Grinch Cookies (Made with Cool Whip)
Imagine the festive cheer of a holiday gathering, the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, and the laughter of friends and family coming together. These Grinch Cookies, bright and cheerful with their neon green hue, are not just a treat; they are a delightful twist on traditional holiday baking. Made with the ease of Cool Whip and white cake mix, this recipe takes minimal effort and delivers maximum fun. Perfect for Christmas parties, kid-friendly baking days, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, these whimsical cookies are sure to steal the show.
Reasons to try it
Why should you whip up a batch of these Grinch Cookies? Let’s break it down. First off, they are incredibly easy to make — even novice bakers will find success thanks to the simple ingredients and straightforward process. With just a few pantry staples, you can create an eye-catching treat that looks like it took hours to prepare. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, making them a perfect option for holiday cookie exchanges or gatherings without breaking the bank.
And let’s not forget the universal appeal: kids absolutely adore these colorful cookies! The vivid green color is fun for them, while the heart sprinkles add a festive touch that brightens up any dessert table. I recently made these for a holiday get-together, and they were a massive hit with both adults and children alike.
“These cookies are not only adorable but incredibly tasty! I made them for my kids’ school party and they vanished in seconds!” — Happy Baker
The cooking process explained
Making Grinch Cookies is as easy as 1-2-3! To start, you’ll mix together a few key ingredients, then give your dough a splash of color with neon green food coloring. After forming the cookies and adding a sprinkle of sugar and hearts on top, simply pop them in the oven. In just 10-12 minutes, you’ll have festive cookies ready for cooling and decorating. It’s a straightforward process that yields cookies so good you’ll be asked for a second batch!
What you’ll need
Gather these items to make your delightful Grinch Cookies:
- 15.25 ounces white cake mix (a great base that brings sweetness)
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed (for that soft, chewy texture)
- 1 large egg (for binding the ingredients together)
- 1 teaspoon neon green gel food coloring (to bring the Grinch theme to life)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting and added sweetness)
- Red heart sprinkles (for a festive touch)
Feel free to get creative! You can swap out the sprinkles for festive chocolate chips or even add a mint flavoring for a twist.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, Cool Whip, and egg. Mix until well blended.
- Add the neon green gel food coloring and stir until fully integrated.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar and add the red heart sprinkles on each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving these cookies is as fun as making them! Consider stacking them in a festive cookie tin or display them on a colorful platter. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. For special occasions, you might even make a Grinch-themed dessert table, incorporating these cookies alongside green-tinted cupcakes or holiday-themed brownies.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your Grinch Cookies fresh after baking, store them in an airtight container. They can last for up to a week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the refrigerator. If you decide to make a big batch, these cookies also freeze surprisingly well! Just ensure they’re completely cooled before transferring them to a freezer bag; they can be kept for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature.
Helpful cooking tips
- Thaw Your Cool Whip: Make sure your Cool Whip is fully thawed to ensure a smooth dough.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the food coloring, mix just until blended to keep the dough light and airy.
- Scoop Uniformly: Using a cookie scoop will help ensure even baking and consistency in size.
Creative twists
Want to throw a unique spin on your Grinch Cookies? Consider these variations:
- Mint Chocolate Chip Grinch Cookies: Add mint chocolate chips for a refreshing flavor.
- Coconut Sprinkles: Swap red heart sprinkles for shredded coconut for a snowy effect.
- Different Colors: Use different gel food coloring to match any holiday theme, like red for Valentine’s Day or orange for Halloween!
Common questions
What is the prep time for Grinch Cookies?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, and with baking time included, you’re looking at approximately 30 minutes total until they’re ready to enjoy!
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While the white cake mix works beautifully for this recipe, you can experiment with lemon, vanilla, or even chocolate cake mixes for a different flavor profile.
How do I store cookie dough if I make it ahead?
You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to a month. Just remember to wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
These cookies are more than just a festive dessert; they’re an opportunity to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy every colorful bite!
Grinch Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, Cool Whip, and egg. Mix until well blended.
- Add the neon green gel food coloring and stir until fully integrated.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar and add the red heart sprinkles on each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
