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Grinch Crinkle Cookies

The Grinch may be a mean one, but these cookies are anything but mean. These Grinch crinkle cookies are an easy Christmas treat made with a box cake mix. These festive cookies come together quickly and are perfect for the holiday season.

Pile of green Grinch crinkle cookies with red heart sprinkles.

Green Grinch Crinkle Cookies

I’ve always loved The Grinch – it’s such a fun, quirky story, and something about that grumpy green guy makes me smile. Last Christmas, we actually went to see the Broadway show, and it was so fun! Before we went, I made a batch of these Grinch crinkle cookies to share with my niece and nephew, and they loved them!

These cookies are made with cake mix, so they’re super easy to make – just a quick mix, roll, and bake. They’re perfect for making with kids since they come together so fast. The bright green color and little red hearts on top make them instantly recognizable as Grinch-themed, just like my Grinch Truffle Balls. They’re guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit.

Cake mix Grinch cookies with red hearts on the counter.

Ingredients

  • Yellow cake mix – The base that makes these green cookies soft and fluffy.
  • Vegetable or canola oil – Adds moisture for a chewy texture.
  • Eggs – Binds everything together for a soft bite.
  • Green gel food coloring – Gives these cookies their Grinch-green color.
  • Powdered sugar – Coats the cookies to create the classic crinkle look.
  • Red heart sprinkles – Adds the signature Grinch’s heart for a festive touch. I used the Sweet Tooth Fairy brand from Michaels.
Yellow cake mix, eggs, oil, powdered sugar, green food coloring, and red heart sprinkles arranged on the counter.

Making the Green Crinkle Cookies

  1. Prep – Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the dough – Combine the boxed cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl. Stir until everything is fully incorporated.
  3. Add the color – Add a few drops of food coloring to the dough and mix well. Adjust the amount until you reach a Grinchy shade of green.
  4. Shape and coat – Scoop the dough using a medium cookie scoop and roll each ball of dough in powdered sugar, making sure they’re fully coated.
Process showing three steps to mix the green cake mix cookie dough and one step to roll the dough balls in powdered sugar.
  1. Bake – Place the powdered dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are set and crinkled on top.
  2. Add the heart – While the cookies are still warm, gently press a red heart sprinkle onto the top of each cookie.
  3. Cool and enjoy – Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy your festive Grinch cookies!
Collage showing unbaked cookies and baked cookies on a baking sheet.

Variations and substitutions

Different cake mixes – Swap the yellow cake mix for white or vanilla for a slightly different flavor. I prefer the taste of the yellow cake mix, and since the color of the mix doesn’t impact the final color of the cookies in this recipe, I used it.

Butter swap – Replace the vegetable oil with an equal amount of melted unsalted butter. This will add a richer flavor to the cookies and give them a slightly firmer texture.

Extracts for flavor – Add a drop or two of peppermint, almond, or vanilla extract to give the cookies a unique twist. Peppermint can add a holiday feel, while almond brings a nutty warmth.

Heart sprinkle alternatives – If you can’t find red heart sprinkles, try a red candy-coated chocolate (like an M&M) or even two red jellybeans arranged for that signature heart.

Rolling in sugar alternatives – Instead of powdered sugar, roll the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar for a different texture or green sanding sugar for an extra pop of color.

Plate full of Grinch crinkle cookies.

Tips for Success

  • Chill the dough – If the dough feels sticky after mixing, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This makes it easier to roll into balls and helps the cookies keep their shape.
  • Coat generously in powdered sugar – Make sure each dough ball is well-coated in powdered sugar. This layer creates the classic crinkle effect as the cookies bake.
  • Use a cookie scoop – A cookie scoop helps keep the dough portions consistent so all the cookies bake evenly and look uniform.
  • Add hearts while warm – Press the red heart sprinkles onto the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven while they’re still warm and soft. This helps the hearts stick without sinking too deeply into the cookies.
Stack of four cake mix Grinch cookies on the counter.

How to store the cookies

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.

The cookies can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Place a piece of parchment or wax paper between the layers to prevent the cookies from sticking together.

Green cake mix Grinch cookies with red hearts arranged on the counter.

Looking for more holiday cookie recipes?

Check out these easy cake mix cookies.

Did you love these Grinch Christmas cookies? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Pile of green cake mix Grinch Christmas cookies.

Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Author: Mandy
These Grinch Crinkle Cookies are a fun, festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with a yellow cake mix, they’re simple to whip up, and the bright green color with a red heart gives a nod to the classic holiday character. Perfect for making with kids, these cookies add a playful touch to any dessert spread!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 18 Cookies
Calories 172 kcal

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
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degree F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until everything is fully incorporated.
  • Add a few drops of green food coloring to the dough and mix well, adjusting the amount until you reach a Grinchy shade of green.
  • Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop out the dough and roll each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring each ball is fully coated.
  • Place the powdered dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and crinkled on top.
  • While the cookies are still warm, gently press a red heart sprinkle onto the top of each cookie.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
  • The cookies can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent the cookies from sticking together.

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 183mgPotassium: 19mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 30IUCalcium: 54mgIron: 1mg

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated based on automated calculations and should be considered as an approximation. These estimates are provided as a courtesy. Please use your own brand’s nutritional values to verify accuracy.

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