Easy Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Grinch cake mix cookies are a festive, fun, and super-easy treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. With their bright green color and a heart-shaped candy in the middle, these cookies are inspired by the beloved Dr. Seuss character and bring a whimsical touch to your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Made with just a few ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect for the Holidays: The vibrant green color and playful design make them a seasonal favorite.
• Kid-Friendly: Fun to make with kids and ideal for holiday cookie exchanges.
• Soft and Chewy: Cake mix creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 box (15.25 ounces) white cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• Green food coloring
• Powdered sugar (optional, for rolling)
• Heart-shaped candies or red M&M’s (for decoration)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until a soft dough forms. Add green food coloring a few drops at a time until you achieve your desired shade of green.
3. Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form dough balls. Roll them in powdered sugar (if using) for a frosted appearance. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
5. Decorate: Immediately press a heart-shaped candy or red M&M into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Serve: Enjoy your Grinch-inspired cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or as part of a holiday dessert spread.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Flavor Options: Use vanilla, butter, or lemon cake mix for a slight flavor twist.
• Chocolate Grinch: Make these with a chocolate cake mix and green food coloring for a different take.
• Add Sprinkles: Mix holiday sprinkles into the dough for added festivity.
• Frosted Grinch: Top cooled cookies with green frosting instead of powdered sugar.
• Minty Twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of cake mix?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Cake mix creates a uniquely soft and fluffy cookie.

2. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cake mix to make them gluten-free.

4. What if I can’t find heart-shaped candies?

Red M&M’s or small round candies work just as well for a festive touch.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches as needed.

6. Can I use gel food coloring?

Yes, gel food coloring works well and requires less than liquid food coloring.

7. Why roll the cookies in powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar adds a frosty, snowy effect, but it’s optional.

8. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

9. How do I get vibrant green cookies?

Use a high-quality green food coloring and add it gradually until the desired color is achieved.

10. What’s the best way to transport these cookies?

Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a sturdy container to keep them intact.

Conclusion

Easy Grinch cake mix cookies are a festive, fun, and delicious way to celebrate the holidays. With their vibrant green hue and sweet decorations, they’re sure to bring smiles to kids and adults alike. Make a batch today and share the joy of these whimsical treats with your loved ones!

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