Grinch Sugar Cookies: Sweet, Soft, and Full of Holiday Cheer

Last Updated on November 10, 2025 by Chef Josie

Bring a touch of fun and festive mischief to your baking with these Grinch Sugar Cookies! Bright green, soft, and chewy, these cookies are the perfect treat for your Christmas dessert table. Decorated with a single red heart, they capture the spirit of everyone’s favorite holiday classic; perfect for cookie exchanges, kids’ parties, or a cozy Christmas movie night.

These Grinch-themed sugar cookies are simple to make and guaranteed to spread Christmas cheer (and maybe grow a few hearts, too).

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Why You’ll Love These Grinch Sugar Cookies

• Fun and festive: The bright green color and red heart make them instantly recognizable.
• Soft and chewy texture: Perfect balance between a sugar cookie and a crinkle cookie.
• Quick to make: Minimal ingredients and no rolling required.
• Kid-friendly: A great recipe to bake together as a family.
• Perfect for parties: A whimsical cookie everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• ½ tsp green gel food coloring (add more for deeper shade)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
• Red heart sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix dough: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, oil, and eggs until smooth.
3. Add color: Stir in green food coloring until evenly tinted.
4. Form cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
6. Decorate: While warm, press a red heart sprinkle into each cookie.
7. Cool: Let cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.

Notes and Top Tips

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant green cookies without making the dough too wet.
• Don’t overbake; cookies will firm up as they cool.
• For a snowy effect, dust lightly with powdered sugar before baking.
• Add a drop of peppermint extract for a festive flavor twist.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Grinch Sugar Cookies are a whimsical choice for holiday cookie platters, movie nights, and Christmas parties.

Variations:

• Grinch Kiss Cookies: Add a Hershey’s Kiss in the center instead of a heart.
• Frosted Grinch Cookies: Spread a layer of vanilla frosting and add green sugar crystals.
• Grinch Crinkle Cookies: Roll in powdered sugar before baking for a frosted look.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix for an easy substitute.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• At Room Temperature: Store in airtight containers for 4–5 days.
• Freeze Dough: Shape dough into balls and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen (add 1 minute).
• Freeze Baked Cookies: Cool completely, layer with parchment paper, and freeze up to 3 months.

Why You’ll Make Them Again

These Grinch Sugar Cookies are more than a treat; they’re a holiday tradition waiting to happen. Soft, vibrant, and full of personality, they bring a playful spirit to your Christmas table. Easy enough for kids to make and impressive enough for any festive event, these cookies are sure to make hearts grow three sizes bigger this season.

FAQs

1. Can I use sugar cookie dough instead of cake mix?
Yes! Replace the cake mix with homemade or store-bought sugar cookie dough and follow the same directions.

2. How do I keep my cookies soft?
Store them with a slice of bread in the container; it helps maintain moisture.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. How do I get the perfect Grinch green color?
Use gel food coloring, start with a small amount and add gradually for your desired shade.

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