Tips for the Best Grinch Cookies
Because the dough is very sticky, I never try to roll it with bare hands until it’s in the powdered sugar; dropping the scooped dough directly into the sugar keeps the process less messy and helps the coating adhere. Using gel food coloring instead of liquid coloring keeps the dough from getting too loose and lets me build up a bold green color with just a few drops. If the dough seems too soft, I chill it briefly before scooping so it holds its shape better and doesn’t spread too much in the oven.
Variations and Serving Ideas
You can swap the white cake mix for a yellow cake mix if that’s what you have, adjusting the amount of green coloring to get your ideal shade. For extra flavor, stir in a little vanilla or almond extract, or add a handful of white chocolate chips for pops of sweetness in the green cookies. On cookie trays, I like to pair Grinch cookies with classic chocolate chip cookies, peppermint treats, and red-and-white desserts to create a colorful holiday spread, and they’re especially fun to serve during a family Grinch movie night with hot chocolate.
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead
Store cooled Grinch cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days; the powdered sugar coating may absorb a bit into the cookies over time but they’ll stay soft and chewy. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving—no reheating needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor for Grinch cookies?
Yes, you can use yellow cake mix or even a vanilla mix if that’s what you have. Just remember that darker mixes may slightly change the green color, so you might need more food coloring to get a bright Grinch tone.
2. Why is the dough so sticky, and is that normal?
The dough is very sticky because of the Cool Whip and cake mix combination, and that’s completely normal. Using a cookie scoop and dropping the dough straight into powdered sugar, instead of rolling it with bare hands, makes it easier to handle.
3. Do I have to use gel food coloring?
Gel food coloring is best because it’s more concentrated and doesn’t thin out the dough like liquid coloring can. If you only have liquid food coloring, add it gradually and be prepared for slightly softer dough.
4. How do I keep the powdered sugar from disappearing after baking?
Coating the dough generously and baking at the correct temperature helps keep the powdered sugar visible. Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet instead of moving them right away also helps preserve the crinkled, snowy look.
Grinch cookies are the kind of festive bake that makes kids light up and adults nostalgic, and they’re so easy that I can whip up a batch anytime I want a little holiday magic on a plate. If you try them, come back and share how bright you went with the green and whether these cookies earned a permanent spot in your Christmas baking lineup.