Grinch Crinkle Cookies (Easy Cake Mix Recipe)

These festive Grinch crinkle cookies are the easiest Christmas cookies you’ll make this holiday season! Made with just 5 simple ingredients including cake mix, these bright green cookies with adorable red heart sprinkles capture the spirit of everyone’s favorite holiday grump. Perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or baking with kids.

Why You’ll Love These Grinch Cookies

These cake mix Grinch cookies are a holiday baker’s dream. They require minimal ingredients, come together in under 30 minutes, and create stunning festive treats that kids and adults absolutely love. The signature bright green color and classic crinkle texture make them instantly recognizable, while the red heart sprinkles add that perfect Grinch touch. Unlike traditional cookies that require chilling and complicated steps, these easy Grinch crinkle cookies are beginner-friendly and foolproof.

Ingredients for Grinch Crinkle Cookies

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
• 2 large eggs
• Green gel food coloring
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
• 18-24 red heart sprinkles

How to Make Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until fully incorporated and no dry cake mix remains. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 3: Add the Grinch Green Color

Add green gel food coloring to the dough, starting with 5-6 drops. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a vibrant Grinch-green color. Add more coloring if needed—the brighter, the better!

Step 4: Shape and Coat

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon), scoop dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until completely coated. The powdered sugar creates the signature crinkle effect during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Place powdered sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until cookies are set and crinkled on top. Centers should look slightly soft.

Step 6: Add the Hearts

Immediately press a red heart sprinkle onto the center of each warm cookie. The warmth helps the hearts stick perfectly. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Grinch Cookies

Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring creates more vibrant colors than liquid coloring without adding extra moisture to the dough.

Chill If Needed: If your dough feels too sticky to handle, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This makes rolling easier and helps cookies maintain their shape.

Generous Sugar Coating: Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar coating—this creates those beautiful cracks that define crinkle cookies.

Cookie Scoop is Key: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size. All cookies will bake evenly and look professional.

Add Hearts While Warm: Press heart sprinkles immediately after removing cookies from the oven for the best adhesion.

Recipe Variations

Butter Instead of Oil: Substitute melted unsalted butter for vegetable oil for a richer flavor and slightly firmer texture.

White Cake Mix: Use white or vanilla cake mix instead of yellow for a subtle flavor difference. The color won’t affect the final green appearance.

Peppermint Twist: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the dough for a minty holiday flavor.

No Heart Sprinkles? Use red M&Ms, red jellybeans, or small red candies as alternatives.

Extra Festive: Roll cookies in green sanding sugar instead of powdered sugar for added sparkle and texture.

Storage Instructions

Store Grinch crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cookies Spread Too Much: Your dough may be too warm. Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking, or refrigerate shaped dough balls before baking.

Color Too Light: Add more gel food coloring. Gel colors are more concentrated than liquid and produce brighter results.

Hearts Won’t Stick: Press them into the cookies immediately out of the oven while still warm and soft.

No Crinkles: Make sure cookies are thoroughly coated in powdered sugar and don’t overbake them.

Why Use Cake Mix for Cookies?

Cake mix cookies are perfect for busy bakers because the mix already contains flour, leavening agents, and flavorings. This shortcut reduces ingredients and prep time while still delivering soft, bakery-quality cookies. Yellow cake mix adds a subtle vanilla flavor that complements the festive theme perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

These Grinch Christmas cookies are perfect for:

• Holiday cookie exchanges
• Christmas party dessert tables
• Classroom treats and school parties
• Cookie decorating activities with kids
• Grinch-themed movie nights
• Festive gift boxes and cookie tins

Pair these festive treats with hot chocolate, milk, or spiced cider for the ultimate holiday snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

What’s the best green food coloring to use? Wilton leaf green or Kelly green gel food coloring creates the perfect “Grinchy” shade. Gel colors work better than liquid.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Absolutely! White, vanilla, or even funfetti cake mix work well. Avoid chocolate cake mix for this recipe.

Do I need to chill the dough? Not necessarily, but if your dough is too sticky to handle, chill it for 15-20 minutes.

How many cookies does this recipe make? This recipe yields approximately 18-24 cookies depending on scoop size.