These cookies come together in just a few easy steps, making them perfect for beginner bakers or holiday baking marathons.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to a moderate baking temperature and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a thick, smooth dough forms.
- Add Color: Add green gel food coloring a little at a time, mixing until the desired shade is achieved.
- Prepare the Coating: In a small bowl, mix the confectioners sugar and cornstarch.
- Form the Cookies: Scoop the dough into small balls, then roll each one in the sugar-cornstarch mixture until fully coated.
- Bake: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake until the cookies are set but still soft.
- Add Decoration: Immediately press a candy heart or sprinkle into the center of each cookie while still warm.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and tender.
Serving and Storage
Grinch Cake Mix Cookies are best enjoyed once fully cooled, when their texture is soft and their flavor has settled. They make a wonderful addition to holiday dessert trays, cookie exchanges, or gift boxes.
Serve them with hot chocolate, milk, or coffee for a cozy seasonal treat. Their bright color also makes them a fun centerpiece for holiday dessert tables.
For storage, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to five days. If layering cookies, place parchment paper between layers to protect the decorations.
These cookies can also be frozen without the candy topping. Freeze for up to two months, then thaw and decorate before serving.
Tips
Use these helpful tips to ensure perfect Grinch cookies every time:
- Do Not Overmix: Mixing just until combined keeps the cookies tender.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This ensures evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
- Press Decorations Gently: Add candy hearts while cookies are warm but not too soft.
- Adjust Color Gradually: Gel coloring is concentrated—add slowly.
- Watch Bake Time: Cookies should look set but slightly underbaked in the center.
Small adjustments can make a big difference in texture and presentation.
Conclusion
Grinch Cake Mix Cookies are a festive, fun, and foolproof holiday dessert that delivers both charm and flavor. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, they offer a stress-free way to create something visually delightful and delicious. Their soft texture, crackled coating, and cheerful decoration make them a standout among holiday treats.
Perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying at home, these cookies embody the playful spirit of the season. Once you make them, they’re sure to become a holiday favorite that everyone looks forward to year after year.
FAQ
Can I use liquid food coloring?
Yes, but gel food coloring is preferred for stronger color without thinning the dough.
Why mix cornstarch with powdered sugar?
Cornstarch helps keep the cookies extra soft and tender.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do these cookies spread a lot?
They spread slightly but maintain a thick, cake-like texture.
Can I use different decorations?
Absolutely. Red sprinkles, chocolate chips, or themed candies all work well.