Grinch Crinkle Cookies with Chocolate Faces Recipe

If you’re a fan of fun holiday treats that bring a smile and a little mischief to your dessert table, then you’re going to adore this Grinch Crinkle Cookies with Chocolate Faces Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies turn out—soft, chewy, and perfectly festive with their bright green crinkles and those cheeky chocolate faces. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a much-anticipated part of our holiday baking tradition, and I’m excited to share it with you so your family can go crazy for them too!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Grinch Crinkle Cookies with Chocolate Faces Recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet how perfectly they blend together to give you soft, flavorful cookies that practically decorate themselves with their chocolatey personalities.

• White cake mix: This is the base that gives the cookies their tender crumb and sweetness without needing extra flour or leavening.
• Unsalted butter: Melted to add richness and moisture; I always use unsalted to control salt levels better.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and contribute to that chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Just a touch adds warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.
• Green gel food coloring: Go for gel—it’s more vibrant and won’t thin out your dough like liquid colors.
• Powdered sugar: For rolling the cookie dough balls to get that iconic crinkle effect as they bake.
• Red heart-shaped candies: I love using these for the Grinch’s nose or to add a pop of color; you can swap with sprinkles or chocolate hearts.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted for drawing the Grinch’s mischievous little face—adjust sweetness to your taste.
• Coconut oil or vegetable shortening: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and hold its shape when piped.

Variations

I love to tweak this recipe now and then depending on the occasion or dietary needs—this cookie dough is a fantastic canvas for creativity, so feel free to make it your own!

• Mint chocolate twist: I once added peppermint extract instead of vanilla and tossed in some mini chocolate chips—taste buds danced with holiday spirit!
• Gluten-free version: Swap the cake mix for a gluten-free box; just double-check ingredients to keep the texture just right.
• Vegan adaptation: You can substitute eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter—I’ve tested this and the cookies stayed soft and delicious.
• Colorful faces: Instead of just chocolate, try white chocolate or colored candy melts to give the Grinch expressive, playful faces.

How to Make Grinch Crinkle Cookies with Chocolate Faces Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough with a Festive Green Glow

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and lovely. Then comes the fun part—add a good few drops of green gel food coloring and mix until you get that perfect Grinch-green shade that just pops next to the powdered sugar.

Don’t skip chilling the dough in the fridge for 15–20 minutes; this little trick keeps your cookies from spreading too much and helps maintain those cute crinkles you’re after.

Step 2: Shape, Sugar-Coat, and Bake to Perfection

Once chilled, scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Next, roll each ball generously in powdered sugar—you want them thoroughly coated so they bake with that lovely cracked surface. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet; they do spread a bit, but this spacing keeps them from merging.

Bake for 8–10 minutes. Here’s a tip: watch them closely—they should be just set with a crackled appearance on top but still soft. Overbaking will dry them out, and that’s not what we want!

Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet—this helps them firm up a bit—then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Step 3: Bring on the Chocolate Faces!

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the coconut oil in short bursts of 20 seconds in the microwave, stirring between so you get a smooth, glossy finish. Pour the melted chocolate into a piping bag, or grab a small ziplock bag and snip off a corner for easy precision.

Pipe a small dot in the center of each cookie and press a red heart-shaped candy in place—this cute touch becomes the Grinch’s nose! Then, using the melted chocolate, pipe a mischievous grin by drawing two curved lines for smiles on each side of the candy. Add little crease lines above the smile or near where eyes would be if you’re feeling artistic.

Let the chocolate set at room temperature for 10–15 minutes or pop the cookies in the fridge for quicker results. Once set, they’re ready for the spotlight!

How to Serve Grinch Crinkle Cookies with Chocolate Faces Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep the garnishes simple and festive—red heart candies definitely steal the show, but you could also sprinkle on edible glitter or crushed peppermint around the cookies to add extra sparkle and holiday flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but I love pairing them with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or holiday spiced tea. For a party, line them up with a cheese board and some fruity punch for a fun and unexpected touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged these Grinch Crinkle Cookies on a festive green platter lined with red and white striped parchment paper—it instantly became the centerpiece of our holiday buffet. You can also box them in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbon for adorable edible gifts that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering them between sheets of parchment paper to keep the chocolate faces from sticking. They stay soft and fresh for about 4–5 days, which is perfect for holiday snacking.

Freezing

Freezing works beautifully—once the cookies are fully cooled and decorated, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. After they’re firm, transfer to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for a few hours. The chocolate faces hold up great, and the texture remains just right.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, I pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften them without melting the chocolate decorations. It’s like enjoying them straight out of the oven again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grinch Crinkle Cookies with Chocolate Faces Recipe has become a holiday favorite in my kitchen because it’s easy, visually delightful, and a total crowd-pleaser. I love how even novice bakers can nail the soft texture and charming decorations that make these cookies stand out. If you’re looking to add a bit of fun and festive whimsy to your cookie platter this season, I truly recommend giving these a try—you’ll be spreading cheer one delicious bite at a time!

Print