Looking for a festive treat that’s fun to bake with your kids? These Easy Grinch Cookies are a holiday favorite! Soft, chewy, and colored Grinch green, each cookie is topped with a tiny red heart — just like the one that grew three sizes. They’re cheerful, simple to make, and perfect for family baking traditions.
Why You’ll Love These Grinch Cookies
These cookies are not just adorable — they’re also delicious. The buttery vanilla flavor and soft texture make them irresistible. The red candy heart adds the perfect festive touch. Plus, kids love making them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few ingredients to make these bright and merry cookies:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Green food coloring (gel works best)
- Red heart-shaped candies or red M&M’s
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
How to Make Grinch Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Stir until a thick dough forms. Add green food coloring until it reaches your desired Grinch green shade.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to roll.
Step 3: Shape and Coat
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll them into balls, then coat in powdered sugar.
Step 4: Bake
Place dough balls on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. They should be puffed and slightly cracked on top.
Step 5: Add the Heart
While cookies are still warm, gently press a red heart candy into the center of each. Let cool completely before serving.
Tips for Perfect Grinch Cookies
- Use gel food coloring for bold color without thinning the dough.
- Don’t overbake. These cookies should stay soft and chewy.
- Let kids roll the dough and add the hearts it’s their favorite part!
Make Them Ahead
These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them later.
A Sweet Holiday Tradition
Grinch cookies are a great way to bring your favorite holiday story to life. Make them while watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas or during a holiday party with kids. They’re fun, festive, and guaranteed to bring smiles.
Print
Easy Grinch Cookies | Cute Holiday Baking Idea for Kids
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, chewy Grinch cookies made with cake mix and topped with a red heart candy. Fun and easy for kids to help bake during the holidays!
Ingredients
1 box vanilla cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Green food coloring (gel preferred)
Red heart candies or red M&Ms
Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla until dough forms.
2. Add green food coloring and mix until evenly colored.
3. Chill dough in the fridge for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls and coat in powdered sugar.
6. Place on baking sheet, spaced apart.
7. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until just set.
8. While warm, press a red heart candy into the center of each cookie.
9. Cool completely and serve.
Notes
Use gel food coloring for vibrant color.
Don’t overbake — cookies should be soft and slightly underdone in the center.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Let kids help roll and decorate for extra fun.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
