Oh, the Grinch may have stolen Christmas, but he sure can’t steal our joy when it comes to whipping up these delightful Grinch Cookies! Every holiday season, I find myself looking for that one recipe that brings out the whimsical side of baking, and these cookies do just that. With their vibrant green color and sweet red heart toppings, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings or just snacking by the fireplace while watching festive movies. There’s something about biting into a cookie that looks this merry—it instantly brightens my day!
What keeps me coming back to this recipe? It’s the combination of simplicity and fun! Just a handful of ingredients, and you’re left with cookies that not only taste good but bring a smile to anyone who sees them. The kids, of course, love getting involved when it’s time to roll and decorate, which adds to the joy of baking (and a bit of inevitable mess!). Let me share how you can create these festive treats in your kitchen!
What’s in Grinch Cookies?
- Lemon cake mix: The star of the show! I use Duncan Hines for its consistent quality and delicious lemon flavor that pairs beautifully with the festive spirit.
- Eggs: These help bind everything together, giving the cookies that nice chewy texture. Fresh, large eggs work best!
- Vegetable oil: I typically use canola oil, but any neutral oil will do. This keeps the cookies moist inside while adding richness.
- Green food coloring: The secret ingredient that gives these cookies their signature Grinchy hue! I go for gel food coloring for brighter results—just a little goes a long way.
- Powdered sugar: Not just for sweetness; this sugar coating is what makes the cookies look a bit like snowy delights, contrasting perfectly with the red hearts.
- Red candy hearts: These are the finishing touch, providing a pop of color and sweetness. You can find them at most grocery stores, especially around the holidays!
Are Grinch Cookies Good for You?
Well, let’s just say Grinch Cookies aren’t exactly a health food—unless your idea of health involves a heartwarming dose of holiday cheer! The main ingredients like cake mix and vegetable oil do give them a slightly indulgent side, so they’re perfect for those special occasions when you want to live a little. However, they do contain **lemon**, which is a good source of Vitamin C, so there’s a silver lining! Just be mindful of portion sizes because these little cuties are hard to resist!
Ingredients List
- 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon green food coloring
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Red candy hearts (for topping)
How to Make Grinch Cookies?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial; we want easy cleanup!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and green food coloring. Mix until everything is well combined and a dough forms. It should be a beautiful green color!
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and avoids sticky fingers during rolling.
- Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. I like to use a cookie scoop for perfectly uniform cookies.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar until thoroughly coated. This gives them that snowy, festive look!
- Place the rolled balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for spread.
- Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press a red candy heart into the center of each cookie. This step is where the magic happens!
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the cookies are set and just slightly golden around the edges. The tops should look soft—don’t over-bake!
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sweet Tips for Perfect Grinch Cookies!
- Want to switch it up? Try adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the dough for an extra zing!
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh; they’ll last about a week (if they last that long!).
- If you’re looking to make them even more festive, drizzle some white chocolate over the cooled cookies.
These Grinch Cookies are such a fun, easy way to spread holiday cheer, and I promise they will disappear faster than the Grinch can change his heart! The vibrant color and sweet flavor are sure to win over friends and family, so give them a try! If you bake some, I’d love to hear how they turned out—happy holiday baking!
