Method
Step 1: Prepare the dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully mixed — it’ll be thick, like cookie dough.
Step 2: Add the color
- Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix well. Keep adding until you achieve that perfect Grinch-green shade.
- 💚 Tip: Use gel food coloring if possible — it gives a deeper, more vibrant color without thinning the dough.
Step 3: Chill the dough
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and gives you that perfect crinkle effect.
Step 4: Preheat and prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 5: Shape the cookies
- Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and roll them between your hands.
- Then coat each ball generously in powdered sugar — don’t be shy here! The more powdered sugar, the more dramatic the crinkle.
Step 6: Bake
- Place the dough balls on the baking sheet (2 inches apart) and bake for 9–11 minutes.
Step 7: Add the heart
- As soon as they come out of the oven and are still warm, gently press one red heart candy on top of each cookie.
Step 8: Cool and serve
- Let cookies rest for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.