Grinch Heart Cake Mix Cookies are fluffy, chewy green vanilla cookies with red candy hearts that capture the holiday spirit of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Made with simple cake mix, these kid-friendly treats are perfect for movie nights, cookie exchanges, or themed parties no advanced baking skills needed.
Why You’ll Love These Grinch Cookies
These cake mix cookies blend the soft texture of vanilla cake with chewy cookie goodness, dyed vibrant Grinch green and topped with red hearts for instant holiday cheer. Chilling the dough ensures perfect shape without spreading.
Fun for kids to decorate, they store easily and make adorable gifts in cellophane bags. Pair with Grinch-themed snacks for movie night magic.
Explore more themed holiday bakes on MyBakeRecipes.com alongside no-bake favorites like Sugar Cookie Truffles.mybakerecipes
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the doughIn a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Add green gel food coloring and mix until evenly colored and smooth.ChillCover and refrigerate dough for 20 minutes. This prevents spreading and sticky handling. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment.Prepare coatingIn a shallow bowl, whisk confectioners' sugar and cornstarch together.Shape cookiesScoop 1-inch dough balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll completely in sugar mixture and place 2 inches apart on sheets.youtubeFlatten lightlyGently press each ball with the flat bottom of a glass just enough to flatten the top surface—do not over-press to avoid thin cookies.youtubeAdd heartsPress a red candy heart gently into the center of each cookie.youtubeBakeBake 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft. Do not overbake for chewy texture. Cool on sheet 3-4 minutes, then transfer to rack.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs ensure even mixing; cold eggs cause lumps.
- If dough is sticky after chilling, add 1 tablespoon flour.
- Store at room temperature in airtight container up to 5 days.
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz box vanilla cake mix (dry mix only)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring (about 6-8 drops for Grinch green)
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 24 red candy hearts or large heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Mix the dough
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Add green gel food coloring and mix until evenly colored and smooth. - Chill
Cover and refrigerate dough for 20 minutes. This prevents spreading and sticky handling. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment. - Prepare coating
In a shallow bowl, whisk confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch together.youtube - Shape cookies
Scoop 1-inch dough balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll completely in sugar mixture and place 2 inches apart on sheets. - Flatten lightly
Gently press each ball with the flat bottom of a glass just enough to flatten the top surface do not over-press to avoid thin cookies. - Add hearts
Press a red candy heart gently into the center of each cookie. - Bake
Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft. Do not overbake for chewy texture. Cool on sheet 3-4 minutes, then transfer to rack.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs ensure even mixing; cold eggs cause lumps.youtube
- If dough is sticky after chilling, add 1 tablespoon flour.youtube
- Store at room temperature in airtight container up to 5 days.
Tips and Pairings
Chill dough to maintain shape warm dough spreads excessively. Use gel coloring for vibrant green without thinning batter.
Perfect for Grinch movie nights with matching treats like Grinch Rice Krispies or pretzel bites. Gift in holiday bags for teachers or neighbors.
Complement with MyBakeRecipes’ Festive Butterfinger Balls for a colorful cookie tray.mybakerecipes
Grinch Heart Cake Mix Cookies FAQ
Q1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, funfetti, white, or even lemon cake mix work great. Adjust green food coloring as needed for the Grinch effect. The vanilla base gives classic cookie flavor.youtube
Q2. Why chill the dough before baking?
Chilling prevents spreading for thick, chewy cookies. Cake mix dough is soft and sticky20 minutes in the fridge makes shaping easy and ensures perfect rounds.
Q3. How do I store these cookies and how long do they last?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days. They stay soft without refrigeration, but layer with parchment to protect the candy hearts.youtube
Q4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cake mix and confirm food coloring is GF. The recipe works identicallychill and sugar coating remains the same.
Q5. What if my cookies spread too much?
Chill longer (up to 1 hour), use less oil (reduce by 1 tablespoon), or bake on the top rack. Over-softened eggs or warm dough causes spreading.
Q6. Are the red candy hearts necessary?
They’re iconic for the Grinch theme, but swap for red M&Ms, heart sprinkles, or royal icing dots. Press gently before baking so they adhere.
Variations
- Other Holidays: Swap green for orange with candy pumpkins for Halloween.
- Flavor Twists: Use funfetti or lemon cake mix.
- High Altitude: May need less oil or higher bake temp test one cookie first
Culinary disclaimer
This content is provided for informational purposes only. It does not replace medical advice, professional diagnosis, or personalized treatment.