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 375°F and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the white cake mix, softened butter, and eggs until well combined.
- Step 3:
- Add the peppermint and vanilla extracts, then mix in the green gel food coloring to achieve a vibrant green color.
- Step 4:
- In a small separate bowl, combine the powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Step 5:
- Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls (about 1½ tablespoons each). Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar mixture, coating thoroughly, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Step 6:
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look dry.
- Step 7:
- As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, press a red heart-shaped sprinkle into the top of each cookie to complete the Grinch look.
- Step 8:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these cookies at room temperature to bring out their best texture and flavor.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
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.