Grinch cookies will be one of your favorite Christmas desserts – and your kids too! These are so easy to make with cake mix and perfect for cookie exchanges.

Have you ever seen “How the Grinch Stole Christmas?” Of course you have! That’s why you’re here – but also, it’s been around as a TV special, book, and movie our whole lives.

I can’t remember Christmas before the Grinch! And honestly, his smile is one of my favorites. It’s very memorable.

But how much do you know about the Grinch truly? Let’s see if you are aware of these facts:

First Appearance – Before the famous book, The Grinch character appeared in a 32-line poem called “The Hoobub and the Grinch,” published in Redbook magazine in 1955.

He Didn’t Start Out Green – The original book illustrations by Dr. Seuss had The Grinch in black and white with pink eyes. The color version we know today (green) was popularized by the animated TV special.

Looney Director – The 1966 animated TV special was directed by Chuck Jones, the guy famous for Looney Tunes and Merry Melodies cartoons. He and Dr. Seuss actually knew each other from their time in the Army during WWII.

The Real Grinch – Some believe that Dr. Seuss modeled our favorite Christmas character after himself. Apparently, he wasn’t feeling the Christmas spirit one year and felt rather “Grinchy.”

I hope you enjoyed these fast facts, just as much as I hope you love these Grinch cookies.

These tasty cookies are VERY easy to make with a cake mix shortcut. You’ll add a few basic ingredients, green food coloring, and a candy heart to turn them into a delicious, Grinch themed dessert recipe.

The texture is often somewhere between a cookie and a piece of cake – soft, a bit chewy, but also crumbly. They’re super moist, thanks to the cake mix. You’re going to love them!

Here’s what you’re going to need for these:

Ingredients

1 box white cake mix
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp cornstarch
Green gel food coloring
Red heart shaped candy heart or sprinkles

Store these cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for 5-7 days. They will last about 10 days or so in the fridge.

Store completely cooled baked cookies in a freezer bag and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw cookies completely to room temperature before eating.

Get the printable recipe for these cookies below.

Grinch Cookies

Learn how to make Grinch cake mix cookies for Christmas! These are so cute, easy to make, and perfect for parties.

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 10

Chill Time: 30

Total Time: 55

Servings: cookies

Equipment

1 Baking sheet
1 Mixer

Ingredients

1 box white cake mix
1 stick unsalted butter softened
2 eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp cornstarch
Gel food coloring green
red heart sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Use a hand-held or stand mixer to combine cake mix, butter, and eggs until just combined.
Add in vanilla extract and green gel food coloring until desired green color is met, mixing until fully blended.
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch.
Scoop out the cookie dough with 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop rolling gently in hands to shape.
Place the dough into the powdered sugar and roll to coat.
Place the cookies onto the lined baking sheet and press down slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges start to brown a little bit.
Remove the cookies from the oven and gently place one heart-shaped sprinkle onto each cookie.
Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before moving to the wire rack to cool completely.