The magic of these Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in the perfect balance between sweet and refreshing. Each bite delivers the cool zing of peppermint, paired with melty pools of chocolate nestled in a soft, buttery dough. They’re festive enough for holiday baking yet crave-worthy enough to enjoy all year round. These cookies are a dream for mint lovers and an exciting twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. With easy-to-follow steps and a quick bake time, they’re perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or baking with the family. Whether you serve them warm with a glass of milk or package them for gifting, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup packed light brown sugar
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1 large egg
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1 ½ teaspoons pure peppermint extract
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4-5 drops green food coloring (optional)
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1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
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½ cup chopped Andes mints or mint chocolate chunks
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
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Beat in the egg, peppermint extract, and food coloring until fully combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
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Fold in chocolate chips and chopped mint chocolates.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
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Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly underbaked.
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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
The Story Behind Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mint chocolate chip cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie — a beloved staple in American households. This version brings a refreshing minty edge that sets it apart from traditional recipes. Inspired by the nostalgic flavor of mint chocolate chip ice cream, these cookies strike the perfect balance between cool peppermint and rich semisweet chocolate.
The idea of combining mint and chocolate dates back to the early 20th century when mint flavoring began to appear in candy and desserts. Over time, bakers discovered that pairing it with chocolate not only tasted amazing but added a cooling sensation that enhanced the overall indulgence of the dessert. These cookies bring that time-honored combo to life with a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
Why These Cookies Stand Out
What makes these mint chocolate chip cookies special is their simplicity, versatility, and crowd-pleasing flavor. The use of real peppermint extract adds a genuine minty taste — not overpowering but just enough to tingle the senses. The green food coloring adds visual charm (especially during holidays like Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day), but it’s completely optional for those who prefer a more classic look.
The chopped Andes mints or mint chocolate chunks offer a gourmet flair, adding extra depth and surprise in each bite. These cookies are perfect for parties, holiday gift boxes, or cozy evenings with a warm drink. They are also freezer-friendly, making them ideal for prepping ahead.
The Benefits of Adding Mint to Your Baking
Mint isn’t just delicious — it has real benefits. Peppermint extract contains natural menthol, known for its soothing properties. Its refreshing aroma has been associated with increased alertness and reduced fatigue. Including mint in desserts also makes them feel lighter, making these cookies less overwhelmingly sweet and more satisfying to eat.
Moreover, peppermint can help balance out richness, which is why it pairs so beautifully with chocolate. The interplay of warm, creamy cocoa and cooling mint creates a complex taste experience without the need for complicated ingredients or techniques.
A Dessert for Every Season
Although mint is often associated with winter and the holidays, these cookies can be enjoyed all year long. In the summer, the cool mint makes for a refreshing post-BBQ treat. In spring, their pastel-green hue brightens up any brunch spread. And of course, in December, they’re perfect for cookie swaps, holiday platters, and gift baskets.
This is a cookie that adapts to your needs. Want a festive variation? Add crushed candy canes. Need a richer taste? Swap semisweet chips for dark chocolate chunks. Prefer a subtler mint flavor? Reduce the extract slightly. It’s endlessly customizable while remaining consistently delicious.
Kid-Friendly and Fun to Make
This recipe is a favorite with kids, not only for the fun green color but also because it’s simple enough for them to help make. With just one bowl and a few basic ingredients, it’s a great baking activity for family night. Letting little ones stir in the chocolate chips or shape the cookie dough balls adds an interactive and memorable touch.
You can also turn this recipe into an educational opportunity by showing kids how baking powder and baking soda work together to give cookies the perfect rise. Plus, there’s a special joy in watching your creations turn golden in the oven — and an even bigger reward when you get to taste them warm.
Perfect Texture Every Time
These cookies offer the best of both worlds: crispy edges with soft, chewy centers. Achieving this perfect texture comes down to a few key factors. First, creaming the butter and sugars properly ensures a light, tender crumb. Second, chilling the dough (if you have time) prevents excess spreading and enhances flavor. Lastly, taking the cookies out of the oven when the centers look slightly underbaked allows them to continue cooking on the sheet, resulting in that soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
The mint chocolate chips don’t just provide flavor — they add little bursts of molten chocolate throughout the cookie. Combined with the buttery dough, every bite is a harmonious mix of cool, sweet, and rich.
Ideal for Gifting and Entertaining
Mint chocolate chip cookies make excellent edible gifts. Stack a few in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, or package them in a festive tin for birthdays, holidays, or thank-you gestures. Their unique flavor and vibrant look make them stand out among typical cookie offerings.
They’re also a guaranteed hit at potlucks and parties. Bring a batch to the office or a community event and watch them disappear. Since they appeal to a wide range of palates — even those who might not typically like mint — they’re a safe and impressive choice for any crowd.
A Treat That’s Easy on the Clock
Let’s be real — not everyone has hours to spend in the kitchen. That’s the beauty of this recipe. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a quick bake, you can go from mixing bowl to cookie jar in under 30 minutes. That makes them a great option for last-minute guests, unexpected cravings, or late-night baking sessions.
And because the ingredients are pantry staples — butter, sugar, flour, eggs, and baking soda — you likely already have everything you need. The only thing you might need to grab is peppermint extract and chocolate chips, and those are well worth keeping stocked.
How to Store and Serve
Once baked, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days — if they last that long! For longer storage, freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh on demand. You can also freeze the baked cookies and thaw them whenever you want a quick treat.
To serve, enjoy them slightly warm with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa. You can even crumble them over ice cream for a decadent dessert. And for special occasions, sandwich two cookies with a layer of vanilla or mint frosting for an extra indulgent mint chip sandwich.
Conclusion
Mint chocolate chip cookies bring joy with every bite — the rich chocolate, the cool mint, the chewy texture. But beyond taste, this recipe offers convenience, versatility, and visual appeal. It’s no wonder this cookie is quickly becoming a favorite among bakers and dessert lovers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this is the kind of recipe that yields impressive results with minimal effort. And with so many ways to make it your own, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
