Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction

Mint chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate treat for mint lovers. I first made this recipe for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit! The combination of the refreshing minty flavor and the rich, melty chocolate chips creates a perfect balance of sweetness and coolness. The texture is soft and chewy, making every bite an enjoyable experience. What I love most about these cookies is their versatility—while the classic chocolate chips are always a winner, the addition of green chocolate chips takes the minty color to the next level. These cookies quickly became a family favorite and a staple during the holiday season. If you’re a fan of mint chocolate, this recipe will surely become your go-to!

Ingredients

For 24 cookies

Baking & Spices:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar

Dairy:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Chocolate:

• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup green chocolate chips (optional for extra minty color)

Instructions

1. 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 the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.

1. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside while you prepare the wet mixture.

1. Cream Butter and Sugars

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy.
• Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts to the butter mixture and mix until smooth. Then, add the egg and egg yolk, mixing again until fully incorporated.

1. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.

1. Fold in Chocolate Chips

• Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the optional green chocolate chips (for extra minty color) until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

1. Scoop Dough and Shape Cookies

• Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press the dough down with your fingers to slightly flatten the tops of the dough balls for even baking.

1. Bake

• Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. You can check by gently pressing on the center of a cookie—it should give slightly but not flatten completely.
• Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Serve

• Once the cookies have cooled, enjoy the minty, chocolatey goodness! Pair them with a glass of milk or your favorite warm beverage for the perfect treat.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 cookie)

• Calories: 200
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 2g

(Note: These nutritional values are estimates and based on using regular-sized cookies with semi-sweet chocolate chips.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• With Milk: Mint chocolate chip cookies are perfect with a glass of cold milk—whether it’s regular, almond, or oat milk, the combination is unbeatable.
• On a Dessert Tray: Add these cookies to your holiday dessert tray along with other treats like gingerbread cookies or chocolate chip cookies for a festive variety.
• As an After-Dinner Treat: Serve these cookies as a sweet ending to a meal. They’re especially perfect after a hearty dinner.
• For Gift Giving: Package these cookies in cute gift tins with a festive bow for a thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
• At Parties: These cookies make a great addition to any party, especially for mint and chocolate lovers.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also helps enhance the minty flavor.
2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
3. Add More Mint: For an extra punch of mint, increase the peppermint extract by ½ teaspoon or add a few crushed peppermint candies to the dough.
4. Use High-Quality Chocolate Chips: The chocolate chips are the star of these cookies, so using high-quality semi-sweet chocolate can make a big difference in the flavor.
5. Experiment with Minty Variations: If you like a more intense mint flavor, consider using mint-flavored chocolate chips or even mint M&Ms in place of the green chocolate chips.

Recipe Variations

• Peppermint Crunch Cookies: Add crushed peppermint candies or candy canes into the dough for a crunchy, minty surprise.
• Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: Use vegan butter, flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), and dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Mint Brownie Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to turn these into fudgy, mint brownie cookies.
• Gluten-Free Mint Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used as a 1:1 substitute for regular flour.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Instead of shaping the dough into individual cookies, spread the dough into a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes, cutting into bars afterward.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Hot Chocolate: These cookies are perfect for pairing with a hot cup of cocoa, especially during the winter season.
• With Ice Cream: Serve these cookies as a base for an ice cream sandwich—add a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or mint ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• For Holiday Cookie Trays: Add these mint chocolate chip cookies to a cookie platter with other holiday favorites such as sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, or shortbread for a variety of delicious options.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.
• Freezing Dough: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: After baking, let the cookies cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a warm treat.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
   Yes, you can use white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even mint-flavored chocolate chips for a different twist on the recipe.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
3. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
   Overmixing the dough or using warm dough can cause the cookies to spread. Chill the dough before baking to prevent this.
4. Can I freeze the dough for later?
   Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, freeze them, and bake straight from the freezer for fresh cookies in minutes.
5. How do I prevent the cookies from getting too hard?
   Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden and the centers are still soft. This will ensure a chewy texture.
6. Can I use peppermint extract instead of peppermint candy?
   Yes, peppermint extract is a great substitute for candy canes or crushed peppermint candy.
7. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
   The edges of the cookies should be golden brown, but the centers should remain soft. Pressing gently on the center should leave an imprint but not flatten the cookie completely.
8. How do I keep the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?
   Using parchment paper or silicone baking mats helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
9. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
10. **Can I add nuts to the dough?**
    Yes, feel free to add chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans to the dough for extra crunch.

Conclusion

These Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balances the refreshing mint flavor with rich, melty chocolate chips. Whether you enjoy them as an after-dinner snack, serve them at a holiday gathering, or pack them as a gift, these cookies are sure to please anyone who loves mint and chocolate. With their soft, chewy texture and the option to add green chocolate chips for a festive twist, these cookies will become a holiday favorite in no time!

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