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Home » Recipes » Cookies » Grinch Cookies (Easy 4-Ingredient Recipe)

Grinch Cookies (Easy 4-Ingredient Recipe)

December 20, 2019 By Chandice | 1 Comment | Updated December 26, 2019

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Grinch cookies pin image

These 4-ingredient grinch cookies are as easy to make as they are fun to eat. They only take 25 minutes from start to finish (to make all of them) and the kids will love them especially when you enjoy them while watching the Grinch on tv or reading the classic book!Grinch cookies green with red hard on a white plate

Grinch Cookies

I wanted to make up these grinch cookies because I love anything pistachio flavored. I thought this would be a great way to get the fun green color with that fantastic flavor all in one incredible Christmas cookie!

While they aren’t quite as easy as our semi-homemade Christmas cookies or our Christmas crack, they almost are. Plus they only have a few ingredients, all that are easy to find at your local grocery store. This makes it so easy to whip them together last minute. 

I personally love that they are so festive looking. Kids love coming home to them after school in December. I love making both this easy cookie recipe and our gluten-free ginger molasses cookies (my FAVORITE holiday cookie recipe) which takes just a touch more time but not much and they are SO worth it!

What do you need to make them?

  • Gluten-free cake mix
  • Pistachio pudding mix
  • Eggs
  • Butter

Optional: Candy heart sprinkles

How to make grinch cookies

Making these cookies really couldn’t be any more simple. They take just a few minutes to put together and will be a new favorite for your family during the holidays!

  • Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees
  • In a stand mixer, combine the dry cake mix, the dry pistachio pudding mix, butter and eggs then mix well

Pro Tip: Any gluten-free cake mix will do but I prefer this easy to find Pillsbury gluten-free yellow cake mix. 

Ingredients for grinch cookies on a marble platter

  • Using a mini cookie (icecream) scoop, roll dough into about 1” balls
  • In another bowl, combine the powdered sugar and cornstarch
  • Roll each cookie dough ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture

Grinch cookie dough in a bowl

  • Place balls on a silicone mat lined baking sheet and bake cookies 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are lightly brown on the bottom and still soft to the touch on top (I like them just undercooked)
  • Remove cookies from the oven and immedietely press a jumbo candy heart sprinkle gently into the corner of each
  • Let the cookies rest for 1-2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack

Grinch cookies being rolled in powdered sugar and cornstarch

Can you make these cookies dairy-free?

You bet you can! Simply use a dairy-free butter stick and a dairy-free, gluten-free cake mix. Super simple swaps…

Can you freeze them?

Absolutely! I love to freeze them and pull just one or two out when I want (I almost put need) them. They only take 15 minutes or so to thaw. Although, I love them cold and a bit frozen. 

How do you store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Make sure to cool them entirely before putting them in a container with the lid and keep them in a cool, dry place so the powdered sugar doesn’t get moist.

Grinch cookies on a white plate with holiday towel underIf you love these holiday cookies, you are also going to love these…

Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles

Gluten-Free Apple Pie Cookie Cups

Gluten-Free Monster Cookies

Gluten-Free Nutter Butter Cookie

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies from Frosting and Fettuccine (can easily be made GF with flour substitution)

Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
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Grinch Cookies

Grinch cookies on a white plate with holiday towel
5 from 2 votes
These 4-ingredient grinch cookies are as easy to make as they are fun to eat. They only take 25 minutes from start to finish and the kids will love them especially when you enjoy them while watching the Grinch on tv or reading the classic book!
PRINT RECIPE
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Course: cookies, Dessert, Sweet Treats
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cookies, gluten-free, grinch
Servings: 18 cookies
Calories: 168kcal

Ingredients

  • 17 oz (1 box) gluten-free yellow cake mix  dry
  • 1 box pistachio pudding mix, dry
  • 8 tbsp butter, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 C powdered sugar
  • 1/4 C cornstarch
  • jumbo candy heart sprinkles

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees
  • In a stand mixer, combine the dry cake mix, the dry pistachio pudding mix, butter and eggs then mix well
  • Using a mini cookie (icecream) scoop, roll dough into about 1” balls
  • In another bowl, combine the powdered sugar and cornstarch
  • Roll each cookie dough ball in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture
  • Place balls on a silicone mat lined baking sheet and bake cookies 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are lightly brown on the bottom and still soft to the touch on top (I like them just undercooked)
  • Remove cookies from the oven and immedietely press a candy heart gently into the corner of each
  • Let the cookies rest for 1-2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack

Notes

Pro Tip: Any gluten-free cake mix will do but I prefer this easy to find Pillsbury gluten-free yellow cake mix. 
You can make these dairy-free by simply using a dairy-free butter stick and a dairy-free, gluten-free cake mix. 
I love to freeze them and pull just one or two out when I want (I almost put need) them. They only take 15 minutes or so to thaw. Although, I love them cold and a bit frozen. 
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Make sure to cool them entirely before putting them in a container with the lid and keep them in a cool, dry place so the powdered sugar doesn't get moist.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 194mg | Potassium: 7mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 182IU | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

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Filed Under: Christmas, Cookies Tagged With: christmas, cookies, grinch, pistachio

Chandice of This Vivacious Life

Hi, I'm Chandice!

Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

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Comments

  1. martutz says

    January 7, 2020 at 3:00 pm

    5 stars
    Gotta try this! I’m also struggling for a healthier me, I’ve even start running with SportMe marathon training app and I can say I’m on the right track now. Nutrition is an important part of my losing weight plan, and your blog posts are a true inspiration!

    Reply

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Chandice of This Vivacious Life

Hi there, I’m Chandice!

I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

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Subscribe to receive a FREE e-book of Instant Pot Dinner Recipes!

Get your FREE Gluten-Free Holiday Treats Electronic Cookbook!

Subscribe to get your FREE electronic Cookbook of our 10 Favorite Gluten-Free Holiday Treats Recipes & our Newsletters!

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