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
Units
Scale
- 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