Grinch Cookies Recipe is a whimsical, sweet holiday treat that’s sure to warm even the grumpiest of hearts. These vibrant green cookies are soft-baked, sugar-cookie style with a hint of vanilla and a dash of Christmas cheer. Topped with a single red heart sprinkle—just like the Grinch’s own growing heart—they’re the perfect addition to holiday cookie trays, school parties, or Christmas movie nights.
They’re super simple to make, require no cookie cutters, and will bring smiles to every face. You won’t need any holiday magic—just a bowl, a mixer, and a little green food coloring!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 💚 Bright, festive, and adorable
- 👩🍳 No chill time – cookies go straight into the oven
- 🎄 Perfect for kids – fun to make, fun to eat
- ❤️ Sweet symbolism – red heart sprinkles echo the classic story
- 🎁 Great for gifting – package in clear bags with ribbon for instant joy
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring (4–6 drops or to desired shade)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Red heart sprinkles or candy hearts
Optional: ¼ tsp almond extract for a subtle holiday twist
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, vanilla extract, and green food coloring. Mix until smooth and evenly green.
- Scoop and roll: Scoop 1 tbsp dough portions, roll into balls, then roll in powdered sugar to coat completely.
- Add hearts: Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart. Gently press a red heart sprinkle on top of each ball.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Cool: Let cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty: Very Easy
Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie – Approximate)
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 100mg
Tips & Variations
- Don’t overbake! Cookies should look soft in the center when pulled out.
- Powdered sugar coating helps create a crackled, snowy look—perfect for winter!
- Make them gluten-free: Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix for easy swaps.
- Go full Grinch: Serve with green punch or hot cocoa while watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Grinch Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment.
- Mix cake mix, oil, eggs, vanilla, and food coloring until smooth.
- Roll dough into 1 tbsp balls, coat in powdered sugar.
- Place on baking sheet. Press a red heart onto each.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool 5 mins on pan, then transfer to rack.
Notes
– Freeze dough or baked cookies for up to 1 month
– Add almond extract for an extra holiday twist
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temp before scooping and baking.
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?
You can, but the boxed cake mix version gives that soft, cake-like center that makes these extra magical.
What if I don’t have heart sprinkles?
Use red M&Ms or cut small red candies into heart shapes—or bake without and add frosting hearts later.
Do these spread a lot?
A little! Make sure to leave space between cookies on the baking sheet.
Conclusion
This Grinch Cookies Recipe is a joyful, easy way to bake up some Christmas cheer. With minimal ingredients and maximum cuteness, they’re perfect for baking with kids, sharing with friends, or enjoying with your favorite holiday movie. These cookies are guaranteed to make hearts grow three sizes—with every bite!