Description
Grinch cookies bring festive cheer with their whimsical green hue and heart-stealing charm. Crisp edges, tender centers, and a playful holiday spirit invite cookie enthusiasts to indulge in this Dr. Seuss-inspired sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces/432 grams) vanilla cake mix
- ⅓ cup (75 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Coloring and Decoration:
- ¼ teaspoon green gel food coloring (or a few drops liquid food coloring)
- 24 red heart sprinkles or candies
Coating:
- ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for smooth cookie removal.
- Create a vibrant dough by whisking together cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs until a uniform consistency emerges. Gradually introduce green food coloring, stirring carefully to achieve a whimsical Grinch-inspired emerald shade.
- Transform the dough into delicate spheres, rolling each portion between palms to form smooth, round cookies. Generously coat each ball with powdered sugar, ensuring a complete and elegant white dusting.
- Strategically place the cookie dough spheres on prepared baking sheets, maintaining adequate spacing to prevent merging during baking. Gently nestle a bright red heart-shaped sprinkle into the center of each cookie, symbolizing the Grinch’s transformative journey.
- Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven, allowing the cookies to bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch carefully to maintain a soft, tender texture without overcooking. The edges should appear slightly set while maintaining a delicate, pillowy interior.
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheets for a brief moment, allowing them to stabilize. Carefully transfer to a cooling rack, permitting them to reach room temperature and develop their signature crumbly texture.
- Serve these playful, festive treats at holiday gatherings, as edible decorations, or as a whimsical dessert that captures the spirit of seasonal cheer.
Notes
- Master the green color by adding food coloring gradually, ensuring a vibrant Grinch-like hue without changing dough consistency.
- Prevent cookies from spreading too thin by chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling in powdered sugar.
- Swap red heart sprinkles with small red candies or red M&Ms for easier availability and consistent sizing.
- Create gluten-free versions by using a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring all add-ins are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg