These mint chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with irresistible minty flavor. Perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or anytime you’re craving a refreshing twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Mint and chocolate perfection: A heavenly combination of flavors in every bite.
- Chewy texture: Soft centers with lightly crisp edges make these cookies irresistible.
- Festive option: Green chocolate chips add a fun, minty pop of color, perfect for holidays like Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients (for 24 cookies)
Baking & Spices
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup green chocolate chips (optional for extra minty color)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. Add the egg and egg yolk, one at a time, beating until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and green chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop Dough and Shape Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten the dough balls with your fingers for even baking.
Bake:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
Cool:
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
Enjoy the minty, chocolatey goodness of these cookies with a glass of milk, or pack them up for a sweet gift!
Variations
- Extra Minty: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with Andes Mint chips or add crushed peppermint candies.
- Holiday Touch: Add red and green sprinkles for a festive holiday look.
- Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, deeper chocolate flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect as-is or paired with a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze raw dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Room temperature butter: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- Accurate measuring: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies.
- Avoid overbaking: The cookies may appear slightly underdone when removed from the oven but will set as they cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use peppermint candy instead of extract?
Yes, finely crush peppermint candy and mix it into the dough for a crunchy texture and extra minty flavor.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free option.
3. What if I don’t have green chocolate chips?
You can skip them or use white chocolate chips with a few drops of green food coloring for the same effect.
4. Can I chill the dough?
Yes! Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps enhance the flavors and prevents spreading during baking.
5. How do I make the cookies softer?
Use a bit more brown sugar (1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup granulated sugar) for softer, chewier cookies.
These mint chocolate chip cookies are a refreshing and decadent twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for cookie lovers and mint enthusiasts alike, they’re sure to become a hit in your home!