Every year when the holidays roll around, I find myself reaching for recipes that feel fun, a little nostalgic, and easy enough to make without turning the kitchen upside down. These Grinch Crinkle Cookies check every single one of those boxes.

They are bright, cheerful, and just quirky enough to make people smile before they even take a bite. That little red heart right in the center says it all, and honestly, it never gets old watching someone notice it for the first time.

I love recipes that don’t require a long list of ingredients or complicated steps, especially during the busy season. This is one of those cookies I can whip up quickly, yet they still feel special enough for parties, cookie exchanges, or a cozy night at home.

And the texture? Soft, slightly chewy, with that classic crinkle top that makes them look bakery-worthy even if you made them in a rush between wrapping gifts and answering emails.

Why These Cookies Are Always a Holiday Favorite

There’s something about a cake mix cookie that just works. It takes away the fuss but still delivers that homemade taste everyone expects during the holidays.

The bright green color brings a playful energy to the dessert table, breaking up all the browns and golds of traditional treats. It feels festive without trying too hard, which is exactly my style.

I also appreciate how kid-friendly these are to make. Rolling the dough in powdered sugar and pressing in the heart sprinkle turns into a little activity rather than just another baking task.

And let’s be honest, sometimes the simplest recipes end up being the ones people request year after year. These cookies disappear faster than anything else I bake.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• White or vanilla cake mix - This is the base of the recipe and gives the cookies their soft texture and light flavor.
• Vegetable oil - Adds moisture and keeps the cookies tender instead of dry.
• Eggs - Help bind everything together and create structure while still keeping the crumb soft.
• Green food coloring - Gives the cookies their signature festive color.
• Confectioner’s sugar - Rolled on the outside to create that classic crinkle look as the cookies bake.
• Large heart-shaped sprinkles - Placed in the center for decoration and to represent the Grinch’s growing heart.

How to make Grinch Crinkle Cookies?

Step 1 - Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. I like to do this first so everything is ready once the dough comes together.

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone liner. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier later.

Step 2 - Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until everything is fully blended and thick.

The dough will be sticky, which is exactly how it should look. Don’t worry if it seems softer than traditional cookie dough.

Step 3 - Add the Color

Add a drop or two of green food coloring and mix again until the color is evenly distributed. You can adjust the shade, but I prefer a lighter green.

A softer color gives them that classic look without being overly bright or artificial.

Step 4 - Chill the Dough

Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 10 to 20 minutes. This step helps firm it up so rolling is much easier.

Skipping this can make the dough too sticky to handle, so a short chill is worth the wait.

Step 5 - Roll into Balls

Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into one inch balls using your hands. Try to keep them similar in size so they bake evenly.

If the dough sticks a little, that’s normal. A light dusting of powdered sugar on your hands can help.

Step 6 - Coat in Confectioner’s Sugar

Roll each dough ball generously in confectioner’s sugar, making sure every side is coated. This is what creates the beautiful crinkle finish.

Don’t be shy here. A thick coating gives the cookies their signature cracked look.

Step 7 - Add the Heart Sprinkle

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Gently press one large heart sprinkle into the center of each.

Press just enough so it stays in place but doesn’t flatten the cookie.

Step 8 - Bake the Cookies

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the bottoms are lightly golden. The centers should still look soft.

They may seem slightly underdone, but they will continue to set as they cool.

Step 9 - Cool Before Serving

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about two minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

This helps them firm up without overbaking, keeping that soft texture everyone loves.

Tips

• Use white cake mix for the best color payoff. Yellow mixes can tint the green slightly.
• Chilling the dough makes rolling easier and helps the cookies keep their shape.
• A small cookie scoop keeps all the cookies uniform in size.
• Roll generously in powdered sugar to get bold, defined crinkles.
• Use large heart sprinkles for visual impact instead of tiny ones that disappear while baking.
• If using gel coloring, use a very small amount so the shade doesn’t become too dark.
• Do not overbake. These cookies are meant to stay soft.
• Let them cool on the tray briefly before moving to prevent breaking.

Fun Ways to Change Them Up

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this recipe is how easy it is to tweak without changing the whole idea. A small adjustment can give you a slightly different version each time.

If you want a little sparkle, roll the dough in sanding sugar before the powdered sugar. It adds texture and makes the cookies shimmer under holiday lights.

You can also swap the heart sprinkle for a cinnamon candy if you want something bolder. It adds a tiny pop of flavor along with the color.

Sometimes I make a double batch and experiment with shades of green, just for variety on the tray. It makes the presentation feel playful and less uniform.

How to Store and Serve Them

These cookies store beautifully, which makes them ideal for baking ahead of time. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature.

They stay soft for several days, and honestly, I think they taste even better the next day once everything settles.

If stacking them, add a layer of parchment between rows so the powdered sugar coating stays intact. That keeps them looking fresh and pretty.

For serving, I like arranging them on a simple platter so the bright color stands out. They don’t need elaborate decoration because they already bring their own personality.

They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, movie nights, edible gifts, or just a quiet afternoon when you want something cheerful with your coffee.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself making them again long before next December rolls around.