If you have a soft spot for the classic blend of refreshing mint and rich chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies boast a perfect balance of creamy peppermint flavor combined with the satisfying crunch of chocolate chips, creating a delightful treat that is both nostalgic and irresistibly fresh. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just craving something sweet and minty, this recipe delivers cookies that are tender on the inside with just the right hint of green color to brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building the texture and taste that makes these Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe stand out. From the creamy butter that assures a tender crumb to the peppermint extract that brings that iconic coolness, every addition is essential and worth appreciating.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and tender texture to the cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crispiness on the edges.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note for depth.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to structure.
- 1½ teaspoons peppermint extract: The star ingredient that infuses refreshing mint flavor.
- 1–2 drops green food coloring (optional): Adds festive color, but can be left out if you prefer natural hues.
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise for a lighter, softer bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips: Classic chocolate chunks that create melty pockets of goodness.
- ½ cup mint chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints: Boosts the mint-chocolate combo with extra texture and flavor variety.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key for incorporating air, resulting in cookies that are soft and wonderfully textured.
Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Peppermint
Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully mixing after each addition to create a smooth batter. Then add the peppermint extract and, if you’re using it, the green food coloring. The peppermint extract will give your cookies that unmistakable burst of mint freshness.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully as they bake.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Finally, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips along with the mint chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints for that perfect chocolate-mint harmony.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers stay slightly soft—this keeps the cookies chewy and irresistible.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps them firm up just enough while staying tender inside.
How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance these cookies with a simple garnish of crushed peppermint candies or a light dusting of powdered sugar for that extra festive touch. A drizzle of melted chocolate can also make them look as stunning as they taste.
Side Dishes
Serve your Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe alongside a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of peppermint tea to complement and balance their sweet, minty richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by sandwiching two cookies together with a scoop of mint or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent treat. You can also place a cookie at the bottom of a dessert cup layered with whipped cream and crushed chocolates for a quick, elegant dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and moist without losing that fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor you love.
Freezing
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe dough freezes beautifully. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake the frozen dough directly with a couple of extra minutes added to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds to revive their soft texture, or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes if you want a freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Yes, but peppermint oil is more potent. Use it sparingly, starting with half the amount of extract called for, to prevent overpowering your cookies.
Do I have to use green food coloring?
No, the green color is completely optional. The cookies taste just as amazing without it, but adding it can add festive flair, especially around holidays.
Can I substitute the mint chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can use chopped Andes mints, mint-flavored white chocolate chips, or even freeze-dried mint pieces to customize the minty chocolate flavor to your liking.
What makes the cookies chewy instead of crunchy?
The combination of brown sugar adds moisture and softness, while slightly underbaking the cookies keeps the centers tender and chewy rather than crisp.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten, so these cookies are not gluten-free. To make them gluten-free, you’d need to use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and joyful about baking and sharing this Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. The flavors bring back happy memories while delivering a fresh twist that your whole family will adore. Once you try these cookies, they will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Give them a whirl—you won’t regret it!
Print
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these classic Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies featuring a perfect blend of buttery dough, refreshing peppermint, and rich chocolate chips. Soft and chewy with a hint of mint, these cookies are ideal for holiday trays or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons peppermint extract
- 1–2 drops green food coloring (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup mint chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a creamy base for the cookies.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them. Then, mix in the peppermint extract and green food coloring if you want a festive touch of color.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix dry ingredients into wet mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which would make the cookies tough.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Stir in both the semisweet chocolate chips and the mint chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints to distribute the chocolates evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape and bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the best texture.
Notes
- Increase peppermint extract slightly for a stronger mint flavor, but be cautious as it can become overpowering quickly.
- These cookies freeze well and make a great addition to holiday cookie trays.
