Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies
Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies are a fun and easy treat that combine the bright minty flavor of grasshopper cake mix with the simplicity of a cookie. They have a soft…
By Ava
•
•
Reading time: 7 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies are a fun and easy treat that combine the bright minty flavor of grasshopper cake mix with the simplicity of a cookie. They have a soft texture and a hint of chocolate and mint that makes them feel special without a lot of effort. If you love a sweet snack that feels a little festive, these cookies fit the bill perfectly.
I love making these cookies when I want something quick but still tasty and a little different from the usual chocolate chip. The best part is how simple they are to whip up since the cake mix does most of the work. I usually add chocolate chips or a touch of crushed peppermint candy to boost the minty-chocolate vibe even more. These cookies always get smiles and happy comments from friends and family.
These cookies are great to serve with a glass of milk or a cup of hot tea, especially after dinner or as a midday pick-me-up. They also shine as a sweet addition to holiday cookie trays or casual get-togethers. I find myself reaching for this recipe whenever I want a quick treat that’s both fun and a little refreshing with its cool mint flavor.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate Cake Mix: This is the base that gives your cookies that rich chocolate flavor and soft texture. If you want, you can try a devil’s food mix for a deeper chocolate taste.
Peppermint Extract: It adds the classic minty note that makes these cookies stand out. If you don’t have it, a few drops of mint syrup or even mint chocolate chips can work too.
Butter & Powdered Sugar (for filling): These create a smooth, creamy mint filling. For a lighter option, you can swap butter for cream cheese—it adds slight tanginess that pairs well with mint.
Chocolate & Shortening (for topping): The melting chocolate gives a glossy finish. Using shortening or coconut oil helps the chocolate stay smooth and shiny after cooling. You can omit shortening but the chocolate might harden with a matte finish.
Food Coloring & Sprinkles: Both are optional but they add that fun green color and festive touch to the cookies. If you prefer natural colors, a tiny bit of spinach juice or matcha powder can provide a faint green hue.
How Do You Get Soft Cookies with a Sweet, Minty Filling?
The key is balancing the cake mix dough’s moisture with the frosting filling and chocolate topping. Here’s how:
- Mix just until combined: Overmixing can make the cookie base tough, so stir until the ingredients are evenly blended and smooth.
- Bake for the right time: 9-11 minutes is ideal. Edges should be set but centers still soft. This helps the cookies stay tender after cooling.
- Cool cookies completely: Before adding the filling, let cookies cool thoroughly to avoid melting the frosting.
- Beat filling well: To get a light and fluffy mint filling, beat the butter and powdered sugar thoroughly until smooth.
- Spread filling evenly: Use enough filling to create a nice layer without making the cookie too messy.
- Melt chocolate gently: Heat in short bursts and stir to avoid burning. Adding shortening keeps it smooth and shiny.
Following these tips helps you get soft, flavorful cookies with that refreshing mint center and a pretty chocolate glaze on top!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your cake mix dough and mint filling separately.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes whipping the filling light and fluffy easier.
- Baking sheets – lined with parchment paper to keep cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Wire cooling racks – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy bottoms.
- Microwave-safe bowl – perfect for melting chocolate smoothly without burning.
- Spoons or small spatulas – handy for scooping dough, spreading filling, and topping cookies.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap peppermint extract for orange extract to create a chocolate-orange twist that’s bright and flavorful.
- Mix in crushed candy canes or peppermint candies into the filling for extra crunch and holiday flair.
- Add mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips to the cookie dough for extra texture and sweetness.
- Try almond extract instead of peppermint for a nutty note, then top with slivered almonds for crunch.
Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
For the Mint Filling:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Green food coloring (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 4 oz semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 teaspoons shortening or coconut oil (for melting chocolate)
- Green and white sprinkles, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and bake the cookies, plus another 20 minutes to assemble and chill. Overall, plan for about 40 minutes from start to finish to enjoy these delicious cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and peppermint extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
3. Bake the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the tops bounce back lightly when you touch them. Let the cookies cool completely on wire racks.
4. Prepare the Mint Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until it becomes light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, salt, and a few drops of green food coloring to create a pretty minty green color. Beat again to mix everything well.
5. Assemble the Cookies
Pair the cookies by size. Spread a generous amount of the mint filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top it with its matching cookie to make a sandwich.
6. Melt the Chocolate Topping
Place the chopped chocolate and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
7. Top the Cookies
Spoon the melted chocolate over the top of each cookie sandwich, letting it spread evenly. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with green and white sprinkles for a festive look.
8. Chill and Serve
Place the cookies in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to let the chocolate topping firm up. Then, enjoy your delicious mint-chocolate Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Instead of Chocolate?
Yes! While chocolate cake mix gives the classic Grasshopper flavor, you can try devil’s food for richer chocolate or even a mint-flavored cake mix if you find one. Just keep in mind the mint extract adds the main minty kick.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies and prepare the filling a day in advance. Assemble and top them with chocolate right before serving or store fully assembled cookies in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Keep leftover Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain the filling and chocolate topping. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Peppermint Extract?
You can substitute with mint extract or even add finely crushed peppermint candies to the filling for extra mint flavor. Avoid too much syrup as it can change the texture of the dough.