Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies
Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies are a fun and easy treat that combine the minty freshness of a grasshopper cocktail with the simplicity of a boxed cake mix. These cookies usually…
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Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies are a fun and easy treat that combine the minty freshness of a grasshopper cocktail with the simplicity of a boxed cake mix. These cookies usually have a soft, chewy texture with a subtle hint of chocolate and mint—perfect for anyone who loves that sweet and refreshing combo. The best part is how quick they come together, making them a great last-minute dessert or snack.
I love making these cookies when I want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time to bake from scratch. Using a cake mix means you get consistent results every time, and the mint flavor adds a special touch that everyone seems to enjoy. One of my favorite tricks is to press a few chocolate chips on top before baking for an extra bit of chocolatey goodness.
These cookies are great for sharing at parties or bringing to potlucks because they look cute and taste even better than they look! I often enjoy them with a glass of milk or even a cup of coffee for a little afternoon pick-me-up. Whenever I bake these, they disappear fast, so I’ve learned to double the recipe just in case. Simple, sweet, and minty—these cookies never fail to bring a smile.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate Cake Mix: This is the base for the cookie dough and gives the cookies their rich chocolate flavor. If you prefer, you can use a devil’s food cake mix for an even deeper chocolate taste.
Peppermint Extract: This adds the signature mint flavor. If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use a few drops of mint-flavored syrup or skip it for a simpler chocolate cookie.
Butter & Heavy Cream (for filling): Butter keeps the filling creamy and smooth, while heavy cream helps get the right fluffy texture. For a lighter version, try using cream cheese instead of butter.
Green Food Coloring: This is optional and mainly for that fun grasshopper color. You can leave it out if you want a more natural look, the mint flavor will still shine through.
Chocolate Topping: Melted semisweet or dark chocolate finishes the cookie with a silky, glossy layer. Milk chocolate can be used if you want it sweeter.
How Do You Make the Perfect Soft and Chewy Cake Mix Cookies?
Getting that soft and chewy texture is all about baking time and mixing.
- Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Bake at 350°F and watch closely. The edges should look set while the centers stay a bit soft—that’s the sweet spot for chewiness.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet before moving them. This helps them firm up without losing softness.
- Use tablespoon-sized dough scoops for evenly sized cookies that bake consistently.
For the filling, beat the butter and powdered sugar until fluffy for a light texture. Add cream gradually to avoid runny frosting. Spreading the filling when cookies are completely cooled prevents melting and keeps your cookie sandwiches neat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – handy for combining your cookie dough and frosting separately.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – makes beating frosting smooth and fluffy much easier.
- Baking sheets – sturdy and flat to bake cookies evenly without burning.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Scoop or spoon – for consistent cookie sizes that bake uniformly.
- Microwave-safe bowl – to melt chocolate quickly and safely for the topping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap peppermint extract for almond extract to create a nutty twist that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Add crushed candy canes or peppermint candies into the frosting for a crunchy mint surprise.
- Use white chocolate instead of dark for topping to keep cookies sweeter and less intense.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the cookie dough for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
For the Mint Filling:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (plus extra if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 4 oz semisweet or dark chocolate, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the dough and filling, 8-10 minutes to bake the cookies, plus about 15 minutes for cooling and assembly. In total, plan for roughly 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and peppermint extract. Stir until it forms a smooth dough with no lumps.
2. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a spoon or scoop to drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers will be soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Mint Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a few drops of green food coloring if you want that classic mint color. Continue beating until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick to spread, add a little more cream.
4. Assemble the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe a generous amount of the mint filling onto the bottom of one cookie. Top with another cookie and gently press together to form a sandwich.
5. Add the Chocolate Topping:
Spoon the melted chocolate over the top of each cookie sandwich. Let the chocolate drip slightly over the edges for a beautiful look. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Store your Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them if you like your filling chilled.
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix for These Cookies?
Yes! While chocolate cake mix gives the classic Grasshopper flavor, you can try devil’s food or even a chocolate fudge mix for a richer taste. Just stick to chocolate-based mixes to keep the mint-chocolate balance.
How Should I Store Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer the filling chilled or want to keep them longer, refrigerate the cookies—just bring them to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make the Mint Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The mint filling can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whip before assembling your cookies.
What If I Don’t Have Peppermint Extract?
No worries! You can substitute with spearmint extract, mint syrup, or even just vanilla extract for a milder flavor. Keep in mind this will change the classic Grasshopper taste slightly.
