Name: Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Green gel food coloring, several drops; ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling); Red heart-shaped candies (red chocolate hearts or heart-shaped sprinkles); ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (for melting the chocolate)

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is delicious, you absolutely have to try this Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe. I promise, these cookies are a holiday showstopper with their bright green color, crackly powdered sugar coating, and mischievous Grinch grin decoration. They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for sharing (or sneaking a few when no one’s watching!). Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step so your batch turns out perfect—because trust me, once you make these, they’ll be a holiday tradition in your house too.

🤍

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Quick to Make: Using a white cake mix as the base means minimal effort with maximum flavor and texture.
Festive and Fun: The Grinch-green color and cute decorations bring holiday cheer to your cookie platter.
Soft, Chewy Texture: These cookies have that perfect crinkle-cookie bite that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Great for Gifting: They store well and look adorable wrapped up for friends, family, or coworkers.

Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the reasons this Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe works so well is how simple yet effective the ingredients are. You’ll spot a box of white cake mix front and center—it’s the real secret to achieving that soft, tender crumb. Plus, a few easy add-ins and some fun decorations complete the festive picture.

Flat lay of a small pile of white cake mix powder in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with melted golden butter, two large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl containing vibrant green gel food coloring, a small white bowl holding fine white powdered sugar, a handful of shiny red heart-shaped candies scattered beside a small white bowl of glossy semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a small white bowl with clear coconut oil, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Grinch Crinkle Cookies, festive holiday cookies, green Christmas cookies, easy Christmas treat, adorable Grinch cookie decoration

White cake mix: Choose a high-quality brand you like the flavor of because it sets the foundation here.
Unsalted butter: Melted to blend easily with the dry mix, adds richness and moisture.
Large eggs: Help bind everything and contribute to the soft texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth without overpowering the green goodness.
Green gel food coloring: Gel works better than liquid to get a vibrant Grinch shade without watering down the dough.
Powdered sugar: For the classic crinkle effect and a sweet outer coating.
Red heart-shaped candies: To create the Grinch’s signature heart-shaped nose and add a pop of color.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted and piped to form the Grinch’s mischievous facial features.
Coconut oil or vegetable shortening: A little added fat keeps the melted chocolate smooth and shiny.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe leaves room to personalize your cookies—whether it’s swapping out decorations or tweaking flavors to suit your style. Feel free to get creative or keep it classic; either way, you’re in for a treat.

Mint-Chocolate Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract along with vanilla for a refreshing holiday twist I tried last year—it was a big hit;
Different Colors: You can skip the green and use red or even a festive swirl of colors for Valentine’s Day or birthday parties;
Nut-Free Option: This recipe already avoids nuts, making it great for kid-friendly holiday gatherings;
Gluten-Free Version: Some gluten-free cake mixes work just as well—just double-check that the mix you buy is gluten-free to keep things safe and tasty;
Decorations Swap: Instead of red hearts, try mini M&Ms or edible glitter for a sparkly look you’ll love.

How to Make Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up That Gorgeous Grinch Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—I always recommend this for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, mix together the white cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything’s blended like magic. Here’s where the fun begins: slowly add green gel food coloring until the dough is the perfect vibrant Grinch hue. Don’t rush this part! It’s easier to add little by little than to correct if it gets too dark. After that, pop your dough into the fridge for about 15–20 minutes. I learned this trick early on—the chilling stops the cookies from spreading too thin, which keeps those adorable crackles intact.

Step 2: Roll, Powder, and Bake to Perfection

Once your dough is nicely chilled and firm, scoop out tablespoon-sized balls and roll each one into a smooth sphere. Now, dust each ball generously with powdered sugar, covering them fully. This coating not only gives the signature crinkle-crackled look but also adds just the right touch of sweetness. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for gentle spreading. Bake for 8–10 minutes—don’t let them go beyond 10 minutes because I’ve found that overbaking steals their perfect chewy softness. You’ll see the crackled tops form as they bake—that’s your cue! Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool fully. Trust me, letting them cool just right keeps the texture spot-on.

Step 3: Decorate Your Cookie Masterpieces

While your cookies cool, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring in between so you end up with a glossy, smooth chocolate—this is key for neat piping! Grab a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a tiny corner snipped off and pipe a small chocolate dot right in the center of each cookie. Press a red heart-shaped candy onto the dot so it sticks perfectly—this forms the Grinch’s infamous heart-shaped nose. Now for the fun part! Use the melted chocolate to pipe two upward curves on either side of the heart to sketch his sly grin. You can add tiny lines for wrinkles or creases above the smile if you’re feeling artsy. Let the chocolate set at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes, or pop the cookies in the fridge to speed things up. Voila—your Grinch Crinkle Cookies are ready to wow!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Perfect Green Color: Gel food coloring is your best friend here—it gives that rich Grinch green that’s Instagram-worthy but doesn’t change the dough’s texture.
Chill Dough is a Must: I used to skip chilling, and the cookies just spread too much, losing their crinkle charm. Give your dough at least 15 minutes in the fridge for best results.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies—when you see cracks on top and the edges look set but the center still feels soft, it’s done.
Smooth Chocolate Piping: Stir your melted chocolate between microwaving intervals to avoid lumps and ensure easier piping for those Grinchy expressions.

How to Serve Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the decorations simple—those red heart candies are perfect on their own, but sometimes I sprinkle edible green glitter right before the chocolate sets for an extra festive sparkle. It adds a fun twinkle that kids always notice and love.

Side Dishes

These cookies go wonderfully with a big mug of hot cocoa or your favorite cup of holiday coffee. I also like to serve them alongside a fresh fruit platter—the tartness of cranberries or orange slices balances the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange the Grinch Crinkle Cookies on a platter shaped like a Christmas tree, using green garland or candy canes as accents. Another fun idea: stack them inside clear jars tied with red ribbon for delightful edible gifts. It always makes people smile seeing these quirky, colorful cookies beautifully displayed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Grinch Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.

Freezing

If I want to stock up, I freeze the cookie dough balls before baking—just roll them in powdered sugar, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer into freezer bags. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time. This trick lets me whip up fresh cookies on demand, which is a lifesaver during busy holidays.

Reheating

To freshen up leftover cookies, I pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes. It softens the cookies back to their original chewy glory without melting the chocolate decorations. Just be careful not to heat them too long or you’ll lose that perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use any cake mix for the Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you can use any white or yellow cake mix as your base, but I recommend sticking with white for the brightest green color. Yellow mixes can give your dough a slightly different shade and flavor profile, which is fine if you like the taste. Just avoid chocolate or other strongly flavored mixes to keep the Grinch vibe.
Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin in the oven, which keeps their crackled, soft texture and that classic crinkle look. Without chilling, they tend to flatten and lose their charm.
How do I make the chocolate piping smooth and easy?

Heat the chocolate chips with a small amount of coconut oil or vegetable shortening in short 20-second bursts, stirring between each. This keeps the chocolate silky smooth and easy to pipe for detailed faces and smiles.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and freeze it before baking or bake and decorate the cookies in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze baked cookies for longer storage.
What if I don’t have heart-shaped candies?

No worries! You can substitute with small red candies like M&Ms, red sprinkles, or even mini gumdrops. The key is a little pop of red at the nose to embody that Grinch spirit.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Grinch Crinkle Cookies Recipe combines simplicity with a festive flair that really brings smiles. When I first tried making these, I wasn’t sure how they’d turn out, but they quickly became a holiday favorite for my family and friends. The best part is how easy it is to customize and share the fun, whether you’re baking with kids or gifting neighbors. So grab that cake mix, gather your supplies, and get ready to make some delicious memories—these cookies are definitely worth every magical bite!