Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Utilizing a box cake mix simplifies the process, making this recipe quick and straightforward.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: The simple steps and the joy of adding heart sprinkles make it an engaging activity for children.
- Vivid Presentation: The bright green color and distinctive crinkled texture make these cookies a standout addition to any holiday dessert table.
- Emotional Connection: Inspired by a classic holiday character, these cookies are sure to spark conversations and smiles at your gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 package of vanilla or yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- Green gel food coloring, as needed
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, for coating
- Jumbo heart-shaped sprinkles
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of cookies and clean-up.
- Mixing the Dough: In a stand mixer, blend the dry cake mix with oil and eggs until smooth. This forms the base of your cookie dough.
- Coloring the Dough: Gradually add green gel food coloring until you achieve a rich, vibrant green. Mix thoroughly to ensure even color distribution.
- Chilling the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least one hour, or freeze for 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and enhances the crinkly texture.
- Shaping and Sugaring: Once chilled, form golf-ball-sized dough balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Baking: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set. The centers should remain slightly soft.
- Adding the Heart: Immediately after removing from the oven, press a jumbo heart-shaped sprinkle into the upper right corner of each cookie to mimic the Grinch’s heart. This should be done while the cookies are still hot to ensure the sprinkle adheres properly.
- Cooling: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 18 cookies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: About 22 minutes, plus chilling time
Variations
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising on taste or texture.
- Different Colors: While green is traditional for the Grinch theme, feel free to experiment with other colors for different occasions.
- Alternative Sprinkles: If heart sprinkles are unavailable, use any festive sprinkle to maintain the holiday cheer.
- Flavor Twists: Add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the dough to introduce a new flavor layer, enhancing the simple cake mix base.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Ensure they’re wrapped tightly to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, while vanilla or yellow cake mix allows the green color to shine through vividly, you can experiment with other flavors. Keep in mind that darker cake mixes may affect the vibrancy of the green color.
2. What type of food coloring is best for these cookies?
Gel food coloring is recommended for a more vibrant color without altering the texture of the dough.
3. Do I have to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough is crucial as it makes it easier to handle and enhances the crinkly texture of the cookies.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. What if I can’t find heart-shaped sprinkles?
If heart sprinkles are unavailable, you can use any festive sprinkle or even a small candy to decorate the cookies.
6. How can I ensure the powdered sugar coating stays white after baking?
Rolling the dough balls generously in powdered sugar and not overbaking the cookies will help maintain the white appearance of the powdered sugar.
7. Can I add other decorations to these cookies?
Yes, feel free to get creative with additional decorations like edible glitter or colored sugars to enhance the festive look.
8. Are these cookies suitable for shipping as gifts?
Yes, these cookies hold up well and can be shipped. Ensure they are packed securely in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch
Grinch Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: ~22 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your holiday guests with our Grinch Crinkle Cookies—a whimsical, festive treat inspired by the beloved Dr. Seuss character. These vibrant green cookies, featuring a single heart-shaped sprinkle, are easy to make with cake mix and perfect for sharing holiday cheer.
Ingredients
- 1 package vanilla or yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- Green gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Jumbo heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Blend cake mix, oil, and eggs in a mixer until smooth.
- Add green gel food coloring and mix evenly.
- Chill dough in the fridge for 1 hour or freeze for 30 minutes.
- Form golf-ball-sized dough balls, coat in powdered sugar, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges set, leaving centers soft.
- While hot, press a heart sprinkle into each cookie.
- Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant results.
- Chilling ensures easier handling and enhances texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
