Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, a Grinch movie night, or simply want to spread some seasonal joy, these Easy Grinch Cupcakes are the perfect treat to make your heart grow three sizes this Christmas season.

Until a few years ago, I had no idea just how popular The Grinch Party Ideas were. It was after my Grinch Punch went Viral that I realized, people truly love The Grinch Stole Christmas story.

That is what led me to create all sorts of delicious and fun Grinch Food ideas that will bring joy every holiday season.

And these cute Grinch cupcakes fit right into the mix.

Made with boxed cake mix, homemade green frosting and finished with a red heart sprinkle on the top of each cupcake, these cute grinch cupcakes are so easy, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made these before.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Adorable – They are so pretty and taste just as delicious looking. They would look great on any holiday party dessert table or would be perfect to gift to family, friends and neighbors for the holidays.
• Kid-Proof recipe – This is so much fun to make with the kids because of how simple they are to make. Just make sure to supervise during the baking part. We don’t want any little hands getting burned.
• So festive – these festive Grinch cupcakes will bring joy to anyone you serve them too. They are happy, bright and tasty. I don’t think you can ask for more!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any boxed cake mix?
Yes! This recipe calls for vanilla boxed cake mix but you can use chocolate cake mix, red velvet cake mix or even Funfetti cake mix. You can also choose to color the vanilla cake mix with green food coloring to make green cupcakes.

Can I use premade cupcakes?
Yes! If you’d prefer to use store-bought cupcakes, just make sure they are unfrosted cupcakes and continue with the rest of the steps as usual. Here’s another version of Grinch Cupcakes.

How do I make the perfect Grinch green color?
There are a ton of variations of Grinch Green. The original color code for the Grinch Green is 32E300 which you can see below. Now, keep in mind, this color will look different depending on your screen. However, I’ve found that anywhere from a pastel green to a bright neon green works great for Grinch Green recipes. You can add more green food coloring to your frosting as you desire. I typically prefer a leaf green food coloring or a neon bright green food coloring.

What type of food coloring should I use?
I typically find that regular green food coloring causes the frosting to become too watery. Therefore, I highly recommend a Gel Green Food Coloring to achieve your desired color.

How do I store the leftovers?
You can store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can freeze the cupcakes for up to 2 months in an airtight freezer container.

What else can I add to the frosting?
You can add ½ cup of cream cheese to the frosting if you want a cream cheese frosting. You can eliminate ½ cup of the butter if you add the cream cheese. You can add peppermint extract to the frosting for a minty flavor.

What You Will Need to Make The Grinch Cupcakes:

For The Cupcakes:

• Vanilla Cake Mix (white cake mix)
• Water
• Vegetable oil or melted butter
• Eggs

For The Frosting:

• Unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar 
• Milk
• Green food dye
• Red heart sprinkles

Equipment Needed:

• Bowl
• Spoon
• Spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Green cupcake liners
• Icing kit
• Cookie scoop (small size)

How to Make The Grinch Cupcakes:

In a large mixing bowl add the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix for 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Add your cupcake liners into your muffin tins (cupcake pan).

Fill up 24 cupcake liners halfway up with the cupcake batter using a cookie scoop. Bake for 15-19 minutes. Use a toothpick to insert in the cupcake to make sure it is done and nothing is left on the toothpick.

Remove from the oven and allow to sit on a wire rack for 60 minutes or until completely cool.

In a separate large bowl add the butter. Beat on medium speed for 3-7 minutes. The longer you beat the fluffier your frosting will be.

Add the vanilla extract. Mix for 1-2 minutes on medium speed until fully incorporated.

Add half of the powdered sugar. Mix on medium speed for 3 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl. Add the remainder of the powdered sugar.

Add the milk 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed.

Add the green dye a toothpick amount at a time to the white frosting. Mix on medium speed. Keep adding more dye until you reach the green you want to achieve.

When ready, add your frosting tip such as a large round tip (can also use a large star tip) into your piping bag (pastry bag or ziplock bag works too) and then fill it with the green frosting.

Gently pipe your green icing starting from the inside on the top of the cupcake, working in a circular motion covering the outside of the cupcake.

Top off with a single red heart sprinkle for Grinch’s heart.

Serve and enjoy these adorable Grinch cupcakes!

Want More Grinch Recipes? Check out:

• Grinch Punch (kid-friendly)
• Grinch Hot Cocoa Bombs
• Grinch Fudge
• Grinch Cocktail (for adults)
• Grinch Cookies
• Grinch Pancakes

Plus, we have a ton more Grinch Ideas here.