Grinch Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These festive Grinch Cookies are a fun and easy treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Bright green, soft, and topped with red heart sprinkles, they bring a playful twist to your cookie platter. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re great for both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces white cake mix
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon neon green gel food coloring (more as needed)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- Red heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, Cool Whip, egg, and neon green gel food coloring. Mix gently with a rubber spatula until just combined.
- Step 3: Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out dough balls and place them into a bowl of powdered sugar. Roll each ball to coat them completely, as the dough will be sticky.
- Step 4: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 13 minutes until the edges are firm and the cookies look set on top.
- Step 6: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a red heart sprinkle gently into the center of each cookie so it sticks.
- Step 7: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or transferring to a storage container.
Tips & Variations
- If you want a deeper green color, add more gel food coloring a little at a time until you reach the desired shade.
- Substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream for a lighter texture, but be aware the dough may be softer.
- Try different festive sprinkles like red sugar crystals or edible glitter for extra holiday sparkle.
Storage
Store cooled Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To refresh, let them come to room temperature before serving; avoid reheating as it may soften the cookies too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can use any white or yellow cake mix as a base, but the classic white cake mix gives the best color contrast with the green food coloring.
What if I don’t have neon green gel food coloring?
You can mix blue and yellow gel food coloring to achieve a bright green, but neon green provides a more vibrant, holiday-appropriate color.
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Grinch Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
These vibrant Grinch Cookies are a fun and festive treat made with white cake mix, Cool Whip, and neon green food coloring. Soft and tender with a sweet powdered sugar coating and a charming red heart sprinkle on top, they’re perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you want to add a pop of color and whimsy to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 15.25 ounces white cake mix
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon neon green gel food coloring (more as needed)
Coating and Decoration
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- Red heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, thawed Cool Whip, egg, and neon green gel food coloring. Using a rubber spatula, gently mix the ingredients until just combined, careful not to overmix to keep the dough soft and tender.
- Scoop and Coat: Using a medium-sized cookie scoop, take portions of the sticky dough and roll each ball directly into a bowl of powdered sugar. Make sure each ball is fully coated to help prevent sticking during baking and to add a sweet outer layer.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 12 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the tops look set—this ensures the cookies are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Add Decorations: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a red heart sprinkle gently onto the center of each cookie so it adheres as the cookies cool.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before serving to let them firm up and make them easier to handle.
Notes
- Gel food coloring is used here because it provides vibrant color without thinning the dough.
- Make sure the Cool Whip is fully thawed before mixing to ensure an even texture.
- Rolling the dough in powdered sugar helps reduce stickiness and gives the cookies a delightful sweet crust.
- Keep spacing between cookies to prevent them from merging while baking.
- These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days and can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Grinch Cookies, Green Christmas Cookies, Festive Cookies, Cake Mix Cookies, Holiday Cookies
