If you adore the refreshing blend of chocolate and mint in your desserts, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Mint Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together rich cocoa, smooth butter, and a burst of peppermint in every bite, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to deliver a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and packed with that delightful minty twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first joyful step, and you’ll find that this recipe relies on simple pantry staples, each chosen to contribute beautifully to flavor, texture, and irresistible aroma.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that ensures your cookies stay tender and moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that perfect cookie crisp around the edges.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a hint of caramel flavor and helps keep the cookies chewy.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add just the right amount of moisture for the soft centers.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and mint flavors with a warm, sweet undertone.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star of the show, giving that unmistakable fresh minty zing.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure that holds your cookies perfectly without making them dense.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor with a rich, slightly bitter note.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps your cookies rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the other flavors.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Adds melty chocolate pockets throughout every bite.
- 1/2 cup mint chocolate chips: Mix these in for extra bursts of minty chocolate goodness.
- 1/2 cup mint chocolate chips, melted: Used for a luscious drizzling topping that makes presentation pop.
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (optional): Offers a festive crunch and a little extra mint punch to finish.
How to Make Chocolate Mint Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Space
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and nothing sticks, giving you that perfect crisp-first-bite texture every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process introduces air into your dough, which is key for soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Extracts
Add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. This step brings in moisture and those gorgeous aromatic flavors that define this treat.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents lumps in your dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mix into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so stop when you see a unified dough. Then fold in both the chocolate chips and mint chocolate chips for that delightful melty surprise.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look soft – they will firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, drizzle melted mint chocolate chips over the tops and sprinkle with crushed candy canes if you’ve opted to use them. This finishing touch adds festive flair and an extra hint of mint.
How to Serve Chocolate Mint Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple or wow your guests with creative garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar, extra crushed candy canes, or even a dollop of whipped cream on the side can elevate the presentation and flavor experience.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of hot cocoa. For a grown-up twist, try serving alongside peppermint-infused coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Chocolate Mint Cookies Recipe into a gift by stacking them neatly in a decorative box or tin. Wrap with a ribbon and add a festive tag for the perfect homemade present. Alternatively, arrange them on a holiday platter with fresh mint leaves and chocolate shavings for a stunning display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for up to a week. If your kitchen is warm, adding a slice of bread inside the container can help maintain moisture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months. You can also freeze baked cookies between layers of parchment paper. When ready, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Reheating
Warm cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness. The melted chocolate chips will ooze deliciously with a little heat, making every bite irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mint chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While mint chocolate chips add a unique flavor, regular chocolate chips will still make delicious cookies. The peppermint extract ensures you won’t miss the minty taste.
Is there a substitute for peppermint extract?
Yes, you can try using spearmint extract or even a small amount of crushed peppermint candies to maintain that mint flavor, but stick to peppermint extract for the most authentic taste.
How do I make the cookie dough less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can slightly cut back on the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup, but keep the brown sugar as it adds moisture and depth of flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure your baking soda is gluten-free as well.
What is the best way to crush candy canes?
Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently tap with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon until you get the desired size. This prevents mess and keeps your kitchen clean.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a perfectly baked batch of Chocolate Mint Cookies Recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and joy. With every bite delivering the perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing mint, this recipe is an absolute keeper to add to your baking repertoire. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to create some magic—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chocolate Mint Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these rich and refreshing Chocolate Mint Cookies, perfectly balanced with the deep flavor of cocoa and a cool peppermint twist. These soft-baked cookies combine chocolate chips, mint chocolate chips, and a festive drizzle of melted mint chocolate topped with crushed candy canes, making them an ideal treat for holidays or any time you crave a sweet minty indulgence.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins and Toppings
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mint chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mint chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add eggs and extracts: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to combine fully. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract to infuse the dough with rich flavor and refreshing mint essence.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure all dry components are evenly distributed.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Fold in both the chocolate chips and mint chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Portion dough onto baking sheet: Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges appear set while the centers remain soft. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Cool and decorate: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the melted mint chocolate chips over the cookies and sprinkle with crushed candy canes if desired. Let the topping set before serving to ensure a perfect bite.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overmixing the dough once the dry ingredients are added.
- If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, add an additional 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
- Crushed candy canes add a festive crunch but can be omitted for a subtler mint experience.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before decorating.
