Grinch Cookies with Mint and Heart Sprinkles Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, festive treat that’s bursting with holiday spirit, this Grinch Cookies with Mint and Heart Sprinkles Recipe is a total winner. I absolutely love how these cookies come out soft, minty, and just the right shade of green – perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges or just cozy nights by the fire. Plus, those adorable red heart sprinkles? They add just the right pop of sweetness and cuteness. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a go-to holiday classic in your kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients really makes all the difference for this Grinch Cookies with Mint and Heart Sprinkles Recipe. You’ll find that the cake mix creates a tender crumb, while the peppermint extract brings in that cool holiday vibe, perfectly balancing the sweetness.

• White cake mix: Look for a high-quality box cake mix for the best base—this keeps things simple and reliably delicious.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key here to mix smoothly and add richness without overpowering flavors.
• Large eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps the dough come together more evenly.
• Peppermint (or mint) extract: This is the star for that unmistakable holiday freshness—I recommend using peppermint, but mint works too.
• Vanilla extract: Just a little to round out the flavor and add warmth.
• Green gel food coloring: Gel colors give you vibrant color without changing the dough consistency like liquid dyes might.
• Powdered sugar: Used with cornstarch to coat the dough and keep those sticky cookie balls from gluing to your hands.
• Cornstarch: Helps the sugar coating adhere and prevents the dough from being too tacky during rolling.
• Red heart-shaped sprinkles (or cinnamon hearts): These add the cutest finishing touch and contrast perfectly with the green dough.

Variations

I love customizing this Grinch Cookies with Mint and Heart Sprinkles Recipe depending on the season or who’s coming over. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—it’s really forgiving and adapts well to tweaks!

• Double Chocolate Mint: I sometimes add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough, which pairs beautifully with that mint flavor and feels extra indulgent.
• Allergy-Friendly: For gluten-free friends, try using a gluten-free cake mix and make sure your sprinkles are free of allergens.
• Non-Gel Food Coloring: If you don’t have gel food coloring, just use less liquid dye or natural colorings like matcha powder for a different green twist.
• Spiced Variation: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough gives these cookies a warm, cozy spin, perfect for chilly nights.

How to Make Grinch Cookies with Mint and Heart Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets you up for success by preventing sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I learned this the hard way—never skip the parchment!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Use a handheld or stand mixer to blend the white cake mix, softened butter, and eggs until everything is well combined. Then add your peppermint and vanilla extracts along with enough green gel food coloring to get that perfect Grinch-green vibe. Mix just until combined—overmixing will toughen the cookies, and the dough should be thick and sticky.

Step 3: Coat and Scoop the Dough

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch. This combo makes rolling much easier because the dough is pretty sticky. Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough, then roll each ball in the powdered sugar mixture to coat thoroughly. Don’t skip this step or you’ll have dough sticking everywhere (ask me how I know!). Place the coated balls about 1 inch apart on your baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake and Adorn

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the edges to set and the tops to look dry—that’s when they’re just right. Here’s a trick: remove cookies immediately after baking and gently press a red heart-shaped sprinkle onto each one. This way, the sprinkles stick perfectly before the cookies cool and harden.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully. This short rest helps them firm up without losing that soft, chewy texture we love. I always try one warm, though—there’s something magical about freshly baked Grinch Cookies with minty warmth!

How to Serve Grinch Cookies with Mint and Heart Sprinkles Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a little extra flair by dusting a bit of powdered sugar over the cookies before serving—it gives a magical snowy look. Sometimes I also add a few more heart sprinkles on the serving plate for that cheerful holiday vibe.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea. If you’re hosting a holiday brunch, try serving them alongside a creamy eggnog or even a cheese board for a sweet contrast. My family often reaches for these alongside spiced cider.

Creative Ways to Present

I discovered that placing these cookies in a clear mason jar with a festive ribbon instantly elevates the gift-giving vibe. For parties, arrange them on a bright red or white platter with some pine sprigs tucked around for a picture-perfect holiday centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover Grinch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering them between sheets of parchment paper. They stay soft and fresh for about 4-5 days. I always make extra because they seem to disappear fast!

Freezing

If you want to freeze these cookies, wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months, which is perfect if you want to prep ahead for a holiday gathering.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or leftover cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or heat briefly in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This brings back that soft, chewy texture and makes them taste just-baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grinch Cookies with Mint and Heart Sprinkles Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking tradition because it combines ease, festive looks, and incredible minty flavor all in one. I still remember the first time I made them for a family gathering—everyone went crazy for how soft, colorful, and fun they were. I’m confident you’ll enjoy baking and sharing these as much as I do. So grab your green food coloring and peppermint extract, and let’s make some magic—and maybe steal a few hearts along the way!

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