Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven: Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheating your oven to 350°F.
- Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
- Add color: Pour in the green gel food coloring and mix until the dough turns a vibrant shade of green.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and place the dough in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial for maintaining the shape of your cookies.
- Prepare the coating: In a small bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch.
- Form the cookies: Take the dough out of the fridge, scoop it into balls, and roll each ball in the sugar-cornstarch mixture.
- Flatten and top: Place them on your lined baking sheet and gently flatten the tops with the bottom of a glass. Press a candy heart into each one.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, aiming for 9 minutes for that perfect soft center. Do not overbake!
- Cool and enjoy: Allow to cool on the sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Grinch Cake Mix Cookies are best served fresh, but there are plenty of fun ways to present them! Arrange the cookies on a festive plate and sprinkle some powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Pair them with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a fun holiday punch. Kids will love making these cookies as gifts, so consider packaging them in decorative bags.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store any leftovers (if there are any!), place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week. If you want to store them for longer, consider freezing them. Simply place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container layered with parchment paper for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy more.
Helpful cooking tips
- Do not skip the chill: Chilling the dough is essential to keep your cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Monitor closely while baking: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies after the 8-minute mark.
- Customize the color and toppings: Feel free to experiment with different shades of green or even choose alternate toppings like chocolate chips!
Creative twists
Looking for some ways to switch up this recipe? Consider adding white chocolate chips for a delightful contrast or swap out the candy hearts for some festive M&Ms. For an extra twist, you could replace the vanilla extract with peppermint to give these cookies a refreshing holiday vibe.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Chocolate or red velvet cake mixes could create an interesting base flavor while maintaining the festive look with green coloring.
How long do these cookies take to make?
From start to finish, including chilling time, you can have these delightful cookies ready in about 45 minutes.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Just scoop it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven without the need to thaw.
