Name: Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15.25 ounce) box chocolate cake mix (Duncan Hines Devil’s Food Cake recommended); ½ cup vegetable or canola oil; 2 large eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon mint extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1-3 tablespoons heavy cream; Green food coloring; ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ¼ cup heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 8 reviews

If you adore a cookie with a pop of color, a burst of minty freshness, and a decadent chocolate finish, then this Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is exactly what your dessert dreams are made of. Combining the convenience of a chocolate cake mix with a luscious homemade mint frosting and rich chocolate ganache, these cookies deliver an irresistible balance of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds — trust me, they’re seriously that good!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding a mixture of dark brown liquid that fills most of the bowl's bottom. In the center, there is a mound of light brown powder, and to the right of the powder, two bright yellow egg yolks rest side by side, partially surrounded by clear egg whites. The texture of the brown liquid is smooth, while the powder looks dry and slightly crumbly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your ingredients ready is a breeze with this recipe. Each one plays a special role: the cake mix lends that moist, chocolatey base, while the mint extract and green food coloring bring a refreshing and vibrant twist. The frosting and ganache finish things off with creamy, melt-in-your-mouth magic.

Chocolate Cake Mix (15.25 ounces): The foundation of our cookies, providing a rich, fudgy flavor and tender crumb.

Vegetable or Canola Oil (½ cup): Keeps the cookies moist and soft without overpowering flavors.
Large Eggs (2): Essential for structure and that perfect cookie rise.
Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Adds creaminess and a smooth texture to the frosting.

Powdered Sugar (2 cups): For that sweet, silky mint frosting that melts on your tongue.
Mint Extract (1 teaspoon): The star of the show giving each bite a refreshing, cool lift.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

Heavy Cream (1-3 tablespoons + ¼ cup): Used in frosting to adjust consistency and in the chocolate ganache for rich decadence.
Green Food Coloring: To give the frosting its signature vibrant grasshopper hue.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (¾ cup): For the luscious ganache topping with that perfect chocolate kick.

How to Make Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This prep step sets you up for baking success and easy cleanup!

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, vegetable or canola oil, and eggs. Mix them well until fully incorporated. This blend creates a cookie dough that’s both quick to prepare and wonderfully chocolatey, giving you that classic cake-like texture in cookie form.

Step 3: Scoop and Bake

Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, drop dollops of dough onto your prepared cookie sheets, spacing each one at least 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges set but the center stays soft. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 4: Whip Up the Mint Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth. Add in powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, mint extract, salt, and a few drops of green food coloring. Beat the mixture until luscious and smooth, adding additional cream and color a teaspoon or drop at a time until it reaches the perfect consistency and that signature Grasshopper green shade.

Step 5: Frost the Cookies

Spread a generous layer of the vibrant green frosting onto each cooled cookie using an offset spatula or butter knife. This layer not only adds a creamy texture but infuses each bite with that minty excitement that defines Grasshopper treats.

Step 6: Create the Chocolate Ganache

Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl, then pour ¼ cup heavy cream over them. Microwave the mixture for 40 seconds, then let it sit for a minute without stirring. After that, whisk everything together until smooth and glossy, creating a silky ganache that’s pure indulgence.

Step 7: Finish with Ganache Topping

Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the ganache to cool and thicken slightly before spreading heaping spoonfuls on top of the frosted cookies. This luscious chocolate cap adds the finishing touch, marrying the mint frosting and cake cookie with decadent flair. Let the ganache set completely before serving or storing.

How to Serve Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Six round chocolate cookies lie on a square white parchment paper over a cooling rack, arranged in two rows of three. Each cookie has two layers on top: a thick, smooth light green frosting layer directly on the cookie and a glossy dark chocolate layer swirled on top of the green frosting, leaving a green border around the dark center. Around the cooling rack, there are chocolate chips scattered, a small white bowl filled with dark chocolate, and a white bowl with light green frosting. Fresh mint leaves and a white marbled surface create a clean, fresh background. A woman's hand is reaching in from the left side near one cookie. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For that extra wow factor, sprinkle a few chocolate shavings or crushed candy canes on top of the ganache once it’s set. Not only do they add texture, but crushed candy canes enhance the minty vibe, making your cookies as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a minty green tea. The contrasting temperatures and flavors are the perfect complement to the rich, chocolaty, and minty notes in the Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests or gift these cookies? Stack them into towers tied with festive ribbons or arrange them on a platter with fresh mint leaves and mini chocolate pieces for a charming presentation that’s sure to spark compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor. This way, whenever a craving hits, you’ll have these delightful treats ready to enjoy.

Freezing

If you need to save them longer, freeze the cookies (without ganache) in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and frost and ganache as usual for a fresh cookie experience.

Reheating

To warm your cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring out that fresh-baked softness. Avoid heating the ganache directly to keep its smooth texture intact. Enjoy warm with a cold beverage for maximum comfort.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for this Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While devil’s food cake mix is ideal for rich chocolate flavor, you can experiment with other chocolate or even fudge cake mixes to customize the taste. Just keep an eye on the baking time as they may vary slightly.

Is the mint extract necessary?

The mint extract is what gives these cookies their signature refreshing twist. You can reduce the amount for a subtler mint flavor or omit it if you prefer, but it’s definitely recommended for that classic Grasshopper taste.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk in both the frosting and ganache, but keep in mind the texture might be less rich. Adjust quantities as needed to get the right consistency.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 3 days. After that, they might start to dry out, so enjoy them while they’re at their best!

Can I make these gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, look for a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check to be safe. The texture might differ a bit, but the flavors will still shine.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a cookie that’s both playful and indulgent, this Grasshopper Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. The delightful combo of moist chocolate, vibrant mint frosting, and silky ganache is truly a slice of magic you don’t want to miss. So go ahead, bake a batch, and share the cookie joy with friends or keep them all to yourself—you deserve it!