If you’re ready to treat your senses to the ultimate fusion of cool, invigorating mint and silky, decadent chocolate, these Chocolate Mint Cookies are about to become your new obsession. With their rich cocoa base, just the right hint of peppermint, and plenty of gooey chocolate chips in every bite, they’re as perfect for a cozy winter afternoon as for a summertime refresh. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just craving something spectacular, this recipe makes it easier than ever to put a batch of irresistible Chocolate Mint Cookies on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these cookies is how accessible and familiar the ingredient list is—each component is simple, but when they come together, the results are unforgettable. Let’s talk about what makes each one shine in this recipe.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender base to give your cookies just the right structure.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that deep, fudgy chocolate flavor that is absolutely essential.
- Baking soda: Provides lift and helps the cookies get soft and perfectly puffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors in an otherwise sweet cookie.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookies that melt-in-your-mouth richness; always use room temperature for best results!
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and assists in creating those perfectly chewy edges.
- Large egg: Helps bind everything together and delivers that signature cookie tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a cozy, warm note that balances the coolness of the mint.
- Peppermint extract: The key to that classic, tingly mint aroma and flavor—go easy or bold as you like.
- Milk: A little bit of liquid ensures a smooth, luxurious dough.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Provides pockets of chocolate in every bite; don’t skimp!
- Green mint chips or chopped mint chocolate (optional): Take these cookies to another level both in color and minty freshness—perfect if you adore extra mint.
- Semisweet chocolate chips for topping (optional): Melted and drizzled, these turn your cookies into a showstopper.
- Coconut oil or butter (for melting topping): This helps your topping set nice and glossy, ready to dazzle.
How to Make Chocolate Mint Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and ensures the bottoms come out perfectly soft with just a touch of crispness. Getting prepared before you start mixing means you can move smoothly from one step to the next without scrambling for supplies.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure the cocoa is evenly distributed so every cookie has a balanced chocolate flavor. This little step does wonders in helping your cookies bake evenly and taste out-of-this-world.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Grab a large bowl and beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Spend 2-3 minutes here until your mixture is light, fluffy, and pale—it’s the secret to dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture in your Chocolate Mint Cookies.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Extracts
Crack in your egg, along with the vanilla and peppermint extracts, then beat again until smooth and fully blended. The extracts infuse the dough with layers of cozy vanilla and that unmistakable fresh mint sensation in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl in stages, alternating with the milk. Stir gently until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix! This keeps your cookies soft, thick, and delightfully tender.
Step 6: Add the Chips
Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips for richness, and add green mint chips or chopped mint chocolate if you crave even more minty fun. Every scoop will be loaded with chocolate and fabulous bursts of mint.
Step 7: Shape and Flatten
Use a tablespoon or small scoop to portion out balls of dough, rolling them gently with your hands. Arrange on your prepared baking sheets with a little room between each for spreading. Give each ball a light press with the back of a spoon or your fingers for that classic cookie shape.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide the trays into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will still look soft—trust your instincts, and don’t overbake! Allow the cookies to cool on their trays for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. They’ll firm up as they cool, staying irresistibly chewy inside.
Step 9: Add a Chocolate Topping (Optional)
If you want to turn these Chocolate Mint Cookies into something extra irresistible, melt semisweet chocolate chips with coconut oil (or butter) in short microwave bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies or dip the edges in for that bakery-worthy flourish. Wait for the chocolate to set before sharing (or sneaking a taste yourself).
How to Serve Chocolate Mint Cookies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies or a dusting of powdered sugar makes these cookies even more festive. If you love extra texture and a pop of color, try decorating with a few extra mint chips or a light drizzle of white chocolate for contrast.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Mint Cookies are heavenly with a glass of cold milk or a cozy mug of hot cocoa. If you’re feeling a little fancy, serve them alongside vanilla, chocolate, or mint chip ice cream. The cookies also pair beautifully with fresh berries for a refreshing twist to round out dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, stack cookies in clear gift bags tied with mint-green ribbon or arrange them in a pretty tin lined with parchment. You can also make mini cookie sandwiches by spreading whipped cream or chocolate ganache between two Chocolate Mint Cookies. They’re always a hit on holiday platters or as edible gifts, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Chocolate Mint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days (if they last that long), retaining their minty punch and fudgy goodness day after day.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place baked cookies in a single layer between sheets of wax paper in a freezer-safe container or zip bag. They’re good for up to three months. Bonus tip: you can also freeze unbaked dough balls for fresh-baked cookies on demand.
Reheating
To bring frozen or day-old cookies back to their bakery-fresh glory, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes or give them a quick zap in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds). This melts the chocolate chips ever so slightly and revives that fresh-from-the-oven aroma.
FAQs
Can I make Chocolate Mint Cookies without the green mint chips?
Absolutely! The green mint chips are optional for extra mint flavor and a pop of color, but the cookies are just as delicious and minty using only peppermint extract and semisweet chocolate chips.
How do I get a stronger mint flavor?
If you like your mint flavor bold, simply add an extra ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract or substitute some of the chocolate chips with chopped mint chocolate. Just be careful—not all extracts are created equal, so taste the dough as you go!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture will be slightly different but still wonderful—just make sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free if serving anyone with allergies.
What’s the best way to store Chocolate Mint Cookies so they stay soft?
Keeping the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread is a tried-and-true trick. The bread adds moisture to the container, which helps keep your cookies soft for several days.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily—just double the ingredients and bake in batches. It’s perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or filling your freezer with a stash of Chocolate Mint Cookies at the ready.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of these Chocolate Mint Cookies fills the whole house with the most inviting aroma, and every bite delivers a cool, chocolatey thrill. I hope you give them a try—whether you’re making them for a gathering or a quiet night in, they’re destined to become a requested favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking and enjoy every minty, chocolate-filled bite!
Print
Chocolate Mint Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint with these Chocolate Mint Cookies. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup green mint chips or chopped mint chocolate (optional)
For the topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (for melting)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (for melting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, and mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips and mint chips (if using).
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the center. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (or butter) together in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or dip the edges into the chocolate for a decorative touch.
- Let the chocolate set before serving.
Notes
- For a more intense mint flavor, increase the amount of peppermint extract or use mint chocolate chips instead of regular semisweet chocolate chips.
- If you prefer a softer, chewier cookie, reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
