Name: Easy Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix; ½ cup canola oil; 2 large eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon mint extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; Green food coloring; 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ⅓ cup heavy cream

Easy Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies are a delightful shortcut to a truly unforgettable treat. Have you ever craved that perfect balance of minty freshness and sweet, chewy cookie goodness without spending hours in the kitchen? These cookies deliver precisely that! They’re the answer to those sudden dessert cravings, perfect for last-minute gatherings, or simply when you need a little pick-me-up. What makes these Easy Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies so incredibly popular? It’s their magical ability to transform a humble cake mix into a gourmet-feeling indulgence. The vibrant green hue, reminiscent of the classic grasshopper cocktail, makes them visually stunning, while the subtle mint flavor is universally loved. This recipe unlocks a world of flavor and texture with minimal effort, proving that you don’t need complex techniques to create something truly special.

Ingredients:

1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
½ cup canola oil
2 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon mint extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Green food coloring
2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
⅓ cup heavy cream

Making the Dough

Let’s get started on our Easy Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies! The beauty of these cookies is how incredibly simple the dough comes together, thanks to the magic of a cake mix. First, in a large mixing bowl, combine the entire box of chocolate cake mix with the ½ cup of canola oil and the 2 large eggs. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature; this helps them emulsify better with the oil and cake mix, leading to a smoother, more cohesive dough. You can achieve room temperature eggs by simply letting them sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before you start, or you can use a quick method of placing them in a bowl of warm water for about 5-10 minutes.

Now, it’s time to mix everything together. You can use an electric mixer for this, or a sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease. Start on a low speed if using a mixer, and gradually increase as the ingredients begin extract to combine. You’re looking for a thick, cohesive dough. It will be quite stiff at this stage, and that’s perfectly normal. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies. Once it’s just combined and no dry streaks of cake mix remain, set this bowl aside.

Crafting the Grasshopper Flavor and Color

Next, we’ll infuse our cookies with that signature grasshopper flavor and vibrant green hue. In a separate medium bowl, cream together the ½ cup of unsalted butter (make sure it’s nice and soft, at room temperature, so it whips up smoothly) with the 2 cups of powdered sugar. Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is crucial for a tender cookie texture. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the cookie’s lightness. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the softened butter, mixing until it’s fully incorporated and the mixture is pnon-alcoholic ale and fluffy.

Now for the star flavors! Add the 1 teaspoon of mint extract and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the butter and sugar mixture. The salt is important for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the other flavors. Stir to combine. This is where the fun rgin extractly begins! Add a few drops of green food coloring. Start with a small amount, say 3-4 drops, and mix thoroughly. You can always add more if you desire a more intense green color. Remember, a little food coloring goes a long way, and you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Gradually add 2 to 4 tablespoons of heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition. The heavy cream will help to create a smooth, pipeable consistency for our frosting, and it also adds a lovely richness. You’re aiming for a thick but spreadable frosting – think consistency similar to thick toothpaste. If it seems too stiff, add another tablespoon of cream. If it’s too runny, you might have added too much cream, but don’t worry, you can try adding a tiny bit more powdered sugar.

Assembling and Baking

With our dough and frosting ready, it’s time to bring it all together. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Take spoonfuls of the chocolate cookie dough and roll them into approximately 1-inch balls. Place these dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Now, let’s frost them. This is where the grasshopper magic truly happens. Spoon the green mint frosting into a piping bag fitted with a round tip, or simply use a ziploc bag with a corner snipped off for a rustic look. Pipe a swirl or a dollop of the green frosting on top of each chocolate cookie dough ball. You can get as creative as you like with your piping! Some people like a simple swirl, while others prefer a more elaborate design. You could also use a small spatula to spread the frosting if you don’t have a piping bag.

Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry cookies. The chocolate dough will look slightly puffed up and the edges will be firm. While the cookies are baking, let’s prepare the chocolate drizzle. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with the ⅓ cup of heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt this over a double boiler. Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the melted chocolate over the frosted cookies. This adds another layer of chocolatey goodness and visual appeal. Let the chocolate drizzle set before serving.

Conclusion:

There you have it – the simple and delightful steps to creating delicious Easy Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies! We’ve walked through how to transform a humble cake mix into a batch of chewy, minty, and chocolatey treats that are sure to impress. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from bake snon-alcoholic ales to family gatherings, or even just a quiet afternoon indulgence. Serve them warm with a glass of milk, or let them cool completely for a perfect cookie to pair with your coffee or tea. For an extra touch of decadence, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Try adding a few drops of green food coloring for a more vibrant grasshopper look, or swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. The beauty of these Easy Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies lies in their versatility.

We hope you enjoy baking and, more importantly, eating these fantastic cookies as much as we do. Happy baking!

FAQs:

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! Easy Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They tend to remain wonderfully chewy.

What if I don’t have crème de menthe extract?

If you can’t find crème de menthe extract, you can substitute it with about 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract and a tiny drop of green food coloring for the color. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading. This allows the fat in the dough to firm up, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.