If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that hits the perfect balance between rich, chocolatey decadence and a cool, refreshing zing, these Chocolate Mint Cookies are destined to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie where deep cocoa flavors meet pockets of melted chocolate and bursts of invigorating mint—it’s like enjoying your favorite peppermint patty in the form of a bakery-worthy treat! With their irresistible texture and eye-catching appearance, these cookies will turn any occasion into a celebration, whether you’re baking them for the holidays or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon.

Chocolate Mint Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Chocolate Mint Cookies plays a crucial role, from creating the lush, fudgy base to adding just the right hit of minty freshness. Let’s break down the essentials so you know exactly why each one matters and how they work together to make the magic happen.

Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key for that classic cookie texture and rich flavor that simply melts in your mouth.
Granulated sugar: Adds crisp edges and helps the cookies achieve sweetness without being cloying.
Packed brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses note and contributes to a chewy, moist crumb.
Large eggs: These bind the dough together and introduce a bit of richness to each bite.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the chocolate and mint aromas.
Peppermint extract: The star ingredient that delivers the perfect cooling mint kick—adjust slightly for your preferred level of mintiness!
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving these cookies their tender structure.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides that deep, dark chocolate flavor and an inviting color.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies puff up ever so slightly for just the right amount of chewiness.
Salt: A pinch balances all the sweetness and lets the chocolate flavors shine.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Each mouthful is studded with melty, gooey chocolate thanks to these chips.
Chopped Andes mint candies or mint chocolate chips: Adds crunchy bits of cool mint—the surprise element that takes these cookies to the next level!

How to Make Chocolate Mint Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze—plus, parchment means no sticky bottoms. It’s a small detail, but one that sets you up for cookie success.

Step 2: Cream the Butters 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. This step introduces air to the dough, helping your Chocolate Mint Cookies achieve that ideal, slightly puffy texture. Don’t rush—creaming well really makes a difference!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Crack in the eggs, adding them one at a time and beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. You’ll notice an instant burst of delightful aroma—the peppermint brings a crisp brightness, while vanilla tames the cocoa’s intensity.

Step 4: Whisk and Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually pour this dry mix into your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so stop when there are just a few streaks of flour left.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Mint Candies

Using a spatula or spoon, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the chopped Andes mint candies (or mint chocolate chips if you’re using those). This is where the Chocolate Mint Cookies get their burst of minty goodness and those chocolatey pockets that everyone loves.

Step 6: Portion and Bake

Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remember, cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet, so don’t overbake!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this helps them firm up and makes transferring easier. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can resist sneaking one warm!). The result? Chocolate Mint Cookies with beautifully chewy centers and that unmistakable aroma wafting through your kitchen.

How to Serve Chocolate Mint Cookies

Garnishes

Make these cookies extra special by sprinkling a few more chopped Andes mints on top right after baking, or dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a frosted, wintry finish. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate can also add a gourmet touch to your Chocolate Mint Cookies.

Side Dishes

Pair Chocolate Mint Cookies with a tall glass of ice-cold milk—classic, yes, but oh-so-satisfying! For a grown-up twist, serve them alongside espresso, hot cocoa, or even a minty herbal tea for a delightful after-dinner treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few cookies and wrap them with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. Arrange them on a cake stand with fresh mint leaves for a dramatic dessert table centerpiece, or break them into chunks and use them as a decadent ice cream topping. The options really are endless when it comes to showing off these beauties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chocolate Mint Cookies stay delightfully chewy for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight or moisture so they retain their signature texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze fully cooled cookies in an airtight bag or container for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough (already portioned), making it so easy to pop a few in the oven whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

If you’d like that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, just pop a cookie or two in the microwave for 10 seconds. The chocolate and mint candies will get a little melty again, bringing those nostalgic bakery aromas right back.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mint candies?

Absolutely—if you don’t have Andes mint candies, mint chocolate chips are a fantastic substitute. Even semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips will give you a classic chocolate effect, though you’ll miss that distinct minty burst. For pure chocolate fans, this is still a win!

How can I make the mint flavor stronger?

If you’re a true mint enthusiast, simply bump up the peppermint extract to 1½ teaspoons for a bolder, more refreshing flavor. You can also add a few extra chopped candies directly to the dough before baking.

Do these cookies spread much in the oven?

They’ll spread a bit, but retain a chewy, slightly puffy texture—spacing them about 2 inches apart on the sheet is just right. If you like a thicker cookie, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. The texture may differ ever so slightly, but the flavors and chocolate-mint goodness stay front and center.

What’s the best way to pack these for gifting?

Let the Chocolate Mint Cookies cool completely, then layer them in cellophane bags or boxes with parchment paper in between. Add a little gift tag and ribbon, and you’ll have a homemade present that’s always met with rave reviews.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about homemade Chocolate Mint Cookies—the combination of rich chocolate and brisk, refreshing mint just never gets old! Give this recipe a try the next time you want to impress friends or simply savor a moment for yourself. Each cookie is a sweet, minty slice of comfort waiting to happen.