Description
Delight in these festive Grinch Cookies featuring a bright green peppermint-infused cake mix dough coated in powdered sugar and topped with a charming red heart sprinkle. Perfect for holiday celebrations or gifting, these soft and tender cookies bring a fun twist with their vibrant color and sweet mint flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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)
Coating and Topping
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (32 g)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon to decorate
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Using a hand-held or stand mixer, combine the white cake mix, softened unsalted butter, and eggs. Blend until the mixture is well incorporated and smooth.
- Add Flavorings and Color: Stir in the peppermint or mint extract, vanilla extract, and gradually add green gel food coloring until you achieve the desired bright green shade. Mix on low speed just until combined; the dough should be thick and sticky.
- Prepare Coating: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch to create a smooth coating mixture.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough balls. Roll each ball generously in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to coat them fully. Place the coated dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops appear dry but not browned.
- Add Decoration: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a red heart-shaped sprinkle onto the center of each cookie so it adheres well.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents breaking.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- To freeze, cool the cookies completely, then place them in a freezer-safe airtight bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- For decorating, use leftover Valentine’s Day heart sprinkles or cinnamon hearts for a flavorful twist.
- If you prefer a different festive color or flavor, adjust the gel food coloring or extracts accordingly.
- Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and even mixing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
