Description
These Grinch Cake Mix Cookies are a fun, festive twist on classic cookies using a vanilla cake mix base. Enhanced with green food coloring for a vibrant holiday look and coated with powdered sugar and cornstarch, these soft, chewy cookies are perfect for Christmas celebrations. Topped with candy hearts or sprinkles, they bring both whimsy and sweetness to your holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (Betty Crocker recommended)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
Coating
- ⅓ cup confectioners’ sugar
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
Toppings
- Candy hearts or sprinkles, for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add green gel food coloring a little at a time until you achieve the desired vibrant green color. Mix thoroughly until a smooth dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Mix the coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch. This mixture will give the cookies their signature soft, powdery coating.
- Form and coat cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in the confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are completely coated.
- Bake the cookies: Place the coated dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly press a candy heart or sprinkle of your choice onto the top of each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your festive Grinch Cake Mix Cookies!
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for the best, brightest green color without affecting dough consistency.
- Chilling the dough prevents spreading and helps maintain the powdery coating.
- These cookies are best enjoyed within 3-4 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix.
- Adjust candy or sprinkle toppings according to your festive theme.
Keywords: Grinch cookies, cake mix cookies, Christmas cookies, festive cookies, green cookies, holiday baking