Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Grinch Crinkle Cookies are a fun and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. With their vibrant green color and sweet red heart accent, they bring a playful twist to classic crinkle cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 large eggs
- Green gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 18 large red heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until everything is fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Add a few drops of green gel food coloring to the dough and mix well, adjusting the amount until you reach a Grinchy shade of green.
- Step 4: Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop out the dough and roll each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring each ball is fully coated.
- Step 5: Place the powdered dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and crinkled on top.
- Step 6: While the cookies are still warm, gently press a red heart sprinkle onto the top of each cookie.
- Step 7: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper green color, use gel food coloring rather than liquid to avoid thinning the dough.
- Try different shaped sprinkles for various holiday themes or occasions.
- If you want a slightly crunchier cookie, bake for the full 12 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in a microwave or enjoy at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
While yellow cake mix gives a classic taste and color base, you can experiment with white or vanilla cake mix. Keep in mind this may slightly change the flavor and texture of your cookies.
Why are the cookies crinkled on top?
The powdered sugar coating and baking process cause the dough to crack and form the signature crinkle pattern as the cookies spread and rise in the oven.
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Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies are a fun and easy holiday treat featuring a bright green color and a sweet red heart accent. Made with a yellow cake mix base, they are soft, chewy, and perfectly crinkled on top, ideal for holiday parties or a whimsical snack that captures the spirit of the season.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 large eggs
- Green gel food coloring, as needed to reach desired shade
Coating and Decoration
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 18 large red heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking during baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable or canola oil, and eggs. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth dough.
- Add Color: Add a few drops of green gel food coloring to the dough. Mix thoroughly, adding more drops as needed, until the dough reaches a vibrant Grinchy green hue.
- Form Dough Balls: Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the dough into evenly sized balls. Roll each dough ball thoroughly in powdered sugar to ensure a full coating.
- Arrange & Bake: Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 12 minutes or until the cookies are set and show a crinkled appearance on top.
- Add Decorations: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one large red heart sprinkle onto the top center of each warm cookie to decorate.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture before serving or storing.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of green gel food coloring to achieve the exact Grinch green shade you prefer.
- Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should remain soft and chewy with distinct crinkles.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and easy clean-up.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Grinch cookies, crinkle cookies, green cookies, holiday cookies, easy Christmas cookies, cake mix cookies, festive dessert
