If you love the refreshing zing of mint blended with rich chocolate in every bite, you are going to fall head over heels for this Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies are nothing short of a celebration in your mouth, combining the crisp texture of classic cookies with the cool, invigorating burst of peppermint and the delight of melty chocolate chips and Andes Mints. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a special treat, this recipe brings a unique twist to the everyday chocolate chip cookie that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the buttery richness that forms the cookie’s base to the fresh peppermint extract that lifts the flavors, everything has its place and purpose.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that lightly crisp edge on your cookies.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a tender, creamy texture and rich flavor; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together while contributing to the cookie’s moistness.
- Peppermint extract: The star of the show, delivering that unmistakable minty freshness.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies, balancing chewiness and tenderness.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give the cookies a nice rise and light texture.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Green food coloring: Gives the cookies a fun, festive minty look, but feel free to skip if you prefer a more natural appearance.
- Chopped Andes Mints: Melt into delightful pockets of minty chocolate as the cookies bake.
- Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips: Add a familiar chocolatey richness that pairs beautifully with the mint.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by preheating your oven to 350° and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar with the softened butter on medium-high speed until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that light, tender crumb everyone loves.
Step 2: Add Egg and Peppermint Extract
Next, add the egg and peppermint extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat just until combined. The peppermint extract infuses the dough with a refreshing flavor that’s essential to the Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, so don’t skip it or substitute it lightly.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Green Food Coloring
Incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, kosher salt, and green food coloring into your wet mixture. Stir just until everything is combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough. The green tint adds a visual cue to the minty flavor inside, perfect for festive occasions or whenever you want to add a bit of color to your cookie platter.
Step 4: Fold in the Andes Mints and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the finely chopped Andes Mints and chocolate chips. These melt and create pockets of gooey mint-chocolate goodness throughout each cookie, making every bite an adventure. Be generous here — the cookies are all about that decadent combo!
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Use a small scoop or spoon to drop 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Sprinkle each cookie with a little granulated sugar for a subtle crunch on top. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are puffed and set, rotating the baking sheets halfway through for even baking.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes to set up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures the cookies firm up nicely without losing their tender, chewy texture. Once cooled, these Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are ready to delight!
How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning on their own, pairing them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add a touch of elegance. You might also sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top after baking for extra crunch and color.
Side Dishes
For a cozy afternoon snack, serve these cookies alongside a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of hot cocoa. They also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, which can mellow the mint and chocolate intensity just enough for a balanced dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking the cookies with layers of whipped cream and mint chocolate chip ice cream for decadent cookie sandwiches. Another fun idea is to crush the cookies and use them as a topping for cakes, cupcakes, or parfaits, adding texture and minty flavor wherever you like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delicious for up to 4 days, maintaining their chewy center and crisp edges. Keeping them away from humidity is key to preserving their texture.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by layering them between sheets of parchment paper in a sturdy, sealed container or freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze the cookie dough balls on a tray until firm, then transfer to a bag to bake fresh batches whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 300° for about 5 minutes or microwave briefly in 10-second intervals. This softens the chocolate just right without making the cookies too soft or soggy. Enjoy them as if they just came out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I substitute peppermint extract with another flavor?
Peppermint extract is key to the Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe’s signature flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you might try spearmint or a mild mint extract. Other flavors like vanilla won’t give you the same refreshing kick, so stick to mint varieties for best results.
What if I don’t have Andes Mints? Can I use regular peppermint candies?
Yes, you can use finely chopped peppermint candies instead of Andes Mints, but keep in mind that Andes Mints have a creamier texture and melt more smoothly, adding to the cookies’ lusciousness. Candy canes or other hard mints may result in a crunchier texture.
Is green food coloring necessary for this recipe?
Green food coloring is completely optional. It adds a festive, fun look that visually signals the mint flavor, but the cookies taste just as amazing without it. If you prefer your cookies natural, simply skip this ingredient.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill your dough slightly if your kitchen is warm. Also, avoid overmixing the flour into the wet ingredients to maintain the right structure that helps cookies hold their shape.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture may vary slightly but the mint chocolate magic will still shine through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cookie that’s as fun to bake as it is to eat, this Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. The bright, cool notes of peppermint paired with melty chocolate create a treat that will brighten up any day and make your kitchen smell incredible. Go ahead and make a batch—you’ll be so glad you did, and chances are they’ll disappear fast!
Print
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the festive flavors of these Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies, featuring a light green dough infused with peppermint extract and studded with chopped Andes Mints and chocolate chips. Perfectly soft and fluffy with a crisp sugar sprinkle on top, these cookies are a refreshing twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 6 drops green food coloring
Add-Ins
- 3/4 cup finely chopped Andes Mints
- 1/2 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Arrange oven racks in the upper and lower thirds. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes. This process helps to incorporate air and create a light texture.
- Add egg and flavor: Beat in the large egg and peppermint extract until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Mix dry ingredients and color: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture along with the green food coloring. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and to achieve a nice minty green color.
- Fold in mints and chocolate chips: Gently fold in the finely chopped Andes Mints and chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Shape and arrange: Using a small scoop or spoon, form dough balls about 1 1/2 tablespoons each. Place them on two large baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing the balls approximately 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Sprinkle the tops lightly with additional granulated sugar for a sweet crunch.
- Bake evenly: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets from top to bottom halfway through to ensure even baking. The cookies should be puffed and set but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture.
Notes
- For stronger peppermint flavor, you can adjust the peppermint extract quantity slightly but avoid overdoing it to prevent bitterness.
- The green food coloring is optional but adds a festive and fun appearance to the cookies.
- Andes Mints can be substituted with any similar mint chocolate candies if desired.
- If you prefer a lighter cookie, do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep it tender.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for maximum freshness.
