Christmas Grinch Cookies
Need a last-minute holiday treat that’s cute, festive, and impossible to mess up? These Grinch cookies made with cake mix are the answer! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have soft, chewy green cookies topped with a single red heart, straight out of Whoville.
Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of holiday cookie recipes, but this version consistently stands out for its simplicity and charm. The combination of cake mix and peppermint creates a bakery-style texture without the extra effort, making it one of my most reliable, beginner-friendly holiday recipes.
Using a boxed vanilla or white cake mix makes this recipe super quick and dependable, perfect for busy parents, classroom parties, or cookie exchanges. Kids love helping roll the dough and adding the signature red heart that brings the Grinch’s story to life.
Bake a batch to enjoy while watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas — these cookies are sure to make even the grouchiest Grinch smile. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Grinch Cookies
These green Christmas cookies are everything a holiday dessert should be, colorful, quick, and full of cheer. Using a simple cake mix as the base means less prep and cleanup while still delivering soft, bakery-style cookies.
They’re perfect for:
- Christmas movie nights (especially How the Grinch Stole Christmas)
- School holiday parties or cookie exchanges
- Baking with kids on a snowy afternoon
Plus, that bright green dough and single red heart on top add the perfect Whoville touch to your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles
Recipe Testing Note: During testing, I found that using white cake mix gives the cookies a brighter green color compared to yellow cake mix, which can add a slightly golden tint. If you prefer a softer mint flavor, reduce the peppermint extract to 1 teaspoon; for a stronger, candy-cane taste, use a few drops of peppermint oil instead.
How to Make Grinch Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, butter, and eggs. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
Add Flavor & Color: Add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and desired amount of green food coloring. Stir until the dough is evenly tinted.
Prepare the Coating: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch. This mixture gives the cookies their classic snowy look.
Scoop & Roll: Scoop the dough into 1½ tablespoon-sized balls and roll each one in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture until completely coated.
Bake: Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden.
Add the Heart: Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a red heart sprinkle onto each cookie while still warm.
Cool & Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or store for later.
Helpful Tips for the Best Grinch Cookies
Variations
- Classic Vanilla: Skip the peppermint and use all vanilla extract. The cookies taste like soft sugar cookies and are great for kids.
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the dough. The chocolate pairs perfectly with the mint flavor.
- White Chocolate: Mix in ½ cup white chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Add a few chips on top after baking for a festive look.
- Sparkly “Whoville” Edition: Roll dough balls in red and green sanding sugar instead of powdered sugar. It adds a fun sparkle for parties.
Storage & Freezing
- Room Temperature: Airtight container up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread or a few marshmallows to keep them soft.
- Refrigerate (optional): Up to 1 week; bring to room temp before serving.
- Freeze Baked Cookies: Up to 2 months; thaw 20–30 minutes at room temp.
- Reheat: Microwave 1–2 cookies 8–10 seconds for a warm, soft texture.
Christmas Grinch Cookie FAQs
And there you have it — the easiest, most festive Grinch-inspired cookies you’ll ever bake!
With that cool peppermint flavor, snowy sugar coating, and heartwarming pop of red, these cookies are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer wherever they go.
I can’t wait for you to try these festive holiday treats! Whether you’re baking for a party or just enjoying a cozy night in, share a photo or leave a comment — I always enjoy seeing how these festive cookies turn out in your kitchen.
Similar recipes to check out
- Easy Grinch Eye Nutter Butter Cookies with Red Hearts
- Grinch Brownies with Green Buttercream Frosting
- Grinch Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe – A Fun Holiday Favorite!
- Bright, Green, and Dreamy — This Grinch Poke Cake Steals the Show
- This Grinch Milkshake Will Make Even Scrooges Smile!
- Grinch Oreo Cookies – Quick & Fun Holiday Dessert Idea
Grinch Cookies (Easy Christmas Recipe)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 1x
Description
Fast, festive Grinch cookies made with white cake mix, peppermint, and a signature red heart. Soft, chewy, and perfect for movie nights, school parties, and last-minute holiday baking.
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces white cake mix
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Red heart-shaped sprinkle
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, beat cake mix, butter, and eggs until smooth.
- Flavor & Color: Add peppermint, vanilla, and a few drops of green gel color. Mix until evenly tinted. (Aim for a light pastel green—color deepens as it bakes.)
- Coating: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Scoop & Roll: Scoop 1½ Tbsp portions. Roll each ball in the coating until fully covered. For an extra snowy look, roll again just before baking.
- Bake: Arrange on the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and tops are crackled. Centers may look slightly soft.
- Add the Heart: Immediately press one red heart onto each warm cookie.
- Cool: Rest on the tray 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Enjoy!
Notes
- For soft, chewy cookies, pull them when the edges just set; they’ll finish setting as they cool.
- Chill dough (covered) up to 24 hours, or freeze dough balls (uncoated) up to 2 months. Thaw slightly, roll in coating, and bake.
- White cake mix yields the brightest Grinch-green. Yellow cake mix works, but the color is slightly warmer—add an extra drop or two of green gel if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treats
- Cuisine: American
