Grinch Cake Mix Cookies

5 from 1 vote

Soft, chewy Grinch cookies made from a cake mix and topped with a red heart. No chilling needed, and they're done in about 20 minutes.

Prep Time8

Cook Time12

Total Time20

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Kosher, Vegetarian

Servings: cookies

Calories: 66kcal

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, add the cake mix, eggs, and oil and mix until combined. Add 4 drops of green food coloring and stir until you can't see any dry cake mix. Add up to 2 more drops for a deeper green. Don't overmix.
Scoop the dough with a cookie scoop, roll each ball in powdered sugar, and place them on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Press one red M&M into the center of each ball.
Bake for about 12 minutes, until you see cracks on top. Be careful not to overbake. Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes, then move them to a rack or plate.

Food coloring: Start with 4 drops and add more if you want a deeper green. Gel is slightly more vibrant, but liquid works just as well.
Storage: Store in a zip top bag or airtight container on the counter for up to 4 days. If the cookies are decorated or made into sandwich cookies, separate the layers with wax or parchment paper.
Freezing: Bake the cookies first, let them cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. I don't freeze the dough because it mixes up so quickly.
Cake mix swap: Yellow cake mix works, but the green won't be as bright.