Grinch Crinkle Cookies
These Grinch Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of holiday cheer! Made with just 5 simple ingredients and a box of cake mix, these bright green cookies with adorable red hearts are as easy as they are festive — perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, kids’ baking days, or Grinch movie nights!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 large eggs
- green gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- 18-24 red heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, and eggs. Stir until no dry mix remains. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Add several drops of green gel food coloring and mix until the dough reaches a bright Grinchy shade. Add more if needed for a vibrant look.
- Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon), form dough balls and roll each in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place coated dough balls on baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake 9–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and beautifully crinkled. Centers should remain soft.
- Immediately press a red heart sprinkle into the center of each warm cookie. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Grinch Cookies:
• Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant green.
• Chill dough for 15–20 minutes if it’s too sticky.
• Roll generously in powdered sugar to create bold crinkles.
• Add heart sprinkles immediately after baking while cookies are still warm. Variations:
• Use melted butter instead of oil for richer flavor.
• Try white or vanilla cake mix for a lighter color.
• Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract for a minty twist.
• Substitute red M&Ms or jellybeans for heart sprinkles. Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking. Serving Ideas:
Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, kids’ parties, or Grinch-themed movie nights with hot cocoa!
• Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant green.
• Chill dough for 15–20 minutes if it’s too sticky.
• Roll generously in powdered sugar to create bold crinkles.
• Add heart sprinkles immediately after baking while cookies are still warm. Variations:
• Use melted butter instead of oil for richer flavor.
• Try white or vanilla cake mix for a lighter color.
• Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract for a minty twist.
• Substitute red M&Ms or jellybeans for heart sprinkles. Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking. Serving Ideas:
Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, kids’ parties, or Grinch-themed movie nights with hot cocoa!