Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the cool, refreshing flavor of mint with classic, gooey chocolate chip cookies, these Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are about to become your newest obsession! Every bite is like a sweet breeze of peppermint paired with rich, melty chocolate chips — colorful, delightfully chewy, and totally irresistible. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply for spoiling yourself, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies is how the simplest ingredients come together in the most magical way. Each item in this recipe plays a special role, from creating tenderness to delivering that iconic minty flavor and eye-catching color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to help along the way:
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure and a chewy bite that holds everything together beautifully.
- Baking soda: Helps your cookies rise just the right amount while baking for that perfect soft texture.
- Salt: A tiny pinch balances the sweetness and wakes up the mint and chocolate flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): This is the fat that keeps your cookies rich and soft; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create those gorgeous, gently crisped edges.
- Packed brown sugar: Infuses a hint of molasses flavor and ensures your cookies stay extra chewy.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture for the perfect cookie crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and gives the cookies a cozy, bakery-style taste.
- Peppermint extract: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature crisp, minty lift.
- Green food coloring (optional): If you want that classic color that screams “mint!”, this is your secret weapon.
- Semisweet chocolate chips or chopped mint chocolate: Adds melty pockets of chocolate goodness in every bite.
- Mint baking chips or Andes mints (chopped, optional): Kicks up the mint factor and makes for delicious bursts of cool flavor inside the cookies.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; this not only prevents sticking, but also makes cleanup an absolute breeze. A little prep now means you’ll be ready to bake those Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies as soon as the dough comes together!
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Give them a quick whisk to evenly distribute the leavening and salt, which helps guarantee every cookie bakes to fluffy, chewy perfection.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Grab your largest mixing bowl and beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies bake up tender and gives that hint of caramel from the brown sugar.
Step 4: Add Egg, Extracts, and Color
Mix in the egg, vanilla, peppermint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring if you want that eye-catching minty hue. Beat until combined. The kitchen will already start to smell like mint chocolate dreams at this point!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently so you don’t overmix. Just until incorporated — this is the secret to keeping your Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies soft and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Mint Chips
Now for the best part: Stir in your chocolate chips and, if you’d like, chopped mint baking chips or Andes mints. Every scoop should be full of minty-chocolate promise.
Step 7: Scoop, Bake, and Cool
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving plenty of space for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers just set. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack. Waiting might be hard, but it’s worth it!
How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
A little finishing touch makes these cookies even more festive! Sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips or a tiny pinch of crushed peppermint candy on top right after baking for added flair and crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted chocolate looks stunning and tastes delicious.
Side Dishes
Pair these cool, creamy Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a mug of rich hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert combo. They also shine alongside a bowl of fresh berries for a refreshing twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies in a mason jar and tie with a ribbon for a darling gift, or create a Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie ice cream sandwich using mint chip ice cream — a match made in heaven! For parties, pile cookies high on a vintage cake stand for a playful, irresistible centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cooled Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft, minty, and delicious for up to 5 days (if they last that long!).
Freezing
These cookies are freezer-friendly, too! Simply freeze baked cookies in a single layer until solid, then transfer to an airtight bag or container for up to 2 months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked magic, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm in a low oven for a few minutes. The chips will melt and the mint aroma will fill the air just like when they were first out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use natural mint extract instead of peppermint extract?
Absolutely! Mint extract can be used, but keep in mind it has a milder, sometimes more herbal flavor than peppermint. Peppermint extract is classic for that bold, cool flavor people expect in Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies.
How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
If your dough is too soft or warm, the cookies may spread more than you’d like. Chill the scooped dough for 15–20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape perfectly.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes — substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. Your Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies will still be delightfully chewy with that signature minty charm.
What’s the best way to get that vibrant green color?
A few drops of gel food coloring will give you the brightest, most even color. Start small and mix well; you can always add more if you want the green to pop!
Are Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies good for gifting?
They’re perfect for gifting! These cookies are sturdy enough to stack and wrap, and their fresh, minty flavor (plus that gorgeous green) makes them memorable for birthdays, holidays, or any festive occasion.
Final Thoughts
You’re just half an hour away from a tray of irresistible Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies that are as delicious as they are fun. Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself, baking these cookies is sure to bring a sprinkle of joy and a whole lot of yum — I can’t wait for you to take your first bite!
Print
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies that are the perfect blend of refreshing mint and rich chocolate. These chewy cookies are a favorite for holiday gatherings or any time you’re craving a sweet treat with a hint of minty freshness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
Add-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chopped mint chocolate
- 1/2 cup mint baking chips or Andes mints, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and green food coloring if using.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then fold in the chocolate chips and mint chips.
- Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra mint flavor, consider using chopped Andes mints or mint chocolate chunks.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
