Every December, our family settles in to watch How The Grinch Stole Christmas; popcorn bowls in our laps and fuzzy socks on. Somewhere between “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and the snow swirling in Whoville, the idea for these Grinch cake mix cookies was born.
They’re everything a Christmas cookie should be: bright, soft, sweet, and simple enough to make with kids in under half an hour. I like to say they’re proof that even a busy holiday season still has room for a little baking magic.
Grinch Cake Mix Cookies
If holiday baking feels hectic, this recipe is your calm moment in the chaos. You’ll like these easy Grinch cookies because they’re made from a simple boxed cake mix; no need to measure flour or dig out your mixer attachments. The dough mixes up quickly, rolls easily, and bakes into pillowy green cookies that stay soft for days. They’re perfect for Christmas movie nights (especially The Grinch!), holiday cookie exchanges, or quick, last-minute desserts when guests drop by. Plus, the red candy hearts make them instantly recognizable; a cheerful nod to the Grinch’s heart that grew three sizes that day. For more colorful cookie fun, try Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies or Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies; both bring that same cheerful, soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that kids (and adults) love.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and gives that pretty “snow-dusted” look.
- Cornstarch: Helps the powdered sugar cling and keeps cookies thick.
- Cake Mix: A box of white or vanilla cake mix works best. Use yellow cake mix if white isn’t available (the color will be a bit warmer). This recipe is quite similar to my Super Easy Christmas Cake Mix Cookies, which also come together quickly with just 4 ingredients.
- Butter: Softened butter adds rich flavor and tenderness. Swap butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Vegetable Oil: Just a tablespoon keeps the cookies moist without greasiness.
- Eggs: Two large eggs, at room temperature, give the cookies structure.
- Green Food Coloring: Gel coloring gives that vivid Grinch green without thinning the dough.
- Heart-Shaped Sprinkles or Red Candy Melts: The finishing touch; bright red hearts to decorate each cookie. In a pinch, red M&Ms or cinnamon hearts candy work for decoration.
Buy Now → Yes, but gel works best for the bold Grinch green color.
How To Make Grinch Cake Mix Cookies
Prep the Basics
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch; set aside for rolling later.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, and eggs with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add the Cake Mix
Pour in the boxed cake mix and mix until combined. The dough will be thick; that’s exactly how you want it.
Color It Grinch Green
Add a few drops of green gel food coloring at a time until you reach that perfect festive shade.
Shape, Bake, & Cool
Use a small cookie scoop to portion dough balls. Roll each one in the powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture until completely coated, then place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Bake 8 to 10 minutes.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
To attach the hearts, mix 1 tablespoon of the powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture with ½ tablespoon of water to make “cookie glue.” Dab the back of each heart and press onto the cookie.
The dough may have been too warm; chill it 15 to 20 minutes before baking.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: Use a gluten-free white cake mix for an easy GF version.
Flavor Enhancements: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract.
Add-In Options: Try mini white chocolate chips or crushed peppermint pieces in the dough.
Simple Substitutions: If you don’t have sprinkles, pipe tiny hearts with red icing.
Tips for Recipe Success: For best results, use gel food coloring to achieve the brightest green without thinning the dough. If the dough feels a bit sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before rolling. When baking, keep a close eye on the cookies; underbaking slightly is better than letting them brown so they stay soft and keep their vibrant green color.
Hospitality Challenge
Plan a small gathering at your table this week and invite two households, one you know well and one you want to know better. Keep it simple with Easy Hot Chocolate Recipe (Rich & Creamy in 7 Minutes), a cookie decorating station, and a bowl of this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip. Then a short “heart story” time where each person shares one way God has grown their heart this year. Before guests leave, circle up for a brief prayer of blessing, offer a take-home bag with a red heart note that includes your number, and gently share that your home is open because Jesus first made room for you.
More Joyful Christmas Treats
- 4-Ingredient Pretzel Christmas Treats in 10 Minutes
- Easy Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
- Festive Christmas Chex Mix
- Christmas Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
- Christmas Pudding Balls
These Grinch cake mix cookies are proof that a little color, a little sweetness, and a lot of love can turn an ordinary day into a holiday memory. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Easy Grinch Cake Mix Cookies
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 15.25 ounces cake mix, boxed, white or vanilla flavor works best
- ⅓ cup butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, large, at room temperature
- Green food coloring, gel recommended for a vibrant color
Decorations
- jumbo red hearts candys
Instructions
Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch. Set aside.¼ cup powdered sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch
Mix the wet ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, oil, and eggs.⅓ cup butter, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 2 eggs
- Use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat for about until well combined.
Add the cake mix
- Pour in the boxed cake mix.15.25 ounces cake mix
- Mix until combined. The dough will be thick.
Add the color
- Stir in a few drops at a time of green food coloring until you reach your desired shade of Grinch green.Green food coloring
Shape and coat the cookies
- Use a small cookie scoop (or a spoon) to scoop dough balls. The dough will be soft.
- Drop each dough ball directly into the powdered sugar mixture, then gently roll until coated.
- Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the cookies
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the cookie sheets halfway through.
- The cookies should be puffed and soft in the center. Avoid overbaking, as the edges may brown and lose their bright green color.
Cool and decorate
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To attach heart sprinkles, mix 1 tablespoon of the powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture with 1/2 tablespoon of water to make a “glue,” Using a toothpick cover the back of a heart with the mixture and press a heart sprinkle on each cookie.jumbo red hearts candys
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps up to 10 days.
- Freezer: Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for 2 to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm baked cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore softness.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Freeze coated dough balls on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
