If you’re a fan of treats that strike the perfect balance between cool mint and decadent chocolate, you’re about to fall in love. These Refreshing Mint Chocolate Chunk Cookies are chewy, gooey, and loaded with irresistibly fresh flavor. Every bite feels like a celebration, thanks to crisp minty notes blending seamlessly with generous pockets of chocolate. They’re easy to whip up, kid-approved, and bring an extra pop of green fun to any dessert table. Plus, they’re the perfect pick-me-up for when you want something sweet and invigorating!

Refreshing Mint Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these cookies lies in their straightforward ingredient list. Each item brings something special, whether it’s the rich base, minty zing, or that classic chewy cookie bite. Here’s what you’ll need to create a batch of Refreshing Mint Chocolate Chunk Cookies everyone will rave about:

Butter (1 cup, unsalted, softened): Ensures richness and a chewy, tender cookie crumb.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and aids in spreading the cookies just right.
Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings depth and a hint of caramel flavor—don’t skip it!
Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together for a cookie that’s not too cakey, not too dense.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm background notes that make the mint even brighter.
Peppermint Extract (1 teaspoon): The star of the show—just the right amount for that lively, refreshing kick.
All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): The backbone of your cookies, giving them structure.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder for perfect rise and soft texture.
Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps cookies puff up slightly, achieving those dreamy middles.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks (1 1/2 cups): For those glorious pockets of melted chocolate.
Chopped Andes Mints or Mint Chocolate Pieces (1/2 cup, optional): Take the mint factor up a notch and add fun color.
Green Food Coloring (optional): Just a drop for festive flair—especially fun during the holidays!

How to Make Refreshing Mint Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Your Sheets

Before you dive in, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes for easy cleanup. Getting your trays ready now means you can move swiftly once that dough is ready to drop!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a big mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. This step whips air into the base, giving your Refreshing Mint Chocolate Chunk Cookies their signature lift and chewy edges.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract (for that fabulous minty punch), and a few drops of green food coloring if you want a fun, vibrant look.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the rising agents and salt are evenly mixed throughout—no accidental salty pockets!

Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Over-mixing can toughen the cookies, so keep it gentle—just enough to bring everything together into a delicious dough.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Mint Pieces

Now for the magic: fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks and optional Andes mints or mint chocolate pieces. This is when your dough turns into something truly special. Each spoonful will carry a mix of chocolatey goodness and cool, creamy mint.

Step 7: Drop and Bake

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepped baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies will spread slightly, so give them a little room! Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden while the centers remain soft—trust, that texture is worth it!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This last pause helps the chocolate set beautifully and ensures the best chewy bite.

How to Serve Refreshing Mint Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Garnishes

Amp up the minty excitement by sprinkling crushed peppermint candies or a handful of extra chocolate chunks on top of your cookies right before baking. For an extra flourish after baking, dust with a tiny bit of powdered sugar or add a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Side Dishes

Pair your Refreshing Mint Chocolate Chunk Cookies with a cold glass of milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These combos let the bright mint and dark chocolate flavors shine, making for the coziest dessert break ever.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cookies high on a colorful platter for a bake sale, tuck them into a charming box as a sweet gift, or create ice cream sandwiches with two cookies and a scoop of mint chip or vanilla in the middle. They’re also perfect as festive party favors—just wrap in cellophane with a ribbon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to five days—if they last that long! Slip a slice of bread into the container to help retain moisture and prevent the cookies from drying out.

Freezing

Refresh your cookie cravings anytime by freezing baked cookies or dough balls. Just pop baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to three months. If you prefer fresh-baked, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag—just bake straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

Craving that just-baked warmth? Pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds to remelt those chocolate pockets and recreate that fresh-from-the-oven magic. If you’re reheating a whole batch, wrap them loosely in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for five minutes.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of chocolate chunks?

Absolutely! Classic chocolate chips will work beautifully in place of chunks. However, chocolate chunks give you those larger, gooier pools of chocolate, which contrast nicely with the bright mint flavor in these Refreshing Mint Chocolate Chunk Cookies.

Are the cookies very minty or just subtly flavored?

These cookies are designed to have a refreshingly cool, noticeable mint flavor, but they aren’t overpowering! For a lighter touch, use just half the peppermint extract, or go all in by adding extra chopped mint chocolate.

Could I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite plant-based butter, check that your chocolate chunks and mint chocolates are dairy-free, and you’ve got cookies everyone can enjoy. The flavor and texture of your Refreshing Mint Chocolate Chunk Cookies will still shine.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. This can actually help deepen the flavors and yields a slightly chewier cookie—perfect when you want to prep for a big event or bake sale.

What’s the best way to get evenly sized cookies?

Using a cookie scoop ensures even-sized cookies, which means they’ll all bake at the same rate. Not only do they look more professional, but you’ll also get consistent chewy centers and crispy edges throughout your batch of Refreshing Mint Chocolate Chunk Cookies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to wow friends, family, or just treat yourself, these Refreshing Mint Chocolate Chunk Cookies never disappoint. With their cool mint twist and melty chocolate bites, they’re guaranteed to become a staple in your baking lineup. Go ahead—bake a batch and taste the joy for yourself!