easier to scoop and hold shape after coating in powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- For different festive looks, try different colored sprinkles or candies as toppings.
- If you prefer a stronger green color, add food coloring gradually to avoid overpowering flavor or texture.
- Cookies will be soft when warm and become slightly crisp on edges after cooling.
