Grinch Cookie Recipe – 12-Minute Easy Crinkle Cookies

Grinch cookies are a fun and festive treat perfect for holiday celebrations! Inspired by the lovable yet mischievous Grinch, these green crinkle cookies are as delicious as they are adorable. Made with just a few simple ingredients like cake mix and green food coloring, this recipe is an easy way to bring a bit of Whoville magic to your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a Grinch movie night or as a fun gift for friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love These Grinch Cookies

These Grinch cookies are the ultimate combination of fun and flavor. Not only do they boast a vibrant green hue, but they also feature a delightful crinkle texture and a pop of red with a heart-shaped candy on top, symbolizing the Grinch’s ever-growing heart. What makes them even better is their simplicity – this recipe requires only a handful of ingredients, and the cake mix makes the process incredibly quick and easy. If you’re looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing, Grinch cookies are the way to go.

Ingredients for Grinch Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make these fun and festive cookies:

• Box of Vanilla Cake Mix: This is the base for the dough, eliminating the need to measure out flour and other dry ingredients.
• Eggs: They help bind the dough together and contribute to the cookies’ rise and texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture to the dough, ensuring the cookies stay soft.
• Green Food Coloring: The key to transforming these cookies into a vibrant green Grinch-inspired treat.
• Granulated Sugar: Coating the dough balls in sugar gives the cookies a slight crunch on the outside.
• Powdered Sugar: This creates the classic crinkle effect on the cookies as they bake, revealing the bright green dough beneath.
• Red Heart Sprinkles: A small but essential detail, these heart sprinkles represent the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you want to tweak the recipe or need substitutes, here are a few options:

• Cake Mix: You can swap the vanilla cake mix for a lemon or chocolate cake mix for a fun flavor twist.
• Heart Sprinkles: If you can’t find heart-shaped sprinkles, you can use red M&Ms or even a small piece of red candy to replicate the look.
• Food Coloring: While green food coloring gives the classic Grinch look, you can experiment with different shades or even use a natural food coloring option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Grinch cookies is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to create your festive treats:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, empty the box of vanilla cake mix. Add 2 eggs and 1/3 cup of vegetable oil. Mix well until a dough forms.
2. Add the Color: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of green gel food coloring to give the dough its signature Grinch green color. Be careful not to use too much, or the cookies may turn out darker than expected.
3. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
4. Prep for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two plates – one with granulated sugar and the other with powdered sugar.
5. Form the Dough Balls: Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball, then roll it first in the granulated sugar and then in the powdered sugar.
6. Bake: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cookies have crinkled and are set on the edges.
7. Add the Heart: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a red heart sprinkle into the top of each cookie to represent the Grinch’s growing heart.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Grinch Cookies

Here are a few tips to ensure your Grinch cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
• Check the Baking Time: Ovens vary, so be sure to check your cookies around 10-12 minutes to avoid overbaking. They should have a slightly cracked surface with a soft center.
• Sugar Coating: Rolling the dough balls in both granulated and powdered sugar is essential for achieving that crinkle effect. Be generous with the powdered sugar – it creates the signature look of these cookies.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Grinch cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with other holiday treats or make fun variations:

• Grinch-Themed Drinks: Serve your cookies with a festive green punch or Grinch-inspired hot chocolate to complete your movie night.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This is perfect for when you want to bake in batches or need to plan ahead for a holiday party.
• Spicy Version: For a fun twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the dough for a slightly spiced flavor.

A Fun Holiday Tradition

Grinch cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a fun and easy way to bring some holiday cheer into your home. Whether you’re baking with kids or making a batch to share with family and friends, these cookies are a great way to celebrate the season. With their vibrant green color, soft texture, and heartwarming symbolism, Grinch cookies are sure to become a holiday tradition in your household!

Conclusion

Grinch cookies are the perfect treat to bring festive cheer to any occasion. With their bright green color, crinkly texture, and sweet heart-shaped candy, they symbolize the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes in the most delightful way. Whether you’re baking for a holiday movie night, a Christmas party, or simply to add some fun to your seasonal treats, this easy Grinch cookie recipe is sure to be a favorite. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a must-try for any holiday baker. So gather your ingredients, get your hands in the dough, and enjoy these whimsical cookies that are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face!

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More Relevant Recipes

• Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding Recipe: This delicious bread pudding features the rich flavors of pumpkin and praline, offering a comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings. It pairs well with the festive vibe of Grinch cookies and adds a touch of holiday cheer to your dessert table.
• Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars: These soft and chewy sugar cookie bars with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor are a perfect follow-up to Grinch cookies. The fruity, sweet taste complements the green crinkle cookies and makes for a colorful holiday treat.
• Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes: Light, tangy, and beautifully vibrant, these raspberry lemon cupcakes are an ideal addition to any festive gathering. Their bright flavors align perfectly with the cheerful spirit of Grinch cookies, making them a great match for a holiday dessert spread.

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