The Grinchiest Peppermint Christmas Cookies Recipe Ever

Whip up a batch of these delightful Christmas Grinch cookies with peppermint flavor that will steal hearts faster than the Grinch stole Christmas.

Soft, chewy, and bursting with festive green color, these treats capture the playful spirit of the holiday season.

The vibrant green hue and peppermint twist make them a showstopper at any holiday gathering.

Rich buttercream frosting and a sprinkle of candy cane pieces add a delicious crunch to each bite.

Kids and adults alike will fall in love with these whimsical cookies that bring a touch of Whoville magic to your dessert table.

Trust me, these cookies are so good, they’ll make even the grumpiest Grinch smile.

Bake a batch and watch the holiday cheer spread like wildfire.

Why Grinch Cookies Are So Festive

• Whip up these delightful Grinch-themed cookies that instantly bring festive spirit and playful character to your holiday baking.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Engage kids in decorating with heart-shaped sprinkles, creating memorable moments and adding a whimsical touch to holiday treats that everyone will adore.
• Peppermint flavor and vibrant green color make these cookies a standout dessert for Christmas parties, family gatherings, and seasonal celebrations.

Ingredients for Peppermint Grinch Cookies

• Cake Mix: A base ingredient that provides the main structure and flavor for the festive Christmas cookies.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender texture in the cookies.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure.

• Peppermint Extract, Vanilla Extract: Provide a delightful minty and sweet flavor profile to the cookies.
• Green Food Coloring: Creates the signature Grinch-inspired green color of the cookies.

• Powdered Sugar, Cornstarch: Create a light, sweet coating that gives the cookies a festive finish.
• Heart-Shaped Sprinkles: Add a cute Grinch-themed decoration to complete the holiday look.

What You’ll Need for Grinch Cookies

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for blending cake mix, butter, and eggs smoothly and creating a consistent dough.
• Cookie Scoop: Perfect for creating uniform cookie sizes and ensuring even baking.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for combining ingredients and preparing the powdered sugar coating.
• Small Whisking Bowl: Used for mixing powdered sugar and cornstarch.
• Baking Sheet: Crucial for baking the cookies evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool completely and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring extracts and ingredients.

Steps to Make Grinch Cookie Magic

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375F and grab a baking sheet.

Line it with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Base

• Cake mix
• Softened butter
• Eggs

Whip these ingredients until they become a smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Color

• Peppermint extract
• Vanilla extract
• Green food coloring

Mix on low speed until everything looks perfectly green and smells delightful.

Step 4: Prepare Cookie Coating

In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch.

This magical mixture will give your cookies that perfect snowy look.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop to create little dough balls.

Roll each one in the sugar mixture, making sure they’re completely covered.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place cookies on the baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Slide into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges look set and tops appear dry.

Step 7: Add Grinch Hearts

Right after pulling cookies from the oven, place a heart-shaped sprinkle on top of each cookie.

Gently press so they stick.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Allow them to cool completely before devouring these festive treats.

Tips for Green Grinch Cookie Fun

• Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure cookies don't stick and make cleanup a breeze.
• Start with a small amount of green food coloring and gradually add more to achieve the perfect Grinch-like green without overwhelming the cookie's appearance.
• Let butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to create a smoother, more evenly blended dough.
• Roll cookies in powdered sugar mixture just before baking to create a beautiful crackled effect and sweet exterior.
• Apply heart sprinkles immediately after baking while cookies are still warm to help them adhere perfectly to the surface.

Fun Grinch Cookie Twists to Try

• Gluten-Free Grinch Cookies: Replace cake mix with gluten-free cake mix or almond flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Holiday Cookies: Swap butter and eggs with coconut oil and flax eggs to create a plant-based version of these festive treats.
• Low-Sugar Friendly Option: Use sugar-free cake mix and replace powdered sugar coating with monk fruit sweetener for diabetic-friendly cookies.
• Chocolate Mint Variation: Substitute green food coloring with cocoa powder and add dark chocolate chips for a rich, chocolatey Grinch cookie experience.

Serving Up Grinch Cookie Smiles

• Holiday Movie Night Pairing
• Christmas Party Centerpiece: Arrange cookies on a festive green platter with white powdered sugar dusting to create a whimsical dessert display that matches the Grinch's color scheme.
• Kids' Baking Adventure: Invite children to help place heart sprinkles, turning cookie preparation into a fun family activity that sparks holiday creativity and joy.
• Peppermint Gifting: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons, creating adorable homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday party hosts.

Storing Your Grinch Cookies Easily

• Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent softening.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crisp edges and soft center. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Reheat cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Use low power to prevent hardening and maintain their delicate texture.

FAQs

• Are these cookies really green like the Grinch?

Yes, the green food coloring transforms the cookie dough into a vibrant Grinch-inspired green color that’s fun and festive for Christmas.

• Can I make these cookies without a mixer?

While a mixer helps create a smoother batter, you can use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients, though it might require more arm strength and take longer.

• What gives these cookies their unique flavor?

The combination of peppermint and vanilla extracts creates a refreshing, minty taste that perfectly complements the holiday theme of the Grinch cookies.

• How do the heart-shaped sprinkles relate to the Grinch?

The small red heart sprinkles symbolize the Grinch’s heart growing, referencing the classic Christmas story and adding a cute, meaningful touch to the cookies.

Festive Christmas Grinch Cookies with Peppermint Flavor Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Playful Christmas Grinch cookies blend whimsical green sugar cookies with peppermint zest. Cheerful holiday treats delight guests with festive colors and spirited seasonal cheer.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 15.25 ounces (432 g) white cake mix
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter, softened

Flavoring and Coloring:

• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract or mint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green gel food coloring

Coating and Decoration:

• 1/4 cup (32 g) powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• Red heart-shaped sprinkle or cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for your festive treats.
2. Combine cake mix, softened butter, and eggs in a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer to create a smooth, uniform batter.
3. Incorporate peppermint and vanilla extracts, then add green food coloring to achieve a vibrant Grinch-like hue. Mix thoroughly until color is evenly distributed.
4. Prepare a coating mixture by blending powdered sugar and cornstarch in a separate small bowl, creating a light dusting mixture.
5. Utilize a cookie scoop to form uniform dough balls, then generously roll each one in the sugar-cornstarch mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Arrange cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately one inch apart to allow for spreading during baking.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and a dry surface that indicates perfect doneness.
8. Immediately after removing from the oven, delicately press a heart-shaped sprinkle onto the center of each warm cookie, creating a whimsical Grinch-themed decoration.
9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to achieve complete cooling and optimal texture.

Notes

• Customize Color Intensity experiment with different shades of green food coloring to match your Grinch theme perfectly, ranging from pale mint to deep emerald.
• Enhance Peppermint Flavor boost the mint profile by adding an extra 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract or using crushed candy canes as a topping for more festive crunch.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation swap the regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix alternative to make these cookies accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Storage Strategy store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg