Easy Grinch Cookies are guaranteed to steal the hearts of all your friends and family this Christmas season! This easy Christmas cookie recipe is quick to make and is incredibly festive and fun – just perfect for cookie plates and dessert tables this holiday season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just a few minutes, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
- Festive Appearance: The vibrant green color and heart-shaped sprinkles make these cookies visually appealing for any holiday gathering.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of peppermint and vanilla provides a delightful flavor that captures the essence of the season.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for cookie exchanges, gift-giving, or enjoying at home with family during the holidays.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen, especially when it comes to rolling the dough in powdered sugar!
Tools and Preparation
To make these Grinch Cookies effortlessly, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right kitchen equipment can streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixer (hand-held or stand)
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixer: A hand-held or stand mixer helps combine ingredients quickly and ensures a smooth batter without lumps.
- Cookie scoop: This tool allows for evenly-sized cookies, ensuring they bake uniformly.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet provides even heat distribution, yielding perfectly baked cookies.
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 the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Use a hand-held mixer or stand mixer to mix together the cake mix, butter, and eggs until well combined.
Step 3: Add Flavors and Color
Add in the peppermint (or mint) and vanilla extracts. Incorporate enough green food coloring to achieve your desired color. Mix on low speed just until combined. The batter will be thick and sticky.
Step 4: Prepare Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch.
Step 5: Scoop and Coat Cookies
Scoop the dough with a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop. Roll each cookie dough ball in the powdered sugar mixture to coat thoroughly. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear dry.
Step 7: Add Sprinkles
Remove the cookies from the oven. Immediately place a heart-shaped sprinkle on each cookie, gently pressing it down so it sticks.
Step 8: Cool Down
Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now you have your delightful Grinch Cookies ready to spread some holiday cheer! Enjoy sharing these festive treats with your loved ones this Christmas season!
How to Serve Grinch Cookies
Grinch Cookies are not only delightful to eat, but they also bring a festive touch to any holiday gathering. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your friends and family.
On a Festive Platter
- Use a decorative platter to display the Grinch Cookies. Add some Christmas-themed decorations like small ornaments or pinecones for a charming presentation.
With Hot Cocoa
- Pair these cookies with steaming mugs of hot cocoa. The minty flavor complements the chocolate perfectly, making for a cozy treat on winter nights.
As Party Favors
- Wrap Grinch Cookies individually in clear bags tied with red ribbons. These make great party favors for holiday gatherings and will surely bring smiles!
On a Cookie Plate
- Create a festive cookie plate by mixing Grinch Cookies with other holiday favorites. This gives guests a variety of treats and adds visual appeal.
With Ice Cream
- Serve Grinch Cookies alongside scoops of vanilla or mint ice cream. The warm cookie against the cold ice cream creates a delicious contrast.
How to Perfect Grinch Cookies
To ensure your Grinch Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these expert tips for that ideal festive treat.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix more evenly, resulting in soft and chewy cookies.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
- Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be set at the edges but still slightly soft in the center when you take them out.
- Add extra sprinkles: For an even more festive look, sprinkle additional heart-shaped sprinkles on top before serving.
- Store properly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to adjust the peppermint extract or add chocolate chips for added depth in flavor!
Best Side Dishes for Grinch Cookies
Grinch Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance your holiday dessert experience. Here are some delicious suggestions.
- Peppermint Bark: A classic holiday treat made with layers of chocolate and crushed peppermint candies.
- Fruitcake: A rich cake packed with dried fruits and nuts, providing a traditional touch to your dessert table.
- Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses served with crackers and fruit preserves for a savory balance next to your sweet cookies.
- Christmas Pudding: This steamed dessert is filled with spices and dried fruits, perfect for those looking for traditional flavors.
- Sugar Cookies: Classic sugar cookies decorated with icing add another layer of sweetness and fun colors to your spread.
- Pecan Pie Bars: These bars bring together nutty flavors and gooey caramel, offering a delightful contrast to the minty cookies.
- Gingerbread Men: Add some spice with these iconic gingerbread cookies that resonate well with holiday themes.
- Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fondue station where guests can dip fruits, marshmallows, or pieces of Grinch Cookies into warm melted chocolate!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Grinch Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly festive.
- Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to create a smooth, consistent batter.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Combine ingredients until just blended for a light texture.
- Not measuring accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons. Incorrect measurements can alter the cookie’s taste and texture.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet prevents them from becoming too soft or breaking apart.
- Not adjusting oven temperature: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time based on your oven’s performance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Grinch Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Grinch Cookies
- Wrap cooled cookies tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Grinch Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individually on high for about 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s what you might want to know about making Grinch Cookies!
How do I make Grinch Cookies more festive?
You can add additional sprinkles or colorful decorations after baking!
Can I substitute the cake mix?
Yes! You can use any flavor cake mix you like, though vanilla or funfetti works best for a festive appearance.
Are Grinch Cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Grinch Cookies, use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular cake mix.
How long do Grinch Cookies last?
Grinch Cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Can I freeze Grinch Cookies?
Absolutely! They freeze well when stored properly in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Final Thoughts
Grinch Cookies are not only delightful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or flavors, making them suitable for any occasion. Spread some holiday cheer by trying out this easy recipe!
Grinch Cookies
Indulge in the holiday spirit with these delightful Grinch Cookies! Perfect for Christmas gatherings, these vibrant green cookies are a playful twist on traditional treats. With their eye-catching appearance and delicious blend of peppermint and vanilla flavors, they are sure to become a favorite among family and friends. The easy recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for last-minute baking or festive cookie exchanges. Each bite is not only flavorful but also brings a joyful touch to your dessert table. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or packaged as charming gifts, Grinch Cookies will spread cheer and happiness this season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces white cake mix
- 8 tablespoons 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, and eggs using a mixer until smooth.
- Mix in peppermint and vanilla extracts along with green food coloring until desired color is achieved.
- In another bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Using a cookie scoop, form balls of dough and roll in the sugar mixture before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set; immediately add heart-shaped sprinkles on top after removing from the oven.
- Cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 117
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
