Perfect Grinch Cookies: A Holiday Must-Bake
These Perfect Grinch Cookies are everything you want in a holiday treat—bright, whimsical, soft, thick, and impossibly festive. With their vibrant green hue, studded with red and green M&Ms, creamy white chocolate chips, and a touch of powdered sugar sparkle, they truly capture the spirit of the season. One bite, and you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a Hallmark Christmas movie—cozy, sweet, and full of joy.
Why You’ll Love These Grinch Cookies
Let’s be real—December baking can sometimes feel overwhelming. But these cookies? They’re an easy win. You get bakery-quality results with simple ingredients, and because the dough starts with a cake mix, there’s no measuring out flour, baking powder, or sugar. The end result is a batch of soft, chewy, and puffy cookies with a delightful pop of crunch from the M&Ms. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a cookie swap, or just want to treat yourself, these Grinch Cookies are foolproof and fun.
The Story Behind Grinch Cookies
Inspired by the beloved holiday character with a heart “two sizes too small,” these cookies are a cheerful tribute to the transformation of the Grinch—from grumpy to joyful. Their green color represents the Grinch himself, and the red and white candies represent his growing heart and the love of the Whos down in Whoville. They’re a great conversation starter and perfect for holiday movie nights, especially with How the Grinch Stole Christmas playing in the background.
Let’s Talk Texture: Puffy, Soft, and Bakery-Style Thick
The secret sauce to these cookies lies in their texture. We’re talking pillowy-soft insides, slightly crispy edges, and that satisfying bite when you hit an M&M or white chocolate chip. The cookies don’t flatten out too much, thanks to chilling the dough and the exact balance of fat from the butter and cake mix. That crinkled top? It’s not just for looks—it’s the mark of a perfectly baked cookie. Think levain-style bakery cookies, but with a holiday twist.
The Secret to That Vivid Green Color
Let’s talk green. You want that bright, Grinchy green that screams “holiday magic,” right? Skip the liquid food coloring—it waters down the dough. The trick is green gel food coloring. Start with 1 teaspoon, and if it’s not vibrant enough, add a bit more. Remember, the color intensifies slightly as it bakes. Also, using a white base (like white cake mix) ensures your green pops rather than dulling into a swampy shade.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients List
Here’s the magic formula for these festive treats:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons green gel food coloring
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup red & green M&Ms (reserve ¼ cup for topping)
- *Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
All ingredients work in harmony to deliver the final look you see in the image—vivid green, perfectly cracked tops, and cheerful red, green, and white accents.
Cake Mix vs. Traditional Dough: Why It Works
If you’re skeptical about using cake mix, don’t be. It delivers a fluffy, soft, cake-like cookie that stays moist for days. Plus, it already contains leavening agents and sugar—saving time and effort. And trust us, no one will guess it’s cake mix. They’ll just ask for the recipe.
Optional Toppings That Take Them Over the Top
While these cookies already look like they’ve been crafted by Santa’s own bakers, here are a few ideas to jazz them up:
- Dust with powdered sugar for that snowy effect
- Add extra white chocolate chips to the tops for a melty finish
- Use mini marshmallows for a s’mores-inspired version
- Sprinkle with edible glitter for extra sparkle
The cookies in your image have a subtle snowy sheen and pops of bright color, which makes powdered sugar and colorful candies non-negotiable!
How to Make Grinch Cookies – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and green gel food coloring. The dough should be thick, smooth, and vibrantly green. Use a spatula or hand mixer for ease. Make sure to scrape down the sides so everything’s evenly colored.
⏱️ Time: 5 minutes
Step 2: Fold in the Candy
Once your dough is well mixed, gently fold in:
- ¾ cup of the red & green M&Ms
- 1 cup of white chocolate chips
Be careful not to overmix—you want even distribution, but without smashing the candies.
⏱️ Time: 2 minutes
Step 3: Chill Like a Pro
This is key to achieving that thick, bakery-style puff. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes. It firms up the butter and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes
Step 4: Roll and Bake
Scoop 2–3 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Space them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet (about 2 inches apart). Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 9–11 minutes.
You’re looking for a soft, puffy top with slight cracking—not browned. They’ll continue to set on the tray as they cool.
⏱️ Bake Time: 11 minutes
Step 5: Decorate and Dust
Right after baking, while cookies are still soft, press the reserved M&Ms and a few extra white chocolate chips into the tops. This makes them look like the photo—cheerful and colorful. Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a magical touch.
⏱️ Final Touch Time: 3 minutes
Tips to Get Bakery-Style Results Every Time
If you’re going to the trouble of making Grinch Cookies, you might as well make them look and taste like they came straight from a professional bakery, right? Here are some tried-and-true tips to level up your cookie game:
- Chill the dough: This is non-negotiable. It firms up the fat (butter), which prevents the cookies from overspreading in the oven. Chilled dough = thicker cookies.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat: It helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents over-browning on the bottom.
- Scoop evenly: Use a cookie scoop (around 2 tablespoons in size) for even portions, which means even baking.
- Don’t overbake: These cookies should look soft, puffy, and slightly underdone when you pull them out. The residual heat finishes the job as they cool.
- Press toppings after baking: This ensures that the candies sit on top instead of getting hidden inside the dough.
That’s how you get the crinkled top, bright colors, and bakery-perfect thickness just like in the image!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few pitfalls that can lead to disappointing results. Here’s what to avoid:
- Using liquid food coloring: This waters down your dough and dulls the color. Always go with gel-based food coloring for vivid, vibrant green.
- Skipping the chill time: Warm dough = flat cookies. Cold dough = thick, chewy cookies.
- Overmixing after adding M&Ms: This can cause them to crack and bleed their color into the dough.
- Baking until golden brown: Don’t wait for browning—these cookies should stay soft and green. A slightly cracked surface is your sign that they’re done.
Stick to the steps, and you’ll be golden (or should we say, Grinch green?).
How to Store Grinch Cookies
One of the best parts about these cookies is how well they store. They’re great for baking ahead of the holidays.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layer parchment between cookies to prevent sticking.
- Add a slice of bread: Placing a slice of white bread in the container keeps cookies soft by absorbing excess moisture.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Keep them in a cool, dry place so the M&Ms and chocolate don’t melt or discolor.
They taste just as good on Day 4 as they do fresh out of the oven—if they last that long!
Can You Freeze Grinch Cookies?
Absolutely! Whether you want to prep ahead or save leftovers, these cookies are freezer-friendly.
To freeze the dough:
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet to flash freeze.
- Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months.
- When ready to bake, bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
To freeze baked cookies:
- Let them cool completely.
- Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or layer between parchment paper in an airtight container.
- Thaw at room temp or microwave for 10–15 seconds to warm up.
They’re just as magical from the freezer as they are fresh!
Ideas to Customize the Recipe
Want to make your Grinch Cookies stand out even more or fit different holiday themes? Try these fun twists:
Make it Peppermint-Themed
- Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the dough.
- Swap some of the M&Ms with crushed peppermint candies or peppermint bark chips.
Use a Heart-Shaped M&M
- Look for seasonal heart-shaped candies or decorate the center of each cookie with a red candy heart.
- It’s the perfect nod to the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes!
Add Sprinkles
- Mix in holiday sprinkles or jimmies for extra color and crunch.
Make Them Grinch-Stuffed
- Wrap the dough around a mini candy bar like white chocolate Reese’s or peppermint kisses for a surprise inside.
Making Grinch Cookies with Kids: A Fun Holiday Activity
These cookies are a fantastic holiday project for kids of all ages. The vibrant color, candy toppings, and easy steps make it super fun and hands-on.
Here’s how to make it more fun for the little ones:
- Let them add the food coloring and watch the dough transform into Grinch green.
- Give them control of the M&M and chocolate chip placement on top.
- Use fun aprons or play holiday music (“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” is a must!).
It’s messy, silly, sweet, and totally memory-making.
Print
Perfect Grinch Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 51 minutes
- Category: Christmas Cookies • Holiday Baking • Festive Desserts • Easy Cake Mix Treats
Description
💚 Soft, puffy, brightly green, and filled with sweet pops of red and white! These festive Grinch cookies bake up thick, cozy, and magically crinkled — the ultimate holiday cookie joy. 🎄🍪✨
Ingredients
1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 teaspoons green gel food coloring
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup red & green M&Ms (reserve ¼ cup for topping)
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Mix the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and green gel food coloring until a thick dough forms. ⏱️ 5 minutes
Fold in the white chocolate chips and ¾ cup of the red & green M&Ms, reserving the rest for topping. ⏱️ 2 minutes
Chill the dough in the refrigerator so the cookies stay thick and puffy while baking. ⏱️ 30 minutes
Roll the dough into 2–3 tablespoon-sized balls, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes until puffed, soft, slightly cracked, and not browned. ⏱️ 11 minutes
While still warm, press the remaining M&Ms and extra white chips into the tops, then dust with powdered sugar for the perfect festive finish. ⏱️ 3 minutes
Notes
Chilling the dough is essential for thick, puffy cookies that don’t spread.
Use gel food coloring, not liquid, for a vibrant Grinch-green shade.
Add extra M&Ms and white chocolate chips on top while warm for a bakery-style look.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze the baked cookies (without powdered sugar) for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 14–16 cookies
- Calories: 210 kcal
Serving Suggestions for the Holidays
These cookies are showstoppers on any dessert table, but here’s how to make them extra festive:
- Serve with hot cocoa or peppermint lattes
- Add them to a cookie tray or holiday gift box
- Pair with a Grinch movie night (bonus: serve with green punch or milk!)
- Tie them in clear bags with red ribbon as party favors
However you serve them, they’ll disappear fast—so make a double batch if you can!
You may like to read these recipes :
Cool Whip Christmas Crinkle Cookies – A Festive Treat Straight from the Heart🎄
Christmas Funfetti Frosted Sugar Cookies: A Sweet Holiday Tradition
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Cookie)
Here’s a rough estimate for one cookie (based on 16 cookies total):
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 28g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
They’re sweet treats, so enjoy in moderation—but hey, it’s the holidays!
Final Thoughts: These Cookies Are the Holiday Cheer in Every Bite
If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday cookie that’s easy, festive, and fun for the whole family, these Grinch Cookies check every box. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, a cookie swap, or just for fun, they’ll steal the show—and maybe your heart too, just like the Grinch himself.
Their soft, thick texture, burst of chocolatey goodness, and bold holiday colors make them a fan favorite. And thanks to the cake mix shortcut, you’ll spend less time measuring and more time enjoying.
So, what are you waiting for? Turn up the holiday tunes, preheat that oven, and bring a little Grinchy cheer to your kitchen!
Similar recipes :
🎄 Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Delight
Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies – A Holiday Favorite That Warms the Soul
FAQs
1. Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
You can, but it won’t be as vibrant, and it may alter the texture. Stick with gel food coloring for best results.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies stay soft for days and freeze beautifully. Make ahead and store in an airtight container.
3. What if I don’t have white cake mix?
You can use yellow cake mix, but the color won’t be as vivid. White cake mix helps the green stand out more.
4. Can I add nuts to the dough?
Sure! Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch, but keep in mind this alters the texture.
5. Do these cookies spread a lot?
Not if you chill the dough! Chilling is key to keeping them thick and bakery-style.
