There’s something special about the holiday season, isn’t there? The moment I feel that crisp chill in the air, I’m ready to bake. One of my favorite cookies to whip up—especially around Christmas time—are these adorable Grinch Cookies. Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s beloved character, these cookies are bright green with a little red heart right in the center, symbolizing the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes. They’re festive, fun, and best of all, super easy to make thanks to a clever cake mix shortcut. Plus, if you love minty flavors, these will really hit the spot.

I have a funny story about these cookies. The first time I made them, I was just trying to entertain my niece, who’s absolutely obsessed with the Grinch. It was one of those cold December afternoons where we wanted something sweet but didn’t have the energy for a big baking project. A box of cake mix was sitting in the pantry, and we decided to experiment. The result? These Grinch Cookies that have now become a family favorite. It’s hard not to smile when you see that little red heart nestled in the center of each cookie. And every time I make them, it reminds me of that cozy day spent in the kitchen, laughing and getting a little too much flour everywhere!

The Grinchy magic behind these cookies

What makes these cookies truly special—besides how cute they look—is their flavor and texture. With the refreshing hint of peppermint extract and the buttery richness from the cake mix base, these cookies strike a perfect balance between being crisp on the outside and soft, chewy goodness on the inside. They’re not only a crowd-pleaser for kids but also for the adults who love a nostalgic twist on a traditional holiday treat. Plus, who doesn’t love a recipe where the hardest part is deciding how green to make your dough?

A little cookie history (and how they’ve evolved)

While these cookies are a relatively modern take, peppermint-flavored cookies have been part of Christmas traditions for decades. Peppermint desserts, in general, date back to Europe, where the minty flavor was often incorporated into candies and pastries during the holidays. The Grinch Cookies themselves are a playful nod to “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” with the heart sprinkle referencing the Grinch’s change of heart. Over time, the popularity of themed holiday treats has exploded, and these cookies are a great example of how food can reflect culture and storytelling.

Let’s talk ingredients: the good, the better, and the “oops I’m out of that”

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but every ingredient plays an important role.

White cake mix: This is your base, and it simplifies everything. If you don’t have white cake mix, yellow will work too, though the green might turn out a bit less vibrant.
Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, buttery flavor. If you only have salted butter, just omit any added salt from the recipe (though we don’t call for any here!).
Peppermint extract: This gives the cookies their signature minty flavor. If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can swap it out for vanilla extract for a more traditional sugar cookie vibe.
Green gel food coloring: Gel food coloring is ideal because it gives a strong color without altering the dough’s texture. You can use liquid food coloring, but you might need more of it to get that Grinchy green.
Powdered sugar and cornstarch: These create a light, slightly crackly coating on the outside of the cookie, which contrasts nicely with the soft interior.
Red heart sprinkle: A small but mighty touch that transforms these from plain green cookies into festive Grinch treats. If you can’t find heart sprinkles, a red M&M works too!

Kitchen gear: What you need (and what you can totally skip)

No need for any fancy gadgets here, though having a few basic tools will make your baking session a breeze.

Stand mixer or hand mixer: Mixing the dough can get thick, so I recommend using one of these. You could also use a wooden spoon and some elbow grease if needed, but it’ll be more work!
Cookie scoop: This helps keep your cookies uniform in size and makes the dough easier to handle (especially since it’s a bit sticky). If you don’t have a scoop, just use a tablespoon.
Baking sheet and parchment paper: Parchment paper ensures easy cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking. You could also use a silicone baking mat.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

Preheat and prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Trust me, you don’t want to forget this step and end up with raw dough on a cold baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Mixing the dough: In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, softened butter, and eggs using a mixer. The dough will be thick and sticky—it’s supposed to be! I made the mistake of adding extra flour the first time, thinking it was too sticky, and ended up with dry cookies.
Add flavor and color: Pour in your peppermint and vanilla extracts. Then, start adding your green gel food coloring, a little at a time, until you achieve that perfect Grinchy green. Be careful not to overdo it—the dough doesn’t need to look radioactive!
Coat in powdered sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and cornstarch. Scoop out balls of dough (about 1 ½ tablespoons each), then roll them in the sugar mixture. The dough will be sticky, but that’s what helps the powdered sugar stick and form those pretty cracks during baking.
Bake and add the heart: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look dry. Once they’re out of the oven, immediately press a red heart sprinkle into each cookie. I recommend doing this quickly before the cookies cool too much—otherwise, the sprinkles won’t stick.
Cool completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. I’ve burned my fingers trying to move them too soon—so take it from me, a little patience here goes a long way.

Variations: Customizing your Grinch Cookies

Want to put your own spin on these? There are so many fun ways to switch them up!

Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free cake mix, and you’re good to go! Just check your other ingredients (like the powdered sugar) to make sure they’re also gluten-free.
Vegan twist: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) in place of the eggs.
Extra minty: For a stronger mint flavor, try adding crushed peppermint candies to the dough, or drizzle the cookies with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Seasonal swap: For a different holiday, you could change up the food coloring (think pastel colors for Easter) or use different shaped sprinkles (stars, anyone?).

Serving ideas for maximum holiday cheer

If you’re hosting a holiday party, these cookies deserve a special place on your dessert table. Serve them on a festive platter with a few sprigs of holly or some candy canes scattered around. For a cute touch, you can arrange the cookies in the shape of a Christmas tree and place a star-shaped cookie on top!

Drinks to pair with your Grinch Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right drink can elevate the experience. I love them with a big mug of hot cocoa, especially one with a peppermint twist. A cup of coffee also balances out the sweetness nicely. For adults, try pairing them with a peppermint schnapps-spiked hot chocolate or a glass of dessert wine.

Storing and reheating

These cookies will keep well at room temperature for up to 4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them (without the heart sprinkles) for up to 3 months—just thaw and add the sprinkles before serving. To freshen them up, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Scaling the recipe

Need more cookies? This recipe doubles easily, but when tripling it, I’ve found the dough can get a bit too dense. If you need a massive batch, I’d recommend making two separate batches rather than tripling.

Wrap-up and final thoughts

Whether you’re a longtime Grinch fan or just looking for a fun holiday treat, these Grinch Cookies are sure to make you smile. They’re festive, minty, and incredibly easy to make—perfect for a last-minute holiday bake or a fun project with kids. Give them a try, and don’t be afraid to make them your own!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different extract? Yes! Vanilla or almond extract work well if you’re not a fan of peppermint.

2. Why is my dough so sticky? It’s supposed to be a bit sticky! That’s what helps the powdered sugar stick and form cracks while baking.

3. Can I freeze these cookies? Absolutely! Just freeze them before adding the heart sprinkles.

4. My cookies aren’t as green as I wanted. What did I do wrong? You might not have used enough food coloring. Try using gel food coloring for a more vibrant color.

5. How do I make them softer? Try underbaking them slightly. Take them out when the edges are just set for a softer, chewier cookie.

Grinch Cookies Recipe