Name: Green Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15.25 ounces white cake mix (432 g); 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons peppermint extract or mint extract; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; green gel food coloring (amount as needed to achieve desired color); ¼ cup powdered sugar (32 g); 3 tablespoons cornstarch; red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon to decorate

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 12 reviews

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat, you’re going to LOVE this Green Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies Recipe. These cookies are soft, minty, and bright green—perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you want a pop of color and a burst of peppermint flavor. I first made these last Christmas and I swear, they disappeared almost as fast as I pulled them out of the oven. Stick around, because I’ll share all my tips and tricks to help you nail these green beauties every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy: Using cake mix means you can whip up dough in minutes without measuring tons of pantry staples.
Perfect Peppermint Punch: The peppermint extract combined with vanilla brings just the right fresh flavor spark to these cookies.
Soft, But Not Gooey: These cookies have a delicate, tender crumb without being underbaked or mushy.
Playful Presentation: That vibrant green color paired with red heart sprinkles makes them perfect for holidays and gift-giving.

Green Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies, festive peppermint cookie recipe, easy holiday cookies, quick cake mix cookies, minty Christmas treats - The image shows rows of light green cookies on a silver cooling rack, each cookie round and cracked on top with a dusting of white powdered sugar. Each cookie has a small red heart-shaped decoration placed near the center. The cooling rack and cookies sit on a white marbled surface that is smooth and clean. The cookies appear soft and slightly puffy with a delicate texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

One of the reasons I adore this Green Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is how simple the ingredients are—and how wonderfully they come together. The cake mix provides structure and sweetness, while fresh butter and eggs add richness. Peppermint extract is the star flavor here, and the powdered sugar-cornstarch coating helps keep the cookies from sticking and adds a subtle crackle. Oh, and that green gel food coloring? It’s key to achieving that eye-catching color without altering the dough’s texture.

Green Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies, festive peppermint cookie recipe, easy holiday cookies, quick cake mix cookies, minty Christmas treats - Flat lay of a small mound of fine white cake mix on a simple white ceramic plate, a few tablespoons of pale creamy unsalted butter shaped into a neat pat, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl filled with clear peppermint extract, another small white bowl with smooth vanilla extract, a delicate dollop of bright green gel food coloring on white ceramic, a small white bowl containing pure white powdered sugar, a separate small white bowl with fine white cornstarch, and a scattering of tiny bright red heart-shaped sprinkles arranged artfully on the side, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

White Cake Mix: This is the base of the cookies—pick a good-quality mix; I usually go for one without too many additives for a clean flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds moisture and richness. I prefer unsalted so I can control the saltiness.
Large Eggs: Bring them to room temperature before mixing to help the dough come together smoothly.
Peppermint Extract: This gives the cookies their refreshing, minty kick. You could swap in mint extract if you prefer a milder note.
Vanilla Extract: It balances and deepens the flavor, making the mint shine without feeling flat.
Green Gel Food Coloring: Use gel for vibrant color without watering down the dough.
Powdered Sugar & Cornstarch: This combo dusts the cookies before baking, preventing sticking and helping create a delicate texture.
Heart-shaped Sprinkles or Cinnamon Hearts: For the finishing touch, these add that festive pop of color and fun flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

Now, I like my Green Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies just the way the recipe calls for, but I get it—sometimes you want to play around. Feel free to tweak the amount of peppermint extract based on how minty you want your cookies. The green color is highly customizable too; add more drops for a deeper shade or less for a subtle hue.

Chocolate Chip Twist: I once added mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra texture and to up the indulgence factor—super yummy!
Vegan Version: Try using a vegan cake mix, dairy-free butter substitute, and a flax egg for an easy plant-based swap.
Holiday Color Swap: Around Valentine’s Day, I switch the green coloring to pink and use heart-shaped sprinkles to match the theme.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Green Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Get Prepped & Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, soften your butter so it’s easy to mix—if it’s too cold, the dough will be lumpy. I use a hand mixer to blend the butter and eggs until smooth before adding in the cake mix for the best consistency.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Color

Next, pour in the peppermint and vanilla extracts. This is the magic moment when your kitchen starts smelling amazing. Then, carefully add green gel food coloring, a little at a time, until the dough reaches that perfect Grinch-worthy hue. Remember to mix gently on low so you don’t overwork the dough.

Step 3: Prepare the Powdered Sugar Coating

Whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. This blend is essential because it stops the dough from sticking to your hands and baking sheet. Trust me, this step makes the whole process way cleaner and results in cookies with a pretty, crackly finish.

Step 4: Scoop, Roll, and Bake

Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough then roll each ball in the powdered sugar mixture. The dough will be sticky, so this sugary coating is a lifesaver. Space the cookies about an inch apart on your baking sheet, then pop them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out—the cookies are done when the edges look set and the top isn’t wet-looking anymore.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

While the cookies are hot, gently press a red heart-shaped sprinkle or a cinnamon heart into the center of each cookie. Doing this right away helps the sprinkle stick nicely without breaking the cookie. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Pro Tips for Making Green Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Don’t Skip Room Temperature Eggs: They mix more evenly, which helps prevent lumps in your dough.
Use Gel Food Coloring: It gives you that intense green without changing dough texture or adding liquid that could throw off the bake.
Coat Cookies Well: Rolling cookie dough balls generously in the sugar-cornstarch mix prevents sticking and creates a pretty cracked surface.
Watch Baking Time: Cookies continue cooking on the hot sheet when you take them out; don’t overbake or they’ll dry out.

How to Serve Green Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Green Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies, festive peppermint cookie recipe, easy holiday cookies, quick cake mix cookies, minty Christmas treats - A large pile of light green cookies with a soft cracked texture, each topped with a small red heart candy, sits on a white plate in the center. Two smaller white plates in the background hold more of the same cookies. The cookies are dusted lightly with powdered sugar. Around the plates are red and green round Christmas ornaments and a small wooden bowl filled with red candies on a white marbled surface. A white bottle is visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually go with classic red heart-shaped sprinkles for a colorful contrast, but cinnamon hearts also add a lovely warmth and extra peppermint punch. If you’re feeling extra festive, a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top adds a nice crunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies go beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream. For holiday parties, I sometimes serve them alongside a platter of fresh peppermint bark and white chocolate-dipped pretzels to keep the mint theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For last year’s Christmas brunch, I stacked these cookies in a glass jar tied with a red ribbon and a sprig of pine—cutest gift ever. You could also arrange them on a cookie platter with other minty treats for an eye-catching dessert table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. I make sure they’re completely cool before storing to avoid sogginess. If you’re like me and don’t want them to disappear too fast, this is your best bet for keeping them fresh and soft.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! After cooling completely, place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for up to two months, which is perfect if you want to make them ahead for parties or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a couple cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes just to soften them up. They come out almost like freshly baked—soft with that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture.

FAQs

Can I use any cake mix for the Green Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies Recipe?

You can use most white or yellow cake mixes, but I recommend avoiding ones with pudding mixes or extra flavorings that might clash with peppermint. The plain white cake mix keeps the cookies light and lets the mint flavor shine.
What’s the best way to get the perfect green color?

Gel food coloring is your best friend here. Add it a drop at a time and mix thoroughly until you achieve your desired shade. Too much liquid food coloring can change the dough texture, so stick with gel for that vibrant, non-runny color.
Can I make these without peppermint extract?

Absolutely! You could use mint extract for a milder flavor, or even vanilla extract alone for a simple, sweet cookie. Just keep in mind that the signature minty bite is what makes this recipe stand out.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and don’t add extra liquids beyond what the recipe calls for. Chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes isn’t required but can help maintain shape if you find your cookies spreading too much during baking.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Green Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies Recipe has become my holiday go-to for good reason. It’s quick, fuss-free, and yields cookies that look and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, the minty freshness feels so festive, and the vibrant green color always brings a smile. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing these as I have—it’s like a little bite of holiday magic in cookie form. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch your friends and family fall in love with every delicious bite!