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 to Prepare: This recipe takes only 15 minutes to prep, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules.
- Festive and Fun: The bright green color and heart-shaped sprinkles add a playful touch to your holiday gatherings.
- Deliciously Minty: With peppermint or mint extract, these cookies offer a refreshing flavor that complements the festive spirit.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or as a sweet surprise for loved ones.
- Kid-Friendly Activity: Easy enough for kids to help with, making it a great way to spend time together in the kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delightful Grinch Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand-held mixer or stand mixer
- Cookie scoop (1 1/2 tablespoon size)
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Hand-held mixer or stand mixer: Makes mixing the ingredients easy, ensuring a well-combined dough without much effort.
- Cookie scoop: Helps in portioning the dough evenly, resulting in uniformly shaped cookies that bake consistently.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these festive Grinch Cookies:
- 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 your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Use a hand-held mixer or stand mixer to mix together the cake mix, butter, and eggs until well combined.
Step 3: Add Flavorings and Color
Add in the peppermint (or mint) and vanilla extracts. Then add 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: Shape Cookies
Scoop the dough with a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop. Roll each cookie dough ball in the powdered sugar mixture to coat. 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 of the cookies 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 about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious Grinch Cookies this holiday season!
How to Serve Grinch Cookies
Grinch Cookies are not only festive but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these delightful treats during the holiday season.
On a Cookie Platter
- A cookie platter is a great way to showcase your Grinch Cookies alongside other festive cookies. Arrange them with different colors and shapes for visual appeal.
As Part of a Dessert Table
- Include Grinch Cookies on your holiday dessert table. Their vibrant green color makes them a fun addition that will catch everyone’s eye, especially alongside cakes and pies.
Gift-Wrapped for Friends
- Package the cookies in festive boxes or bags. Add a personal touch with ribbons or tags, making them perfect gifts for friends and family during Christmas.
With Milk or Hot Cocoa
- Serve these cookies with glasses of milk or mugs of hot cocoa. The minty flavor pairs wonderfully with warm beverages, enhancing the festive experience.
At Holiday Parties
- Bring Grinch Cookies to holiday parties. They are sure to be a hit and can spark joy and conversation among guests as they enjoy their deliciousness.
As Classroom Treats
- Share your Grinch Cookies at school events or classroom parties. Kids will love their fun appearance, and they’re easy to transport!
How to Perfect Grinch Cookies
Making perfect Grinch Cookies is easy with these simple tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out great every time.
- Use room temperature eggs – This helps the batter blend more smoothly, resulting in better texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough – Mixing just until combined keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
- Chill the dough if too sticky – If your dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before scooping.
- Adjust food coloring carefully – Start with a small amount of green gel food coloring and add more until you achieve your desired shade.
- Watch for baking time – Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be set at the edges but soft in the middle when done.
- Store properly – To keep them fresh, store Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Best Side Dishes for Grinch Cookies
While Grinch Cookies shine on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your holiday spread. Here are some delightful options:
- Peppermint Bark – This sweet treat adds a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft cookies.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cookies and adds color to your table.
- Cheese Platter – Include assorted cheeses for a savory contrast; it’s especially nice with creamy cheeses.
- Chocolate Fondue – Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip their cookies for an extra indulgent treat.
- Mini Cupcakes – Offer mini cupcakes in festive flavors like red velvet or vanilla; they make excellent bite-sized desserts.
- Holiday Punch – Serve a refreshing holiday punch alongside your cookies for a fun beverage option that complements their flavor nicely.
- Nuts and Trail Mix – A bowl of mixed nuts or holiday-themed trail mix provides a crunchy snack option that guests will love.
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies or serve it on the side as a dipping option for added richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Grinch Cookies can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results. Here’s what to watch out for:
Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to uneven mixing. Always bring your eggs and butter to room temperature for the best texture.
Using the Wrong Food Coloring: Not all food colorings are created equal. Use gel food coloring for vibrant green cookies; liquid colors may not provide the same effect.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make cookies tough. Combine just until the ingredients are incorporated for soft Grinch Cookies.
Not Measuring Properly: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you have the right amounts of each ingredient.
Skipping the Chilling Step: If your dough is too sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes can help. This makes it easier to scoop and shape your cookies.
Not Preheating Your Oven: Baking in an unheated oven leads to cookies that don’t rise properly. Always preheat your oven before baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Grinch Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Grinch Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating Grinch Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-8 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie on a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, covered, until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Grinch Cookies that might help enhance your baking experience.
What makes Grinch Cookies special?
Grinch Cookies stand out due to their festive green color and peppermint flavor, making them perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Can I customize my Grinch Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or different sprinkles based on your preference for unique variations of these festive treats.
How long do Grinch Cookies last?
When stored properly, Grinch Cookies will last about one week in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.
Are Grinch Cookies suitable for gift-giving?
Yes! Their charming appearance makes them ideal as gifts during the holiday season, especially when packaged nicely.
Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?
Yes, you can substitute with almond or vanilla extract if you prefer a different flavor profile while still keeping them festive!
Final Thoughts
These Easy Grinch Cookies are sure to bring joy and cheer this holiday season. Their vibrant color and delightful taste make them perfect not only for cookie plates but also as gifts or party treats. Feel free to customize them with different flavors or decorations that fit your style!
Grinch Cookies
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these delightful Grinch Cookies! Bursting with festive color and a refreshing peppermint flavor, these easy-to-make cookies are the perfect addition to your Christmas celebrations. In just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of these vibrant green treats that will surely impress family and friends alike. Ideal for cookie exchanges, dessert tables, or simply as a sweet surprise for loved ones, Grinch Cookies are a fun baking project that even kids can help with. With their playful heart-shaped sprinkles and minty taste, these cookies embody the spirit of the season!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- 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 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, butter, and eggs using a hand-held mixer until well-blended.
- Mix in peppermint extract and enough green food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch; set aside.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out dough. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar mixture before placing them on the baking sheet about an inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set; place heart sprinkles on top immediately after removing from oven.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
