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These festive Christmas Grinch Cookies are a delightful treat for the holiday season. With a touch of minty flavor and a playful design featuring a red heart sprinkle, they're perfect for bringing a bit of whimsy to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- White Cake Mix (15.25 oz): The base for these cookies, providing a light and fluffy texture.
- Unsalted Butter (8 tbsp): Softened to blend smoothly into the dough, adding a rich flavor.
- Large Eggs (2): Adds structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Peppermint Extract (2 tsp): Gives the cookies a festive minty flavor, perfect for the season.
- Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Green Gel Food Coloring: Creates that classic Grinch green, adding holiday charm.
- Powdered Sugar (¼ cup): Used for coating the cookie dough balls, giving them a frosty look.
- Cornstarch (3 tbsp): Helps the powdered sugar adhere to the dough for a lasting finish.
- Red Heart-Shaped Sprinkle: The final touch, representing the Grinch's heart growing three sizes.
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Place the pretzel rings evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 3:
- Place one Hershey’s Hug on top of each pretzel ring.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 2-3 minutes until the chocolate begins to melt but still holds its shape.
- Step 5:
- Immediately press an M&M into the center of each melted Hershey’s Hug, ensuring the “M” side is facing down for a neat appearance.
- Step 6:
- Transfer the baking sheet to the fridge to cool and allow the chocolate to harden for about 10-20 minutes.
Serving and Storage Tips
- These treats are perfect for serving at holiday parties or gifting to friends and family.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- If you want to keep them for longer, store them in the fridge for added crispness.
Helpful Notes
- Green Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color without affecting the dough's consistency.
- Heart Sprinkles: Red heart sprinkles add a fun touch, but cinnamon hearts can also be used for a spicy kick.
- Adjusting Peppermint Flavor: For a subtler mint flavor, reduce the peppermint extract by half.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality extracts and fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in these cookies.
- Room Temperature Eggs and Butter: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly festive for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.
- Easy to make, with a vibrant color and fun design inspired by the Grinch!
- A crowd-pleaser with a balanced peppermint flavor and delightful chewiness.
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate on top for extra decadence.
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a mint-chocolate flavor twist.
- Swap Extracts: Try almond or vanilla extract for a different but delicious flavor profile.