How do I make Easy Grinch Cookies soft and chewy?

The secret is to avoid overbaking. Pull the cookies out of the oven as soon as the edges set and the tops look slightly dry. They’ll finish cooking on the baking sheet as they cool, giving you that perfect soft, chewy texture. Using room temperature butter and eggs also helps create a smoother dough and softer cookie.

Can I make Easy Grinch Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely. You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. If the dough firms up too much, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping. Baked cookies can also be stored for four days or frozen for up to two months.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

No worries! You can swap it for mint extract or just use extra vanilla extract . The cookies will still taste amazing — more like a buttery sugar cookie with a festive twist. For something similar, try Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies or Gingerbread Kiss Cookies — both have great flavor variations.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

You can, but gel food coloring gives a stronger, brighter green without making the dough too wet. If you use liquid coloring, you may need a few extra drops to achieve that signature Grinch color.

How do I stop the dough from sticking to my hands?

This dough is sticky by nature. Lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar or coat them with a tiny bit of cornstarch before rolling. You can also chill the dough for 10 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Easy Grinch Cookies Irresistible Christmas Delight

Name: Easy Grinch Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix; 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; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; Red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon candies

Description

These Easy Grinch Cookies are soft, chewy, and minty with a festive green color and a sweet little red heart. Made with cake mix, they come together in minutes — perfect for holiday baking with kids or last-minute cookie trays.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix
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
3 tablespoons cornstarch
Red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon candies

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix cake mix, softened butter, and eggs until thick and combined.
Add peppermint extract, vanilla, and a few drops of green gel food coloring. Mix until evenly colored.
In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and cornstarch.
Scoop dough into 1½ tablespoon-sized balls and roll in sugar-cornstarch mixture to coat.
Place cookies on baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and tops look dry.
While still warm, gently press a red heart sprinkle or candy into the center of each cookie.
Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for bold color without thinning the dough. To prevent sticking, dust hands lightly with powdered sugar before rolling. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 128
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 105mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 22mg