Bright, cheerful, and full of holiday magic, Grinch Cookies are the perfect festive treat for your Christmas cookie tray. With their signature green hue, crinkled tops, and optional red heart sprinkle, these cookies capture the spirit of the classic holiday character whose heart grew three sizes. They’re soft, chewy, and incredibly easy to make thanks to a shortcut using vanilla cake mix.
In just a few steps, you’ll transform simple ingredients into playful cookies that kids and adults alike will love. A touch of green gel food coloring gives them their iconic look, while rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking creates that irresistible crinkle texture.
These cookies are great for cookie exchanges, classroom treats, or baking with little helpers. If you’re looking to add a little whimsy to your holiday baking, these Grinch Cookies are guaranteed to steal the show—just not Christmas.
Grinch Cookies with Red Hearts and Holiday Cheer
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add a few drops of green gel food coloring and stir until the dough is evenly colored. Add more if needed to reach a vibrant “Grinch” green.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
- Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar to coat fully.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the tops are crinkled.
- While still warm, gently press a red heart sprinkle or candy into the top of each cookie (optional).
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a bold, vibrant green
- Don’t overmix—just blend until a soft dough forms
- Roll in powdered sugar generously for dramatic crinkle effect
- Add red heart sprinkles while cookies are still warm
- Bake just until set—they’ll continue cooking on the sheet
- Chill dough for neater shaping, especially if your kitchen is warm
- Great for cookie swaps, school parties, or movie nights
- Store in an airtight container or freeze for later
- Customize with other decorations like glitter, icing, or candy eyes