Easy Grinch Cookies are a delightful treat that will brighten up your Christmas celebrations! Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply to enjoy at home, these vibrant green cookies bring a festive touch to any occasion. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
- Festive Appearance: The bright green color and heart-shaped sprinkles make these cookies visually appealing for any holiday gathering.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of peppermint and vanilla creates a delightful taste that captures the spirit of the season.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies can be made for Christmas, New Year’s, or any festive occasion. They also make great gifts!
- Fun Activity for Kids: Involve the little ones in the kitchen! Rolling the dough in powdered sugar is a fun step for kids.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Grinch Cookies, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything ready will help streamline the process and ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand-held mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
- Small bowl (for mixing powdered sugar and cornstarch)
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand-held mixer: Makes mixing the cookie dough effortless and ensures all ingredients are well combined.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy surface for baking that allows even heat distribution, ensuring perfectly baked cookies.
- Cookie scoop: Helps portion uniform cookie dough balls, making sure all cookies bake evenly.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 15.25 ounces white cake mix (432 g box)
– 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
– 2 large eggs (room temperature)
– 2 teaspoons peppermint extract (or mint extract)
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– green gel food coloring
– ¼ cup powdered sugar (32 g)
– 3 tablespoons cornstarch
– red heart-shaped sprinkle or cinnamon
How to Make Grinch Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, use either a stand mixer or hand-held mixer to combine:
1. The white cake mix,
2. Softened butter,
3. Room temperature eggs.
Mix until you achieve a well-combined batter.
Step 3: Add Flavorings and Color
Next, add:
1. The peppermint (or mint) extract,
2. Vanilla extract,
3. Enough green food coloring to reach your desired shade.
Mix on low speed just until combined; remember that the batter will be thick and sticky.
Step 4: Prepare Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together:
1. The powdered sugar,
2. Cornstarch.
This mixture will give your cookies a delightful outer coating.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop:
1. Scoop out portions of dough.
2. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar mixture until coated.
3. Place them about one inch apart on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until you see that the edges have set and the tops look dry.
Step 7: Decorate Immediately
Once removed from the oven:
1. Gently press a heart-shaped sprinkle onto each cookie.
2. This will stick as they cool down.
Step 8: Cool Down
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for approximately five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Grinch Cookies!
How to Serve Grinch Cookies
Grinch Cookies are not only delicious but also a fun treat that can brighten up any holiday gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your cookie experience even more festive!
With Hot Chocolate
- Serve warm Grinch Cookies alongside a steaming cup of hot chocolate for a delightful pairing. The rich flavors will complement each other beautifully.
On a Cookie Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter with festive decorations. Add some candy canes and other holiday treats for a visually appealing dessert table.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with red ribbons. These make charming party favors that guests can take home after enjoying your festive gathering.
With Ice Cream
- For an extra indulgent treat, serve Grinch Cookies with a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream. This combination offers a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.
In Holiday Gift Baskets
- Include these cookies in homemade gift baskets alongside other baked goods and seasonal snacks. It’s a thoughtful gift for friends and family during the holidays.
At Cookie Exchanges
- Bring your Grinch Cookies to cookie exchange events. Their unique green color and festive heart sprinkles will surely stand out among other holiday cookies.
How to Perfect Grinch Cookies
Making perfect Grinch Cookies is easy with just a few tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cookies turn out festive and delicious every time!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Adjust Food Coloring: Start with a small amount of green gel food coloring, adding more until you achieve the desired shade of green.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before scooping to make rolling easier.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is baking at the correct temperature for perfect cookie results.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Grinch Cookies
Pairing side dishes with Grinch Cookies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider!
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and complements the sweetness of the cookies without being overly heavy.
- Cheese Platter: A mix of cheeses like brie, cheddar, or gouda offers a savory balance against the sweet flavors of the cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits or cookie pieces, enhancing their dessert experience.
- Coffee or Tea: Serve alongside freshly brewed coffee or tea for those who enjoy warm beverages with their sweets.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini festive cupcakes as an alternative sweet treat that goes well with Grinch Cookies on dessert tables.
- Nut Mixes: A spiced nut mix provides crunch and saltiness that contrasts nicely with sweet cookies, making it perfect for snacking.
- Pudding Cups: Individual pudding cups in flavors like chocolate or vanilla add variety and are easy for guests to enjoy while mingling.
- Marshmallow Treats: Crisped rice marshmallow treats provide a chewy texture that pairs well with the soft bite of Grinch Cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the perfect Grinch Cookies, avoid these common pitfalls.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and butter can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for a better texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined for tender cookies.
- Not measuring properly: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure precision.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes if your dough feels too warm.
- Ignoring oven temperature: An inaccurate oven can ruin your cookies. Invest in an oven thermometer for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Grinch Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the fridge.
Freezing Grinch Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Grinch Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Grinch Cookies.
Can I use any cake mix for Grinch Cookies?
Yes! While this recipe is designed for white cake mix, you can use yellow or even chocolate cake mixes for different flavors.
How do I achieve the perfect green color?
Add green gel food coloring gradually and mix until you reach your desired shade. Gel colors provide vibrant results without altering the dough’s consistency.
Are Grinch Cookies suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just ensure they are stored properly to maintain their taste and texture.
What can I substitute for peppermint extract?
You can replace peppermint extract with mint extract or even vanilla if you prefer a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Grinch Cookies are not only festive but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they can be customized with various sprinkles or even flavored extracts. Try them out and share these delightful treats with family and friends!
Easy Grinch Cookies
Indulge in the festive spirit with these Easy Grinch Cookies! Bursting with cheerful green color and a delightful peppermint-vanilla flavor, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home. With their eye-catching appearance and delicious taste, they are sure to become a seasonal favorite among family and friends. Plus, they’re quick to prepare with just a handful of ingredients, making them a fun baking project for kids and adults alike. Whether served warm or as part of a festive platter, these whimsical treats will surely bring joy to your holiday celebrations!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz white cake mix
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp peppermint extract
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, softened butter, and eggs until well mixed.
- Stir in peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and desired amount of green gel food coloring.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Scoop dough using a cookie scoop and roll in the sugar mixture before placing on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set; immediately press sprinkles onto cookies after removing from oven.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
