Name: Chocolate Mint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (163 grams, fluffed and leveled); ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (30 grams); ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1½ cups powdered icing sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 tablespoon milk; ½-1 teaspoon mint extract (adjust to taste); Green food coloring (optional); ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (130 grams); 1 tablespoon oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)

Jump to Recipe

If you adore the refreshing zing of mint combined with rich, decadent chocolate, then these Chocolate Mint Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. With a perfectly soft cocoa cookie base, a luscious mint cream frosting, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping, each bite offers a harmonious balance of cool and sweet that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies are irresistibly delightful and guaranteed to impress everyone who tries them.

Chocolate Mint Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet pivotal in creating the magic of Chocolate Mint Cookies. From creamy butter creating tender texture to cocoa powder delivering that deep chocolate flavor, every component plays a key role in making these cookies truly shine.

Unsalted butter (½ cup + ½ cup, room temperature): Provides richness and softness to both the cookies and the frosting.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds the dough and adds moisture for a soft texture.
Flour (1¼ cups, fluffed and leveled): The base structure for the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (⅓ cup): Delivers that rich, chocolatey depth essential to Chocolate Mint Cookies.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
Powdered icing sugar (1½ cups): Creates the smooth, sweet mint frosting that’s light and creamy.
Milk (1 tablespoon): Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.
Mint extract (½–1 teaspoon): Adds that refreshing, cool burst of mint flavor; adjust to your taste!
Green food coloring (optional): Gives the frosting a festive, minty hue but is completely optional.
Semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (¾ cup): Melts into a luscious ganache for the perfect finishing touch.
Oil (1 tablespoon): Keeps the ganache silky smooth and glossy.

How to Make Chocolate Mint Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Using an electric mixer, cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add in the vanilla extract and the egg, beating until well combined. This careful mixing creates a base that’s both flavorful and tender for your cookies.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a cohesive dough forms. Your dough might be slightly tacky, which is perfect—it should hold together well without feeling overly sticky.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into 16 balls, each about 1¾ inches in diameter. You can make them slightly larger or smaller depending on your preference. Place them evenly spaced on the lined baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you want the centers to remain slightly glossy while the edges become firm. This ensures your cookies stay soft and chewy.

Step 4: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial because it helps prevent the frosting from melting when applied.

Step 5: Make the Mint Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, butter, milk, and mint extract until smooth and creamy. If you want a festive touch, add a drop or two of green food coloring to achieve that signature minty look. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more powdered sugar to thicken or a splash of milk if it’s too thick for spreading.

Step 6: Frost the Cookies and Chill

Spread the mint frosting evenly over each cooled cookie. Once frosted, place the cookies in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to set the frosting firmly. This chilling step is key to making the next step much easier and tidier.

Step 7: Prepare and Apply the Chocolate Ganache

In a medium bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate and oil. Heat the mixture in 30 to 40-second bursts in the microwave, stirring thoroughly after each to melt the chocolate smoothly without burning it. Spoon the warm ganache over the chilled cookies. Because the cookies are frozen, you’ll have excellent control over where the ganache goes, preventing it from running off.

How to Serve Chocolate Mint Cookies

Garnishes

Adding a little extra flair when serving Chocolate Mint Cookies makes sharing them even more wonderful. Consider sprinkling some crushed peppermint candies or decorating with a few mini chocolate chips on top of the ganache before it sets. Fresh mint leaves can also add an inviting aroma and a lovely pop of green.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of hot cocoa to double down on chocolatey comfort. If you’re aiming for a more grown-up option, try serving them alongside a glass of peppermint-infused coffee or a smooth, creamy Irish cream liqueur for a festive indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can totally elevate the experience. Arrange your Chocolate Mint Cookies on a decorative platter dusted lightly with cocoa powder or powdered sugar. For parties, placing them in small, clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon can turn them into charming edible gifts. Creating a layered dessert parfait using crushed cookie pieces, whipped cream, and mint chocolate chips is another fun way to enjoy these treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once decorated, store your Chocolate Mint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains the perfect balance between the soft cookie and the smooth frosting and ganache layers.

Freezing

If you want to save these delights for later, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. For frosted cookies, freeze them in a single layer, then stack with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Reheating

Chocolate Mint Cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you’ve taken them from the freezer, allow them to thaw in the fridge before bringing to room temperature to prevent condensation on the ganache or frosting. Avoid microwaving or reheating these cookies, as it can cause the frosting and ganache to lose their texture.

FAQs

Can I use mint chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate for the ganache?

Absolutely! Mint chocolate chips will add an extra layer of mint flavor to the ganache, enhancing the mintiness of these cookies. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and texture might vary slightly.

Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?

You can make some substitutions like using a plant-based butter and egg replacer, but keep in mind that the texture and taste might change a bit. Mint extract and cocoa powder are naturally vegan, so the flavor will still be spot on!

How long do Chocolate Mint Cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 3 days. For longer freshness, freezing is your best bet.

Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint extract?

Yes, peppermint extract works well and will provide a slightly stronger and sharper mint flavor. Start with half the amount and adjust to your taste since it can be more potent.

What’s the best way to make sure the ganache doesn’t run off the cookies?

Freezing the frosted cookies before adding the ganache is the key trick! The cold surface helps the ganache set quickly and stay exactly where you spoon it.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into these Chocolate Mint Cookies! They’re a perfect blend of flavors and textures that bring together the best of chocolate and mint in every bite. Whether for sharing or savoring solo, these cookies are guaranteed to brighten your day and impress your loved ones. So, get baking and enjoy every delicious moment!

Chocolate Mint Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 13 reviews

Author: Victor
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these rich Chocolate Mint Cookies featuring a soft cocoa base topped with a creamy mint frosting and finished with a luscious chocolate ganache. Perfectly balanced with a hint of refreshing mint, these cookies are a festive and indulgent treat that’s easy to bake and impressive to serve.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step ensures a tender cookie texture.
Add wet ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract and egg to the creamed butter and sugar until well combined, forming a smooth batter.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms. The dough should hold together and be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
Form and bake cookies: Roll the dough into sixteen balls, about 1¾ inches each. Place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges have set and the centers remain slightly glossy for a soft texture.
Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage when frosting.
Make the mint frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together powdered sugar, unsalted butter, milk, and mint extract until smooth and creamy. Add green food coloring if desired. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or milk to thin the frosting.
Frost the cookies: Spread an even layer of the mint frosting on each cooled cookie. Place the frosted cookies in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to set the frosting and prepare for ganache topping.
Prepare the chocolate ganache: Combine the semisweet chocolate chips and oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30 to 40 second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Drizzle ganache: Spoon the melted chocolate over the frozen frosted cookies. The cold surface helps control the spread of chocolate, ensuring a neat coating.
Serve or store: Serve immediately or allow the cookies to return to room temperature; the ganache will stay firm. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days for best freshness.

Notes

Room temperature butter and egg help achieve the best texture in cookies.
Adjust mint extract to your preference, as it can be strong.
Green food coloring is optional but adds a festive look to the frosting.
Freezing the frosted cookies before adding ganache makes decoration easier.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips and milk alternative.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American