Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a holiday treat that’s bursting with festive cheer and sure to brighten your baking lineup, you’re going to adore this Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come together with their vibrant green color, delightful peppermint twist, and that touch of sweetness that makes them utterly irresistible. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite around Christmas and has now earned a special spot in my holiday traditions. Stick around because I’m sharing all my tips and tricks to help you nail these cookies, whether it’s your first time or you’re looking to perfect your technique!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe come together to deliver a sweet, minty cookie that’s easy to bake but impressive in taste and appearance. I always recommend getting good quality peppermint extract—it really makes a difference in flavor. Also, opting for gel food coloring gives you that vibrant green without watering down the dough.

• White cake mix: The base for these cookies, it keeps them soft and tender without fuss.
• Unsalted butter: Softened so it cremes smoothly into the mix, ensuring a rich flavor.
• Large eggs: At room temperature—this helps the dough come together better and bake evenly.
• Peppermint extract (or mint extract): The star flavor! Choose peppermint for that classic holiday vibe.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash to round out the flavor profile.
• Green gel food coloring: For that iconic Grinch green—you’ll find gel works best here.
• Powdered sugar: Mixed with cornstarch for dusting, it adds a lovely sugary coating on the cookies.
• Cornstarch: Helps keep the sugar coating from clumping, giving a smooth finish.
• Red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon hearts: For that festive, colorful touch on top of each cookie.

Variations

I love customizing this Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe depending on the occasion or who’s coming over. Whether you want to amp up the minty flavor or swap out sprinkles to suit a party theme, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

• Double Peppermint Punch: Once, I added crushed peppermint candies into the dough for an extra layer of mint and crunch—my family went crazy for it!
• Valentine’s Day Twist: Simply swap the green gel food coloring for red or pink and use heart-shaped sprinkles for a sweet seasonal treat.
• Allergy-Friendly Version: Use a gluten-free white cake mix and ensure your extracts are allergen-safe if you’re baking for little ones with sensitivities.
• Cinnamon Heart Upgrade: For a little heat and depth, topping with cinnamon hearts adds a lovely flavor balance to the mint.

How to Make Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Base Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this saves cleanup time! Then, grab your mixer and combine the white cake mix, softened butter, and eggs. I like using a stand mixer for this step because it mixes evenly without much effort. The dough is going to be thick and sticky—that’s exactly what you want for soft cookies.

Step 2: Add Peppermint & Color

Next, pour in the peppermint (or mint) and vanilla extracts, then add green gel food coloring little by little until you hit the classic Grinch green you’re aiming for. Mix everything on low speed just enough to combine; I’ve found overmixing can make the dough tougher, so less is more here.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

In a small bowl, whisk together your powdered sugar and cornstarch. This mix is key to giving the cookies that snowy, sugary finish and keeping the coating from clumping up.

Step 4: Shape and Coat Cookies

Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop (or your hands), scoop out dough balls and roll them gently in the powdered sugar mixture. The dough is pretty sticky, so this step keeps things manageable. Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on your parchment-lined sheet to allow room for spreading without sticking.

Step 5: Bake and Decorate

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye on the edges—they should be set, and the tops dry to the touch. Right after pulling them from the oven, press a red heart sprinkle or a cinnamon heart gently on top. This quick step makes the cookie feel extra special and festive.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

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 helps them hold their shape and prevents sogginess from condensation.

How to Serve Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I usually stick with red heart-shaped sprinkles because they create such a festive contrast against the green cookies. Sometimes I sprinkle a few crushed candy canes nearby on the platter for extra peppermint flair and crunch. Cinnamon hearts are a lovely spicy alternative that pairs beautifully with the mint.

Side Dishes

These cookies go wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or a peppermint mocha during the holidays. I also love pairing them with simple vanilla ice cream—like an unexpected cookie sandwich that’s always a big hit with guests!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve created themed cookie trays by stacking these Grinch Peppermint Cookies with other treats like red velvet cupcakes. Wrapping small stacks in clear cellophane tied with festive ribbons makes for cute edible gifts, too. And if you’re feeling artsy, piping a little white chocolate drizzle over the tops adds an elegant snow-dusted look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and tasty for up to four days. I like to layer them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. If you need to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cookies successfully by letting them cool completely, then placing them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. They freeze for up to two months without losing their texture or flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

If you’re craving a warm cookie, I like to reheat leftovers in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes to restore that freshly baked softness. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Grinch Peppermint Cookies Recipe has become one of my treasured holiday go-tos because it’s simple, festive, and always delights everyone who tries it. The vibrant green, the soft texture, and that refreshing peppermint flavor bring such a joyful vibe to any gathering. I can’t recommend it enough if you want to impress your friends and family with something special but fuss-free. Give it a try this season—I’m confident it’ll become your favorite, too!

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