Work Smarter Not Harder with a Gluten Free Cake Mix Base
These cute holiday Grinch cookies can be whipped up quick and easy with a gluten free boxed cake mix. Just gluten free boxed cake mix, vegetable oil, water, green gel food coloring, baking powder, vanilla, powdered sugar, and some cute heart sprinkles!
The cake mix is combined with vegetable oil and water. Baking powder is added for lift. Vanilla mixed in for flavor. The dough comes together smooth and fast. The cookies baked chewy and light. One of the best compliments is that they aren’t overly sweet, they are just right!
Powdered sugar is used for coating. Cornstarch helps the sugar stick. The crinkle top forms while baking. The look works perfectly for Grinch cookies. While most will make these cookies with just one heart directly placed in the center, or slightly offset, I let my kids have complete freedom and they haphazardly placed one or more all over. It was more fun that way!
When Do the 12 Days of Christmas Begin and End?
Some may wonder or think it odd that I am posting a Christmas recipe days after the Christmas Day holiday has ended. The 12 Days of Christmas traditionally begins on Christmas Day, December 25. The count continues through January 5. The final evening closes the 12-day celebration. January 6 marks Epiphany. Epiphany is also known as El Día de los Reyes, or Three Kings Day. Christmas Day has passed, but the celebration carries on. Traditions, gatherings, and holiday joy continues for days in our home! The season stretches forward. With many more festive days still ahead.
Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Tree Nut and Peanut Free Box Cake Mixes
Always check labels for specific egg-free instructions if the box calls for added ingredients. Typically most gluten free mixes are by default also dairy free. It’s always best to read every label every time! You never know when a manufacturer will change their recipe, ingredients, or cross contact information.
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Allergy-Friendly Cake Mixes
- King Arthur Gluten‑Free Chocolate Cake Mix – Moist, high-rated gluten-free cake base.
- King Arthur Gluten‑Free Confetti Cake Mix – Fun sprinkle option great for holiday and celebration baking.
- Open Nature Chocolate Cake & Cupcake Mix – Grocery store gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
- Open Nature Gluten Free Yellow Cake & Cupcake Mix – Classic yellow cake base that works with dairy-free and egg substitutes.
- gfJules Gluten‑Free Cake Mix – Highly rated gluten-free all-purpose cake mix.
- Miss Jones Baking Co. Classic Yellow Gluten‑Free Cake Mix – Simple gluten-free vanilla cake base (dairy-free).
- Open Nature – Free from artificial flavors and colors, gluten free, yellow cake mix.
Egg Substitutes for This and Other Recipes
These Grinch cookies proved that allergy friendly baking can still be easy. Boxed cake mix recipes save time and still deliver soft, chewy cookies. The 12 Days of Christmas start now. More celebrating is still ahead. Epiphany and El Día de los Reyes are coming on January 6. Holiday treats can still be shared safely. Simple swaps make recipes work for more families. Egg substitutes keep the dough light. They also help bind without allergens. These cookies work for parties. They work for gifting. They work for the days ahead.
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce = 1 egg
1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg (mix, rest 5 min)
1 tablespoon chia seeds + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg (mix, gel 5–10 min)
¼ cup mashed banana = 1 egg (adds mild sweetness)
¼ cup pumpkin purée = 1 egg (keeps centers soft)
2 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg (smooth binder)
3 tablespoons aquafaba = 1 egg (whip for extra lift if needed)
¼ cup plant milk + 1 teaspoon baking powder + 1 teaspoon oil = 1 egg (light and airy result)
For this recipe I went with the last option utilizing the oil already in the recipe, and using water instead of any type of plant milk or cows milk, along with baking powder, to get the rise we are looking for.
Red Heart Sprinkles for Grinch Cookies, Valentines and Other Baking Fun!
You can find heart shaped sprinkles especially around Valentine’s Day at many hobby stores such as Hobby Lobby, or your local grocery store. I found mine on Amazon, and you can grab it yours on my Amazon storefront if you’d like! https://www.amazon.com/shop/foodallergypi
Grinch Cookies Using Cake Mix
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz Gluten Free Box of Cake Mix (Vanilla) Regular Cake Mix Can Also Be Used
- 2 large Eggs Sub 1/4 C water, 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 C Vegetable Oil
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 1 small Tube of Green Gel Food Coloring We used the green tube from the 4-pack by Betty Crocker
- 1/4 C Powdered Sugar
- 2 T Cornstarch
- Red Heart Candy Sprinkles
Instructions
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Combine cake mix, eggs (or egg sub 1/4 c water and 1 tsp baking powder), vegetable oil, food coloring gel, and vanilla, until well combined.
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Place covered dough in refrigerator for 20 minutes while oven preheats to 350º.
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Combine powdered sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Scoop 1" pieces of dough and form into ball, rolling in sugar cornstarch mixture. Place on parchment lined baking sheet, gently flatten with palm of hand, and place heart sprinkle on top.
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Bake for 9-11 minutes or until crackly but still soft. Remove and let cool. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Grab the sprinkles I used and find others on my Amazon store front: https://www.amazon.com/shop/foodallergypi
