Chocolate Mint Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the cool zing of mint paired with rich, decadent chocolate. These cookies are soft in the center with just the right amount of chew on the edges, and they’re studded with chocolate and mint chips in every bite. They bake up quickly, making them ideal for spontaneous sweet cravings or a last-minute addition to your holiday cookie platter. Whether you’re planning for a festive gathering or just want something special to enjoy with your coffee, these cookies deliver on flavor and texture. The combination of peppermint extract and mint chips gives them a fresh, bright lift that complements the deep cocoa flavor beautifully. They freeze well, gift well, and disappear fast — don’t be surprised if your batch is gone in a flash!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup packed brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp peppermint extract
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
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1 1/4 cups mint chips (such as Andes mint chips or similar)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in peppermint extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
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Fold in chocolate chips and mint chips using a spatula.
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Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.
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Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
Chocolate Mint Cookies: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Favorite
The Sweet History of Chocolate and Mint
Chocolate and mint have long been one of the most beloved flavor combinations in the world of desserts. The pairing dates back to the early 20th century when mint chocolate candies started gaining popularity in North America and Europe. The cool, invigorating sensation of mint perfectly complements the rich, decadent notes of chocolate. This unique balance has inspired everything from ice creams and candies to brownies and, of course, cookies. These Chocolate Mint Cookies pay homage to that time-honored flavor pairing while offering a chewy, home-baked delight that feels both nostalgic and refreshing.
Why This Chocolate Mint Cookie Recipe Stands Out
This recipe isn’t just another cookie—it’s a flavor experience. The dough is rich with cocoa powder, providing a deep chocolate base, and each cookie is generously packed with both chocolate chips and mint chips. The result is a cookie that has both soft centers and just the right amount of chew around the edges. What makes this recipe even better is the use of peppermint extract, which brings a natural minty freshness without overwhelming the palate.
The recipe is easy to follow, requires no chill time, and can be ready in just about 25 minutes. It’s perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners, especially those looking for something festive, indulgent, and easy to whip up in a pinch.
Perfect for Holiday Baking and Gifting
Chocolate Mint Cookies are particularly popular during the holiday season. The bright, refreshing taste of mint is often associated with wintertime, making these cookies ideal for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or even holiday gift boxes. Their soft, fudgy texture and cool minty notes make them stand out among the usual sugar and gingerbread cookies often seen on holiday platters.
You can even package them beautifully in clear cookie bags or festive boxes with a ribbon to make delightful edible gifts. They hold up well at room temperature and maintain their texture for days, making them a practical and delicious option for sharing joy with family and friends.
Healthier Than They Seem
While these cookies certainly fall into the “treat” category, they offer some benefits that make them a better choice than store-bought alternatives. By making them from scratch, you avoid unnecessary preservatives, artificial flavors, and excess sugar often found in packaged cookies. You can also tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs—use organic butter, reduce the sugar slightly, or opt for dark chocolate chips to increase antioxidants.
Additionally, mint has some natural properties that may aid digestion and help freshen breath. So, while these cookies are undeniably indulgent, they carry with them a touch of natural wellness thanks to their peppermint component.
Fun Variations and Customization Ideas
One of the greatest things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:
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Add crushed peppermint candies: Sprinkle a bit of crushed peppermint on top of the cookies before baking for a crunchy, decorative twist.
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Use dark or white chocolate chips: Switch out or combine different types of chocolate chips to create a flavor mix that suits your taste.
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Gluten-free version: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
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Sandwich version: Turn them into cookie sandwiches by adding a mint-flavored buttercream or chocolate ganache between two cookies.
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Add espresso powder: A small pinch of espresso powder can intensify the chocolate flavor, making them even more decadent.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
These cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike. Kids love the fun green mint chips (especially if you use colored ones), and adults appreciate the flavor depth and perfect texture. They’re also a fun baking activity to do with children. Kids can help scoop dough or add chips, making it a hands-on, delicious family bonding moment.
Whether it’s for a bake sale, classroom party, or casual get-together, these cookies are guaranteed to disappear fast. The aroma alone—chocolatey, minty, and warm from the oven—will have everyone gathering around your kitchen.
Storage Tips and Freezer Friendly
One of the practical benefits of this recipe is its great storage potential. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough or the baked cookies. For the dough, scoop it onto a baking sheet, freeze the scoops, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time. This makes it easy to always have a fresh-baked treat on hand whenever cravings strike.
Pairs Perfectly With Your Favorite Hot Drinks
Chocolate Mint Cookies are the ultimate companion to warm beverages. Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa for a double chocolate indulgence, or enjoy them alongside a cup of peppermint tea or coffee. They also make an impressive addition to dessert boards, served with fresh fruit, dark chocolate squares, and maybe even a scoop of mint ice cream.
A Versatile Treat for Every Occasion
While they’re especially popular during the holidays, these cookies are versatile enough for year-round enjoyment. Bake a batch for birthdays, game nights, movie marathons, or even as a post-dinner dessert. Their chewy, rich texture and cooling mint flavor offer the kind of comfort food experience that works no matter the season.
Conclusion
Chocolate Mint Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a celebration of classic flavor pairing done right. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and universally loved, they’re a must-have in every baker’s rotation. Whether you’re preparing for a festive holiday event or simply craving something cool and chocolatey, these cookies deliver every time. With their chewy texture, balanced sweetness, and refreshing mint kick, it’s no wonder they’re a favorite in homes around the world. Bake a batch today, and experience the perfect harmony of chocolate and mint for yourself.
