Chocolate Mint Cookies

Chocolate Mint Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy chocolate goodness topped with creamy mint frosting and rich chocolate ganache. The smooth frosting and glossy ganache complement the rich cocoa in the cookie, making each bite a delightful treat.

This recipe is perfect for the holidays or anytime you need to satisfy your mint-chocolate cravings. The minty frosting adds a pop of color and freshness, while the chocolate ganache provides an indulgent finish. Whether you’re serving them at a party or gifting them to loved ones, these cookies are sure to impress.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 large egg (room temperature)

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (fluffed and leveled)

• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Frosting:

• 1½ cups powdered icing sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ½–1 teaspoon mint extract (to taste)
• Green food coloring (optional)

• Ganache:

• ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until smooth (about 3-4 minutes). Add the vanilla and egg, and beat until combined.

3. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.

4. Roll the dough into 16 balls, each approximately 1¾ inches in diameter. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the center is slightly glossy and the edges are set. Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheets.

5. Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together powdered sugar, butter, milk, mint extract, and food coloring (if using). Add more powdered sugar to thicken or more milk to thin.

6. Spread a generous amount of frosting over each cooled cookie and place them in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.

7. Ganache: In a small bowl, combine the chocolate chips and oil. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted and smooth.

8. Spoon the ganache over the chilled cookies. Let the ganache set at room temperature, or serve chilled.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Kcal: 295 kcal per cookie
Servings: 16 cookies

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

This recipe was inspired by the love for mint chocolate in the baker’s family, making it a beloved treat for any occasion. Based on a classic chocolate cookie dough, the addition of mint frosting and chocolate ganache elevates the flavor profile and turns these cookies into a showstopper. Drawing inspiration from the refreshing taste of Andes Mints, this recipe is a homemade version that adds a chewy, rich cookie base to the classic mint-chocolate flavor. The minty frosting, paired with the smooth ganache, delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s perfect for any mint chocolate lover.

Why Chocolate Mint Cookies Are a Favorite

Chocolate Mint Cookies are loved by so many for their decadent layers of flavor. The chewy texture of the chocolate cookie base serves as the perfect foundation for the creamy mint frosting that sits atop it. The ganache, made from high-quality semisweet chocolate, provides a glossy, smooth finish that adds to the indulgent experience. The balance between the richness of the chocolate and the cool freshness of the mint creates a harmonious flavor profile that can’t be beaten.

These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a gift for someone who loves the chocolate-mint combination. They’re also a great addition to any dessert table, adding a touch of festive flair, especially during Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day. The vibrant green color of the mint frosting makes these cookies visually striking, while the rich chocolate ganache gives them an elegant touch.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Mint Cookies

To ensure your Chocolate Mint Cookies come out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This will help create a smooth dough and ensure the cookies bake evenly. Cold butter and eggs can result in a dough that is difficult to work with and may lead to uneven texture.

2. Do Not Overbake: Overbaking chocolate cookies can lead to a dry texture. Bake the cookies just until the edges are set but the center remains soft and slightly glossy. This will ensure your cookies are chewy and moist, the way they should be.

3. Chill the Dough: For even better results, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling the dough helps to solidify the butter, making it less likely to spread too thin during baking. This results in thicker, chewier cookies.

4. Mint Extract: Be careful with the amount of mint extract you use in the frosting. While you want the mint flavor to come through, too much can make the cookies taste overly strong. Start with less and taste-test before adding more.

5. Customize the Frosting: The frosting can be adjusted to suit personal preferences. If you prefer a less intense mint flavor, reduce the amount of mint extract. You can also experiment with different colors of food coloring for the frosting to suit different occasions, such as red for Valentine’s Day or green for St. Patrick’s Day.

6. Ganache Tips: When making the ganache, make sure to melt the chocolate in short bursts to avoid burning it. Stir the mixture well until it’s smooth and glossy. If the ganache seems too thick, a little extra oil can help to loosen it up, making it easier to spread.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate Mint Cookies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas for pairing these delicious cookies with other treats:

1. With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: The rich chocolate flavor pairs wonderfully with a hot beverage, especially coffee or a warm cup of mint tea. This combination enhances the minty flavor in the cookies, making for a cozy treat during colder months.

2. As a Dessert Platter Addition: Add these cookies to a dessert platter for any special occasion. Their vibrant green color and glossy ganache make them an attractive addition to any spread, especially when combined with other holiday-themed desserts like gingerbread cookies or chocolate truffles.

3. Pair with Ice Cream: For a more indulgent treat, serve these cookies with a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream or vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy ice cream complements the rich, chewy cookie and the mint frosting.

4. Gift Giving: These cookies make for an excellent homemade gift. Whether it’s for Christmas, birthdays, or just because, wrapping them in a festive box or tin will make for a sweet and thoughtful present.

How to Store Chocolate Mint Cookies

After baking and frosting your cookies, it’s important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh. Here’s how to keep them at their best:

1. Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the cookies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help retain their chewy texture.

2. Refrigeration: These cookies are best stored in the fridge, especially due to the mint frosting and ganache, which can soften at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week when properly stored in an airtight container.

3. Freezing: You can also freeze these cookies if you need to store them for longer periods. Place the cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, layering parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking. These cookies can last up to two months in the freezer.

Conclusion

Chocolate Mint Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. Their rich chocolate cookie base, topped with a creamy mint frosting and glossy ganache, creates a combination that is both visually stunning and irresistible to the taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is easy to make and will impress anyone who tries it.

The beauty of these cookies lies not only in their flavor but also in their versatility. With simple swaps and variations, you can customize these cookies to fit any occasion or personal preference. They make the perfect gift, dessert platter addition, or a cozy snack with your favorite hot beverage. So, whether you’re baking for a special event or just craving something sweet, Chocolate Mint Cookies will always be a hit!