As a baker, I love to create treats that combine the richness of chocolate with refreshing flavors. Chocolate Mint Cookies are one of my favorite recipes, especially when I’m craving something a little indulgent yet refreshing at the same time. The combination of smooth chocolate and the cool, minty aftertaste makes these cookies a crowd favorite, perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a festive dessert spread.
These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The dough comes together quickly, and once baked, the cookies turn out soft, chewy, and full of flavor. The chocolate chips melt perfectly into the dough, while the hint of mint adds a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with the deep, rich cocoa. With a soft center and slightly crispy edges, each bite delivers the perfect balance of mint and chocolate, leaving you wanting more.
What makes these Chocolate Mint Cookies even more special is their versatility. You can serve them as a treat at a holiday gathering, pack them into a lunchbox for a sweet surprise, or simply enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee. No matter the occasion, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tastes them.
So, if you’re looking for a deliciously different cookie recipe that combines the classic allure of chocolate with a refreshing burst of mint, look no further than these Chocolate Mint Cookies. Let’s dive into how you can bake them and enjoy this delightful treat.
Ingredients for Chocolate Mint Cookies
To make these indulgent and refreshing Chocolate Mint Cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The balance between rich chocolate and minty freshness is key, and these ingredients work together beautifully to create the perfect cookie.
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Butter – 1 cup (softened)
Butter provides the necessary richness and helps create a tender, chewy texture for the cookies. -
Granulated Sugar – 1 cup
The sugar sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookies’ crispiness around the edges while maintaining a soft center. -
Brown Sugar – 1/2 cup
Brown sugar adds moisture to the dough, making the cookies even chewier and adding depth of flavor. -
Eggs – 2 large
Eggs help bind the dough together and give structure to the cookies. They also contribute to the softness of the cookies. -
Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp
The vanilla enhances the overall flavor, complementing the chocolate and mint. -
All-Purpose Flour – 2 1/2 cups
Flour is the base of the dough, giving structure to the cookies. -
Baking Soda – 1 tsp
Baking soda helps the cookies rise, giving them the perfect texture. -
Salt – 1/2 tsp
A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the sugars and enhances the flavors. -
Cocoa Powder – 1/2 cup
Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the deep chocolate flavor, making the cookies rich and decadent. -
Chocolate Chips – 1 1/2 cups
Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor. The chips melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite. -
Peppermint Extract – 1 tsp
This is what gives the cookies their refreshing minty flavor. A little goes a long way in providing a subtle minty kick without overpowering the chocolate. -
Crushed Mint Candies or Chocolate Mint Pieces – 1/2 cup
Optional but recommended! Crushed mint candies (such as Andes mints) or chocolate mint pieces add extra texture and a burst of mint in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Mint Cookies
Baking these cookies is easy, and the steps come together quickly. Here’s how to make them from start to finish:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer or stand mixer.
Step 3:
Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. The peppermint extract will infuse the dough with a refreshing minty aroma.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
Step 5:
Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed mint candies or chocolate mint pieces. This will add both texture and bursts of mint flavor throughout the cookies.
Step 6:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading as they bake.
Step 7:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and are set around the edges but still soft in the center. Be careful not to overbake them, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set properly without breaking.
Enjoy these Chocolate Mint Cookies with a refreshing minty flavor and rich chocolatey goodness!
How Long to Bake Chocolate Mint Cookies
Baking time for cookies can vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your cookie dough scoops. For these Chocolate Mint Cookies, it’s important to keep an eye on them so they stay soft and chewy in the center while developing a slightly crispy edge. Here’s a general guideline:
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Smaller Cookies – Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
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Standard-Sized Cookies – Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
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Larger Cookies – Bake for 12-14 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Check the cookies around the 10-minute mark. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set and slightly golden, but the center is still soft. The cookies will continue to cook slightly after they are removed from the oven.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover cookies, they can be stored easily for later enjoyment. Here’s how to preserve them for the best results:
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Room Temperature – Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
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Refrigerator – You can store the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure the container is airtight to prevent the cookies from drying out.
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Freezer – For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Frozen cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying or warm them up in the oven for a freshly baked experience.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Mint Cookies
To ensure your cookies turn out just right every time, here are some helpful tips:
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Don’t Overmix the Dough – When you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense cookies.
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Use Good Quality Chocolate Chips – The quality of chocolate chips can make a difference in the flavor of the cookies. Opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for the best results.
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Chill the Dough (Optional) – If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and results in thicker cookies with a more intense flavor.
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Add Extra Minty Flavor – If you’re a fan of mint, you can add a bit more peppermint extract or even a pinch of mint extract into the dough for a more pronounced mint flavor.
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Try Other Add-ins – For extra texture, try adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or even a few more mint candies.
With these tips in mind, you can easily perfect your Chocolate Mint Cookies each time, making them a go-to treat for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chocolate mint candies instead of mint extract?
Yes, you can use chocolate mint candies like Andes mints instead of peppermint extract for a different flavor twist. Simply chop them into small pieces and fold them into the dough along with the chocolate chips. The candies will melt slightly during baking, giving your cookies a delicious, minty chocolate flavor in every bite.
2. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much during baking, it could be due to warm dough or too much butter. To prevent spreading, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up, resulting in thicker cookies that hold their shape better. Also, make sure the butter is softened to room temperature, not melted.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes! You can make the cookie dough in advance and freeze it. Scoop the dough into individual cookie portions and place them on a baking sheet to freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the cookie dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough directly on the baking sheet and bake at the same temperature, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
4. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Chocolate Mint Cookies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the flour blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the texture. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free cookies!
Print
Chocolate Mint Cookies
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Chocolate Mint Cookies are a perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing mint. With their soft, chewy texture and the delightful burst of mint, they’re the ultimate treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a sweet snack, these cookies will surely satisfy your craving for both chocolate and mint.
Ingredients
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1 cup butter (softened)
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp peppermint extract
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1/2 cup crushed mint candies or chocolate mint pieces (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed mint candies (if using).
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden. The centers should remain soft.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
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For added crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds on top before baking.
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Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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For a stronger mint flavor, add a little more peppermint extract.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes