Grinch cookies 💚
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Use a hand-held mixer or stand mixer to mix together the cake mix, butter, and eggs until well combined.
15.25 ounces white cake mix, 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 large eggs
Add in the peppermint (or mint) and vanilla extracts and enough green food coloring to achieve your desired color. Mix on low speed just until combined. The batter will be thick and sticky.
2 teaspoons peppermint extract, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, green gel food coloring
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch.
¼ cup powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Scoop the dough with a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop and roll the cookie dough balls in the powdered sugar mixture to coat. (The cookie dough itself is sticky so keep that in mind.) Place about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the top of the cookies appear dry.
Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately place a heart-shaped sprinkle on each cookie, gently pressing it down so it sticks to the cookie.
red heart-shaped sprinkle or cinnamon
Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Grinch-themed Christmas cookies not only bring holiday cheer with their vibrant green color but also combine delightful flavors that make them a festive favorite. The use of white cake mix as a base simplifies the baking process, allowing even novice bakers to create soft, flavorful cookies without extensive prep. Incorporating peppermint or mint extract adds a refreshing twist, perfectly complementing the classic sweetness of the cookies. The green gel food coloring provides a vivid, natural-looking Grinch-inspired hue, making these cookies visually appealing for holiday gatherings or parties. Rolling the sticky dough balls in a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch is a clever step that prevents sticking and creates a delicate outer coating, contributing to the cookie's texture. Baking until the edges set but the tops appear dry ensures a tender inside with a lightly crisp exterior. Adding a red heart-shaped sprinkle immediately after baking offers a charming contrast to the green and symbolizes the Grinch's changing heart, making these treats both tasty and thematic. For best results, ensure the oven is fully preheated to 375°F and use parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent sticking. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack; this helps maintain their shape and texture during cooling. These cookies are ideal for Christmas celebrations, easy to customize with your preferred extracts or decorative sprinkles, and are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Whether baking with family or preparing holiday gifts, the simplicity and festive look make these Grinch cookies a wonderful recipe to try during the Christmas season.
