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Bright green Christmas cookies topped with red heart sprinkles on a marble counter, surrounded by extra hearts and a jar of milk.

Grinch Cookies (Easy Christmas Recipe)

Recipe by Rebekah Winscott

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.

  • Total Time25 minutes
  • Yield30 1x

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

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Mix Dough: In a large bowl, beat cake mix, butter, and eggs until smooth.
  3. 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.)
  4. Coating: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and cornstarch.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Add the Heart: Immediately press one red heart onto each warm cookie.
  8. 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.

Find it online: https://thisnanacancook.com/christmas-grinch-cookies/