Grinch Cookies (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cookie Base

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
02 - 1/2 cup softened butter
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
05 - Green food coloring (gel or liquid)

→ Coating & Decoration

06 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
07 - 1/2 cup cornstarch
08 - Heart-shaped sprinkles or red hot candies
09 - Green decorating gel or frosting

# Instructions:

01 - Heat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and oil. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, well-blended dough.
03 - Gradually add green food coloring to the dough, mixing as you go, until you achieve that perfect Grinch green shade. Don't be afraid to add enough color to make it vibrant!
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch. This mixture will give your cookies a lovely snowy coating.
05 - Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls, then roll each ball in the powdered sugar mixture until completely coated. Place them on your prepared baking sheet with some space between each cookie.
06 - Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the centers are set. Be careful not to let them brown - you want to keep that vibrant green color! Let them rest on the pan for 2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
07 - Once the cookies are completely cool, use green decorating gel to create a small dot on each cookie, then press a heart sprinkle or red hot candy into the center. Now they truly look like the Grinch!

# Notes:

01 - The dough can be quite sticky, so chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping makes handling much easier.
02 - Store these festive treats in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temperature to maintain freshness.
03 - These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months - just let them thaw on the counter for about 2 hours before serving.