Introduction
The festive season is a time for joy, laughter, and, of course, baking delightful treats. This year, I decided to try a fun and whimsical recipe: Grinch Cookies. These vibrant green cookies, with their chewy texture and sweet peppermint flavor, were an instant hit in my household. My kids loved the “Grinchy” green hue, while the red heart sprinkle added a charming touch of holiday cheer. Even the pickiest eaters came back for seconds. These cookies are now a staple in our Christmas baking tradition, and I’m thrilled to share the recipe with you!
Why You’ll Love Grinch Cookies
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or a quick holiday baking session.
Festive and Fun: The green color and heart-shaped sprinkle make these cookies a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
Customizable: You can adjust the level of minty flavor or even experiment with different extracts to suit your taste.
Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the cake mix base, these cookies have a delightful soft and chewy consistency.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping with these cookies, from rolling the dough in powdered sugar to placing the heart sprinkles.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of Grinch Cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (e.g., Pillsbury)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon peppermint or mint extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring (about 1 teaspoon, adjust to preference)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or tapioca starch/arrowroot powder)
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, and eggs. Mix until the dough is smooth and well combined.
- Add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and green gel food coloring. Mix on low speed until the green color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Coat the Dough in Powdered Sugar
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), scoop the dough into balls. Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear dry.
Step 5: Decorate the Cookies
- While the cookies are still warm, gently press a red heart-shaped sprinkle into the center of each cookie.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: About 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 120 calories
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve
Grinch Cookies are versatile and can be served in several ways:
- As a holiday treat: Pair them with a warm cup of hot chocolate or coffee.
- For a cookie exchange: Add these cookies to a holiday cookie platter.
- As a dessert gift: Package them in a festive tin or box for friends and family.
- For a themed party: Serve them as part of a Grinch-themed dessert table.
- With a movie night: Enjoy them while watching your favorite holiday movies.
Additional Tips
- Use gel food coloring: Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid, ensuring a vibrant green color without altering the dough’s texture.
- Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Experiment with flavors: Swap the peppermint extract for almond or coconut extract for a different twist.
- Ensure even baking: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for evenly cooked cookies.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! While white cake mix is traditional for vibrant color, you can use vanilla or yellow cake mix for a similar result.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
3. How do I prevent the powdered sugar from melting?
Adding cornstarch to the powdered sugar helps prevent it from melting during baking.
4. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough balls after coating them in powdered sugar. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
5. What if I don’t have heart-shaped sprinkles?
You can use red candies, such as M&M’s or Skittles, as a substitute.
6. How do I get the cookies evenly sized?
Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookies that bake evenly.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients. Be sure to mix the dough in batches if your bowl isn’t large enough.
8. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Ensure your butter isn’t too soft, and chill the dough if needed to prevent excessive spreading.
9. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?
Certainly! Mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies make great additions.
10. How can I make the cookies more festive?
Consider sprinkling edible glitter or adding a drizzle of white chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra holiday flair.
With their cheerful appearance and delicious taste, Grinch Cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces this holiday season. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing treats for a festive gathering, these cookies are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer. Happy baking!