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
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
Subscribe to This Vivacious Life
Receive a free e-book of Instant Pot recipes!
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.
-
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 jumbo candy heart sprinkle gently into the corner of each
-
Let the cookies rest for 1-2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack
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.
If you love these holiday cookies, you are also going to love these…
Gluten-Free Apple Pie Cookie Cups
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?
Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!
NEED MORE GOODNESS? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for great recipes, entertaining ideas and more!
Grinch Cookies
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
Crystal says
These look great and excited to try it. Do you happen to know of any brands of heart sprinkles and pistachio pudding mix that are labeled as gluten free?
Chandice says
Hey Crystal, they the pudding is Jell-O and the sprinkles are Wilton.
Crystal says
Thank you. Neither of those brands are labeled gluten free, I was wondering if you had ever come across brands of those products that are. I will contact Kraft about the pudding and look for another brand of heart sprinkles because I know many Wilton products are made on shared equipment and not tested.
Chandice says
From what I found, they are gluten-free though you are right, not labeled as such.
martutz says
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!