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Nothing says Christmas like these playful Grinch-themed cookies. They've got a hint of mint and come with a cute red heart on top—just what you need to add some fun to your holiday parties.
What You'll Need
- White Cake Mix (15.25 oz): Forms the soft, fluffy base of our cookies.
- Unsalted Butter (8 tbsp): Make sure it's soft so it mixes in well and gives a buttery taste.
- Large Eggs (2): They hold everything together and add structure.
- Peppermint Extract (2 tsp): Brings that cool, refreshing holiday vibe to your cookies.
- Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Adds a touch of warmth to balance the mint flavor.
- Green Gel Food Coloring: Turns your cookies into that iconic Grinch green color.
- Powdered Sugar (¼ cup): Gives your cookies a snowy coating on the outside.
- Cornstarch (3 tbsp): Makes the powdered sugar stick better to your cookie dough.
- Red Heart-Shaped Sprinkle: Shows how the Grinch's heart got bigger, just like in the story.
Making Your Cookies
- Step 1:
- Get your oven hot at 275°F and put parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the pretzel rings across your lined baking sheet.
- Step 3:
- Put a Hershey's Hug candy on each pretzel ring.
- Step 4:
- Pop them in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the chocolate starts to soften but doesn't lose its shape.
- Step 5:
- Right away, push an M&M into each melty Hershey's Hug with the letter facing down for a clean look.
- Step 6:
- Let them firm up by putting the whole tray in your fridge for about 10-20 minutes.
Serving Ideas & Storage
- These goodies are great for holiday get-togethers or as homemade gifts.
- Keep any extras in a sealed container and they'll stay good for about a week.
- Want them to last longer? Stick them in the fridge for extra crunch.
Good To Know
- Green Food Coloring: Grab the gel type for brighter green without making your dough too wet.
- Heart Sprinkles: The red hearts are fun, but you can try cinnamon hearts if you want some spice.
- Adjusting Peppermint Flavor: If you don't want too much mint taste, just use 1 teaspoon instead.
Pro Chef Advice
- Use Quality Ingredients: Better extracts and fresh stuff really make these cookies stand out.
- Room Temperature Eggs and Butter: Don't skip this step—it helps everything blend together much better.
What Makes These Special
- They bring holiday cheer to any cookie plate or exchange party.
- You won't believe how simple they are to make, and everyone loves the bright Grinch colors!
- The chewy texture with just enough peppermint flavor keeps people coming back for more.
Mix It Up
- Chocolate Drizzle: Pour some melted dark or white chocolate over the top for extra sweetness.
- Chocolate Chips: Throw in some mini chocolate chips for a mint-chocolate combo.
- Swap Extracts: Not into mint? Try almond or more vanilla instead—still tasty!