Name: Grinch Crinkle Cookies: Festive Chewy Delights to Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 1 box Yellow Cake Mix (Substitute with gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free option.); 1/3 cup Vegetable or Canola Oil (Can be replaced with melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.); 2 large Eggs (Use flax eggs for a vegan alternative.); 1 tbsp Green Gel Food Coloring (Adjust amount for desired shade.); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Use granulated sugar if unavailable, though texture will differ.); 1 cup Red Heart Sprinkles (Substitute with any festive sprinkles or candies.)

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Amid the holiday hustle, I stumbled upon a joyful baking moment that turned into a delightful tradition: Grinch Crinkle Cookies. These vibrant green treats, with their irresistibly soft and chewy texture, are not just a Christmas delight but also a breeze to whip up, thanks to the magic of a simple box cake mix. Imagine bringing a burst of festivity to your cookie platter without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for gatherings or an afternoon treat, they’re topped with cheerful red heart sprinkles that add a touch of love to each bite. Ready to spread some holiday cheer? Let’s dive into this easy cookie recipe that’s bound to be the highlight of your festive season!

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Why are Grinch Crinkle Cookies a Must-Bake?

Festive Fun: These cookies bring a vibrant splash of color to your holiday baking, instantly elevating any cookie platter.
Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients, you’ll have these delightful treats ready in no time, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Chewy Texture: The combination of soft, chewy interiors and slightly crisp exteriors creates a delightful contrast that everyone loves.
Customizable Joy: Feel free to switch up the sprinkles or add chocolate chips for a twist that suits your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: They not only look adorable but are sure to win hearts at any festive gathering—people will be reaching for seconds!
Storage Made Simple: Keep your cookies fresh for days or freeze extras for later, ensuring holiday sweetness is always at your fingertips.

Grinch Crinkle Cookies Ingredients

Get ready to whip up something festive!

For the Cookie Batter

Yellow Cake Mix – Provides the base structure and flavor; substitute with gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free option.
Vegetable or Canola Oil – Adds moisture and richness; can be replaced with melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
Eggs – Acts as a binding agent and helps the cookies rise; use flax eggs for a vegan alternative.
Green Gel Food Coloring – Gives the cookies their signature Grinch color; adjust amount for desired shade.

For the Coating

Powdered Sugar – Coating for texture and sweetness; use granulated sugar if unavailable, though texture will differ.
Red Heart Sprinkles – Decorative element to enhance visual appeal; substitute with any festive sprinkles or candies.

These Grinch Crinkle Cookies are not only adorable but incredibly easy to make, adding a sprinkle of joy to your holiday celebrations!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie release and cleanup. This extra step ensures your Grinch Crinkle Cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly, giving them that perfect crinkled look.

Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir the ingredients together until you have a smooth mixture with no lumps. This will form the delightful base for your Grinch Crinkle Cookies. Make sure the batter is well-integrated and vibrant, capturing the holiday spirit with each swirl.

Step 3: Add the Color
Next, incorporate the green gel food coloring into the batter. Add it gradually while mixing, until you achieve your desired Grinchy green hue. The color should be bright and festive, providing a whimsical touch to these cookies. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is uniformly green, inviting smiles with its vividness.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out dough balls and roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated. This step is crucial for achieving the crinkled appearance that the Grinch Crinkle Cookies are known for! Aim for generous rolls in the sugar to create that lovely sweet crust on top.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Carefully space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Place them in the oven and bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the tops appear set and crinkled. Keep an eye on them; they should look slightly puffed and soft, like little pillows of holiday cheer right out of the oven.

Step 6: Add the Sprinkles
As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, gently press a red heart sprinkle into the center of each while they’re still warm. This step adds a festive touch that captures the magic of the season. The warmth from the cookies will help the sprinkles stick nicely, enhancing their charm.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them firm up without losing their soft, chewy texture. Once completely cool, your Grinch Crinkle Cookies are ready to be enjoyed or shared with friends and family for a delightful holiday treat!

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What to Serve with Grinch Crinkle Cookies?

Bring your holiday festivities to life with delightful pairings that complement these vibrant treats!

Hot Cocoa: Nothing warms the heart like rich hot cocoa, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the cookies with its cozy chocolate notes.
Eggnog: This creamy, spiced beverage adds a festive spirit and pairs beautifully with the soft, chewy texture of the cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a delightful contrast to the chewy cookies, creating a deliciously festive dessert.
Christmas Punch: A refreshing blend of citrus and berries in your holiday punch will brighten your cookie experience with vibrant flavors.
Cheese Platter: Serve with a selection of rich cheeses to balance the sweetness; sharp cheddar can add a delightful surprise alongside your cookies.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad brings a light and refreshing element that contrasts the sugary cookies, offering a perfect palate cleanse.
Nutty Biscotti: Crispy nutty biscotti can provide a delightful crunch, making for an excellent dipping option with both cocoa and coffee.
Festive Spritz Cookies: Why not double the cheer with another cookie variety? Pairing these treats together creates a wonderful cookie platter for sharing!
Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea encourages relaxation and pairs beautifully with the vibrant color and flavor of the Grinch Crinkle Cookies.
Chocolate Fondue: For a fun twist, offer a chocolate fondue station; dipping the cookies in rich chocolate adds an indulgent touch to your holiday gathering.

Expert Tips for Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Mix Thoroughly: Ensure to mix the batter well for a consistent green color and proper texture; lumpy dough can lead to uneven cookies.
Check Softness: The cookies may seem overly soft when first removed from the oven; let them cool to set properly.
Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for even sizing—this ensures all your Grinch Crinkle Cookies bake at the same rate and have a delightful appearance.
Sprinkle While Warm: Press red heart sprinkles into each cookie as soon as they come out of the oven for better adherence, making them extra festive.
Experiment with Color: Feel free to try different gel colors for various holidays or occasions; it can bring a fresh twist to your Grinch Crinkle Cookies.
Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness; they keep well for 3-4 days at room temperature or can be frozen for longer enjoyment.

Grinch Crinkle Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to be creative and make this festive treat your own with these delightful twists!

Gluten-Free: Substitute yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to enjoy the same deliciousness. You won’t sacrifice flavor, and everyone can indulge!
Dairy-Free: Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a tropical hint that complements the Grinch theme beautifully.
Egg-Free: Opt for flax eggs by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, providing a magic binding alternative for vegan baking.
Colorful Creativity: Use different gel food colors for a variety of occasions—imagine swapping green for red or blue for festivities throughout the year!
Add Some Crunch: Toss in a half cup of chocolate chips or nuts into the dough for a textural surprise! The chocolate adds a rich, sweet contrast to the vibrant sweetness.
Icing Drizzle: Instead of powdered sugar coating, drizzle a sweet icing on top for a fun and festive look. Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and drizzle away!
Other Sprinkles: Change up the decorative theme with vibrant holiday sprinkles, crushed candies, or even coconut flakes for an extra cheerful touch.

For even more sweet inspirations, don’t miss our Pistachio Cream Cookies or give a festive spin with Lemon Pistachio Cookies to keep your cookie platters exciting!

Make Ahead Options

These Grinch Crinkle Cookies are perfect for those busy holiday schedules! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all your ingredients and store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and roll the dough in powdered sugar as instructed and bake fresh cookies. Alternatively, you can bake these cookies up to 3 days ahead of your gathering, cooling them completely and storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just remember to let them cool fully before stacking to maintain that delightful chewy texture!

Storage Tips for Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, keeping them soft and chewy.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies again, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. This will restore their delightful softness.

Thawing: If frozen, let the Grinch Crinkle Cookies thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

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Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for Grinch Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! You can swap the yellow cake mix for any flavor you prefer, like chocolate or vanilla. Just remember that the color of the cookies will change accordingly, so if you’re going for that classic Grinch look, stick with yellow or a light-colored mix.

How should I store Grinch Crinkle Cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your Grinch Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep them for longer, freeze them in an airtight container, layering each cookie with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will stay delicious for up to three months in the freezer!

Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can! To turn your Grinch Crinkle Cookies into a vegan delight, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. This will act as a great binding agent for your cookies.

What should I do if my cookies are too flat after baking?
If your Grinch Crinkle Cookies turn out flat, it could be due to overmixing the dough or not using the right cake mix. Ensure you’re not overworking the batter and using a cake mix without added ingredients like pudding. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh. If they still seem too flat, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them maintain shape.

How can I make Grinch Crinkle Cookies gluten-free?
To make these delightful cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Many brands offer excellent gluten-free options that don’t compromise on texture or flavor. Enjoy the same festive fun without the gluten!

Can I freeze baked Grinch Crinkle Cookies?
Yes! To freeze your baked cookies, let them cool completely, then layer them in an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave for a quick warm-up!