Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive twist to your cookie game this holiday season, you’re in for a treat! This Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to whip up when I want something bright, cheerful, and packed with minty, buttery goodness. I absolutely love how these cookies come out soft, slightly chewy, and bursting with that classic peppermint flavor that instantly puts a smile on your face. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll find yourself reaching for these green delights all season long!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling the ingredients together for this Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe is a breeze, and they all work in harmony to create that perfect balance of flavor and texture. One tip? Use gel food coloring for the brightest green without watering down your dough!

• White cake mix: The base of these cookies, it keeps things simple and adds a tender crumb texture.
• Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing and rich flavor.
• Large eggs: Room temperature eggs help make the dough smoother and the cookies rise nicely.
• Peppermint extract: The star flavor! I prefer peppermint, but mint extract is a fine substitute.
• Vanilla extract: Just a touch enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the peppermint.
• Green gel food coloring: This is how you get that signature Grinch-green without running into runny batter issues.
• Powdered sugar: For dusting the dough balls—keeps them from sticking and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Mixed with powdered sugar, it helps prevent the cookie dough from clumping while keeping cookies soft.
• Red heart-shaped sprinkles (or cinnamon hearts): They add that festive pop right on top, making the cookies irresistible.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe depending on the season or mood. It’s really flexible, so feel free to make it your own—whether you swap out toppings or tweak extracts, it’ll always turn out festive and fabulous.

• Chocolate Drizzle: I once drizzled melted white chocolate on top and it was a total hit—adds a sweet contrast to the mint.
• Valentine’s Day Twist: Replace the green with pink food coloring and use heart-shaped sprinkles for a cute, romantic vibe.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free white cake mix and it works beautifully without sacrificing texture.
• Extra Minty: For peppermint fanatics, try adding a little crushed peppermint candy into the powdered sugar coating.

How to Make Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, grab your mixer (I use my stand mixer) and blend together the white cake mix, softened butter, and eggs until the dough looks well combined. This step is key—you want everything smooth, but the batter will still be thick and sticky, so don’t worry if it feels a little dense.

Step 2: Add Peppermint, Vanilla, and Color

Next, stir in the peppermint and vanilla extracts. Now, here’s where the magic happens: add green gel food coloring bit by bit until you get the perfect Grinch green—you might want a few tablespoons, depending on your shade preference! Mix on low speed just to combine it all evenly without overworking the dough.

Step 3: Prepare the Powdered Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch. This mixture not only keeps your hands from sticking (trust me, I discovered this the hard way!) but also adds a light sweetness and helps your cookie balls hold their shape while baking.

Step 4: Form and Coat Cookie Dough Balls

Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop the sticky dough and roll it gently in the powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture to fully coat. This step takes a little patience because the dough clings, but it’s worth it! Place the coated dough balls about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet so they have room to spread a bit.

Step 5: Bake and Sprinkle

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and the tops look dry but not browned. Right after pulling them out, gently press a red heart-shaped sprinkle or cinnamon heart onto each cookie—this final touch not only makes them festive but adds a sweet surprise in every bite.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This keeps them from getting soggy on the bottom and maintains their soft, chewy texture.

How to Serve Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with red heart-shaped sprinkles right on top—it gives that perfect pop of color against the green. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I dust a little powdered sugar for a “snowy” effect or swap out hearts for mini crushed candy canes for an extra minty crunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies go wonderfully with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea. I also love serving them alongside a platter of cheese and fruits at holiday gatherings—it contrasts nicely with the sweetness, balancing out the spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive party, I like to arrange these cookies in a wreath shape on a large platter with fresh holly or sprigs of pine tucked around the edges—it looks stunning and makes the cookies feel even more special. Another fun idea is stacking them with layers of peppermint bark between for an indulgent treat display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Grinch Peppermint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

If I want to make these ahead, I freeze the fully cooled cookies in a zipper bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months—perfect for holiday prep!

Reheating

To enjoy frozen cookies, I thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours, then warm them for just 10-15 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven to revive that fresh-baked softness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe has become a holiday staple in my kitchen—and I can’t recommend it enough if you want something easy, festive, and irresistibly tasty. They’re so much fun to make and share, especially with kids who adore the bright green color and cute heart sprinkles. If you’re looking for a Christmas cookie that stands out on any dessert table, give these a try—you’ll love how they brighten up the season!

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