Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, you’ve come to the right place! These Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just your average cookie; they bring a refreshing twist with a burst of peppermint flavor. The combination of mint chips and chocolate creates a deliciously satisfying bite that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy movie night, or simply craving something sweet during the week, these cookies are sure to please everyone.

What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to whip up a batch. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have warm, chewy cookies in no time. Plus, they make your kitchen smell heavenly while baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have fresh cookies ready in no time!
• Family Favorite: The minty flavor combined with chocolate is loved by both kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake it later, making it perfect for busy days.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite chocolate or mint treats to make them your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies use simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have at home. Each one adds its own magic to the cookie, ensuring every bite is delicious!

• 1⅔ cups all purpose flour (spooned into the measuring cups and leveled)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened slightly but still cool)
• ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 1½ cups mint chips, chocolate chips, and/or chopped Andes candies (see note)

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be tailored to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can give your cookies a delightful crunch.
• Use Dark Chocolate: If you prefer a richer flavor, swap out half of the chocolate chips for dark chocolate.
• Try Different Extracts: Experiment with flavors like vanilla or almond extract for a unique twist.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is essential as it ensures even baking. While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the dough. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter with both sugars using either a hand mixer or stand mixer for about 1-2 minutes. This process aerates the mixture, making your cookies soft and chewy. Once creamy, add in the egg and peppermint extract until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add in your flour mixture while beating just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop once there are no visible dry bits left! Now fold in about one cup of mint chips or chopped Andes candies; save some for topping.

Step 5: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop about two tablespoons of dough onto the lined baking sheets, leaving space between each scoop. This allows them room to spread as they bake!

Step 6: Bake Them Up

Place your cookie sheets in the oven and bake for about 9-11 minutes until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown but the center remains slightly underdone—this will keep them soft! If needed, rotate your sheets halfway through cooking time.

Step 7: Cool Down Time

Once baked, take them out of the oven and immediately press remaining mint chips or Andes candy pieces into the tops of each cookie while they’re still warm. Then transfer them onto wire racks to cool completely—if you can resist eating them right away!

Pro Tips for Making Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking cookies can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter helps create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing, which leads to perfectly chewy cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents gluten from developing too much, keeping your cookies soft and tender.

• Chill the dough (if you have time): If you can spare an hour, chilling the dough before baking can enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies while also helping them maintain their shape during baking.

• Rotate your baking sheets: To achieve even baking, rotating your baking sheets halfway through cooking ensures that all cookies are baked uniformly, avoiding any undercooked or overly browned ones.

• Add extra mix-ins at the end: Topping your cookies with additional mint chips or chocolate pieces right after they come out of the oven creates a beautiful finish and an extra burst of flavor in each bite.

How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

When it comes to serving these delightful cookies, presentation is key. Here are some fun ideas to make your Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies shine!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful contrast and a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the minty flavor.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate: A quick drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies can elevate them into a gourmet treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm cookies, creating a classic dessert combination that everyone loves.
• Fresh fruit salad: The bright flavors of a fresh fruit salad provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, minty cookies, making for a balanced dessert plate.
• Mint tea: Serving these cookies with a warm cup of mint tea enhances the minty flavor and provides a soothing beverage option to complement your sweet treat.
• Chocolate milkshake: For a fun twist, serve these cookies alongside a thick chocolate milkshake for an indulgent pairing that will delight both kids and adults alike.

Enjoy making these Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies as much as you’ll enjoy eating them! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand. Here’s how to store them and keep them fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They can last up to 5 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh!

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5 minutes until they are soft.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy that freshly baked taste!

FAQs

Have questions about making these delicious cookies? Here are some common inquiries that might help!

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of mint chips for Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of mint chips, feel free to substitute with dark chocolate chips. You’ll still enjoy a delightful combination of flavors.

How do I know when my Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are done?

Look for the edges to be golden brown while the center remains slightly underdone. This gives you that perfect soft and chewy texture we all love!

Can I make Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to your dough.

How should I store my Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine! It’s such a delightful twist on a classic treat, perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying during quiet moments at home. Have fun baking these cookies, and remember—they’re always better when shared! Happy baking!