There is something absolutely magical about combining the bright, refreshing flavor of mint with rich, melty chocolate chips in a warm, chewy cookie. If you have been searching for a dessert that brings this perfect harmony to your kitchen, look no further! The Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe I am about to share is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you are baking for a holiday, a party, or just to satisfy a craving, these cookies offer that dreamy balance of cool peppermint and decadent chocolate that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe artfully uses simple but essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating cookies that are soft, flavorful, and beautifully textured. Every item enhances the taste, moisture, and color of these delightful treats, so having them ready before you start will make baking a breeze.
- 1 cup butter (softened): Provides richness and contributes to the soft, chewy texture of the cookies.
- 1 & 1/2 cups sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie browning for that perfect golden edge.
- 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk: Bind the ingredients and add lift and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Imparts the signature mint flavor that makes these cookies unique and refreshing.
- 10 drops green food coloring: Gives the cookies their charming minty hue without altering flavor.
- 3 & 1/4 cups flour (spooned and leveled): The foundation of the dough, providing structure to hold everything together.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to create a perfect texture balance.
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds subtle tang and stability to the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, keeping the cookies from being too sweet.
- 12 ounces dark chocolate chips (divided): Provides pockets of gooey, bittersweet chocolate that contrast perfectly with the mint.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This step ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl or stand mixer, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy — usually around 2 minutes on medium speed. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl’s sides and bottom to incorporate all the ingredients evenly, which makes your dough perfectly smooth.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Peppermint, and Color
Next, mix in the eggs and extra yolk for added richness. Stir in the peppermint extract gently to give the dough that unmistakable cool taste. Add the green food coloring drop by drop, mixing until the dough reaches a charming minty shade you love.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and kosher salt in a separate bowl. Then add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients gradually, combining until the flour is mostly mixed in. Leaving it slightly undone helps maintain a tender texture.
Step 5: Mix in Chocolate Chips
Add half of the chocolate chips directly to the dough. Then chop the remaining half coarsely — this makes sure when baked, chunks of chocolate melt artistically throughout each cookie.
Step 6: Incorporate Chopped Chocolate
Gently fold the chopped chocolate into the dough just until combined. Resist overmixing to keep those lovely chocolate chunks intact.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough and refrigerate it for about an hour. This resting period firms up the dough, making it much easier to shape and helping the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 8: Shape Your Cookies
Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop out dough and mold it into long oval shapes rather than balls — think egg-shaped. This unique shape ensures even baking and a gorgeous presentation. Lay them tall on your lined baking sheets, setting about eight per pan due to their size.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350 degrees for about 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies should just begin to brown at the edges while the centers remain a bit shiny; a slight glossy look is exactly what you want for that perfect soft center.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set up properly, then transfer them to a wire rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps maintain their delicate texture.
How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the cookies further, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or crushed peppermint candies on top before serving. A small mint leaf tucked beside each cookie adds a fresh visual that matches the flavor perfectly.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a mild hot chocolate to highlight the mint-chocolate duo. For an adult twist, try a mint-infused coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cookies for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, stack the cookies in a clear jar layered with parchment paper, or arrange them on a festive platter garnished with fresh mint sprigs. You can even sandwich a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream between two cookies for an irresistible dessert sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their freshness and soft texture for up to a week, making them perfect for enjoying over several days or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, the dough freezes very well. Shape the dough into the ovals described, arrange on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezable bag. When ready to bake, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers fresh from the oven, microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds or warm in a low oven for a few minutes. This refreshes the chocolate’s meltiness and revives that soft, chewy texture you love.
FAQs
Can I substitute peppermint extract with another flavor?
Peppermint extract is crucial in this Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe for that signature refreshing flavor. While you could try spearmint or even a hint of vanilla, it won’t deliver quite the same crisp, minty brightness.
Why do the cookies have an oval shape instead of the traditional round?
The oval shape helps these cookies bake more evenly and gives them a distinct look that’s perfect for showcasing the chocolate chips. It also makes them easier to handle, especially since they are quite large.
Is dark chocolate necessary, or can I use milk chocolate?
Dark chocolate chips add a wonderful contrast to the minty dough with their slightly bitter richness, balancing sweetness nicely. Milk chocolate will work in a pinch and make the cookies sweeter, but dark is the classic choice here.
Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling solidifies the fat in the dough, which helps cookies hold their shape during baking. It also enhances flavor development, making every bite of your Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe even more delicious.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
Try reducing the sugar by a small amount or use semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of dark for a slightly milder flavor profile. Just be mindful that sugar also contributes to texture and browning, so changes should be moderate.
Final Thoughts
Making the Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is like inviting a burst of joy into your kitchen. These cookies are a treat to bake, to serve, and most importantly, to eat. If you love classic mint and chocolate flavors with a homemade twist, I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the delightful smiles it brings. Trust me, once you taste these cookies, they’ll become one of your favorites too.
