Festive Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Jolly Green Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe for Holiday Fun

Sweet holiday baking reaches new heights with these grinch cake mix cookies that bring whimsy and cheer to your festive table.

The vibrant green color captures everyone’s imagination and sparks joy.

Green sprinkles and simple ingredients make these treats a breeze to create.

Soft, chewy, and delightfully playful, these cookies connect childhood memories with seasonal fun.

The recipe transforms basic cake mix into something magical and memorable.

Delicious and simple, these treats promise to become a cherished tradition that spreads smiles faster than the grinch’s heart grows.

Bake a batch and watch faces light up with pure delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 140 kcal

Servings: 23

All The Ingredients In Easy Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

For Dry Base:
  • Cake Mix: Provides the foundational texture and sweetness, choose a white or vanilla mix for best color absorption.
  • Green Food Coloring: Creates the iconic Grinch green, select gel-based coloring for vibrant and concentrated color.
For Moisture and Binding:
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create soft cookie texture, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients together and contributes to cookie structure, ensure they are room temperature for smoother mixing.
For Decorative Topping:
  • Red Heart Sprinkles: Represents the Grinch's growing heart, look for bright, festive heart-shaped candies or sprinkles that will stand out against the green cookie.

What Tools Help With Easy Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cake mix, butter, and eggs smoothly.
  • Baking Sheets: Perfect for arranging cookie dough and creating even baking surface.
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Tablespoon or Cookie Scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes and consistent shape.
  • Wire Rack: Great for cooling cookies and keeping them crisp after baking.
  • Spatula or Mixing Spoon: Useful for stirring ingredients and mixing food coloring.

Steps To Make Easy Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with a toasty 350F setting. Grab your favorite baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  • Magical Cookie Mixing

Dive into a bowl and blend the cake mix with melted butter and eggs. Splash in some vibrant green food coloring until the dough looks perfectly Grinch-worthy. The more emerald, the better!

  • Dough Shaping

Roll the dough into cute little balls, about the size of a generous tablespoon. Spread them out on the baking sheet, giving each cookie some personal space.

  • Festive Heart Touch

Gently nestle a red heart-shaped sprinkle right in the center of each cookie. This is where the Grinch’s heart grows!

  • Baking Magic

Pop the cookies into the oven and watch them transform. After 8-10 minutes, they’ll be slightly puffy with golden edges. Keep an eye out to avoid overcooking.

  • Cooling and Enjoying

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Once they’ve chilled out, it’s time to munch on these whimsical treats!

Simple Tips To Upgrade Easy Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

  • Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Pro Tips and Tasty Twists
  • Green Color Magic: Experiment with gel food coloring for a more vibrant green without changing the dough's consistency. Liquid drops may thin out the mixture, so use sparingly.
  • Dietary Swap Solutions: Transform the recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. For vegan versions, replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce and use plant-based butter alternatives.
  • Texture Perfect Tricks: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, softer cookies. Add a pinch of cornstarch to maintain a soft, tender texture that stays fresh longer.
  • Festive Decoration Hacks: Replace heart sprinkles with red candy melts, mini M&Ms, or red royal icing dots for different visual effects. Dust finished cookies with powdered sugar for a snow-like winter wonderland look that complements the Grinch theme.
  • Storage and Shelf Life: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer preservation, freeze undecorated cookies between layers of parchment paper for up to 3 weeks.

Serving Fun With Easy Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

  • Holiday Movie Night Companions
  • Festive Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a green-themed serving tray with white powdered sugar dusting and small red heart decorations to create a whimsical Grinch-inspired dessert display.
  • Kids' Decorating Party: Invite children to add their own creative touches by providing extra red heart sprinkles and letting them personalize each cookie with playful designs and decorations.
  • Gifting Sweet Memories: Package these colorful cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with green ribbons as delightful homemade holiday gifts for teachers, neighbors, or family friends.

Store Easy Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe For Later

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

  • Freezing Magic: Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for soft, delicious treats.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for 24 hours before baking. This technique enhances flavor and allows for flexible meal planning.
  • Quick Gifting Tips: Package cooled cookies in festive holiday tins or clear cellophane bags with a ribbon for delightful homemade gifts that spread Grinch-inspired cheer.
Print
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Festive Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Festive Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 23 1x

Description

Festive holiday Grinch cake mix cookies combine cheerful green color with sweet flavor. Whimsical Christmas treats delight families and bring seasonal cheer you’ll enjoy baking together.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15.25 oz/432 g) white or yellow cake mix
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon green food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • Red heart-shaped sprinkles or candies

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Configure the oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper, establishing a pristine surface for Grinch-inspired cookies.
  2. Create Vibrant Dough: Blend cake mix with melted butter and eggs in a mixing bowl, stirring until achieving a harmonious consistency. Incorporate green food coloring, transforming the mixture into a verdant Grinch-themed palette ranging from subtle sage to intense emerald.
  3. Shape and Decorate: Roll uniform dough balls using a tablespoon measure, positioning them strategically on prepared baking sheets with adequate spacing. Crown each cookie with a crimson heart-shaped sprinkle, symbolizing the Grinch’s emotional metamorphosis.
  4. Bake and Monitor: Slide sheets into the preheated oven, baking for 8-10 minutes. Observe as cookie edges firm and surfaces develop a gentle puffiness, signaling impending perfection.
  5. Cool and Finalize: Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack. Permit cookies to reach room temperature, solidifying their delicate, tender texture.

Notes

  • Manage Color Intensity: Adjust green food coloring gradually to achieve the perfect Grinch-inspired shade, from subtle sage to vibrant emerald, ensuring consistent color throughout the dough.
  • Prevent Spreading Mishap: Space cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart to allow proper expansion and maintain the cookies’ round, uniform shape during baking.
  • Sprinkle Placement Precision: Gently press heart-shaped sprinkles into cookie centers immediately after removing from the oven, ensuring they adhere perfectly without sinking or losing their decorative charm.
  • Storage and Freshness Tip: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to preserve their soft, tender texture and prevent sticking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 23
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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