Description
Festive green Grinch cookies bring holiday cheer with their whimsical charm and vibrant appearance. Crackly sugar-coated edges and bright green hue invite you to indulge in a playful Dr. Seuss-inspired treat that sparks joy and nostalgia.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces/432 grams) white cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
Flavoring and Extracts:
- 1 teaspoon peppermint or mint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decorative and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon green gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for effortless release and cleaning.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend cake mix, softened butter, and eggs until the mixture transforms into a smooth, uniform dough.
- Infuse the dough with peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and vibrant green gel food coloring, stirring on low speed to ensure even color distribution.
- Create a coating mixture by whisking powdered sugar and cornstarch in a separate small bowl.
- Utilize a medium cookie scoop to form dough balls, then meticulously roll each one in the powdered sugar mixture until completely enveloped.
- Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, positioning them approximately 2 inches apart to allow proper spreading.
- Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and a dry surface appearance.
- While cookies are still warm, delicately press a single red heart-shaped sprinkle into the center of each cookie for a whimsical touch.
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture.
Notes
- Swap cake mix with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals to make these festive treats accessible to everyone.
- Reduce peppermint extract by half if you prefer a subtler mint flavor, ensuring the taste doesn’t overpower the cookie’s sweetness.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling in powdered sugar to prevent sticking and create a more even coating on each cookie.
- Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to maintain their soft texture and prevent crumbling for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg