Chocolate Mint Cookies are a classic treat for anyone who loves the combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint. This recipe features a soft, chewy chocolate cookie base, topped with creamy, mint-flavored frosting, and finished with a silky chocolate ganache. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want a decadent dessert, these cookies are visually appealing and irresistibly tasty.
This Chocolate Mint Cookies recipe is designed to give you bakery-style results at home. With easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, you can create soft, chewy cookies with a festive touch of green frosting and a glossy chocolate topping.
Ingredients for Chocolate Mint Cookies
Chocolate Cookies Base:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, at 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
Mint Frosting:
- 1½ cups powdered icing sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½–1 teaspoon mint extract (adjust according to your preference)
- Green food coloring (optional)
Chocolate Ganache:
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (130 grams)
- 1 tablespoon oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Proper preparation ensures even baking and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for 3–4 minutes until smooth and creamy. Proper creaming of the butter and sugar is critical—it incorporates air, creating a soft and chewy texture in the cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add:
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat until fully combined. The egg provides structure, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the chocolate base. Make sure both the butter and egg are at room temperature to prevent the dough from curdling.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, fluffed and leveled
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Whisk the ingredients together to ensure even distribution. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should hold together easily and may be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
Step 5: Form the Cookies
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the dough into 16 balls, about 1¾ inches in diameter. Slight variations in size are fine. Arrange the dough balls evenly on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space for them to spread slightly during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes. Look for slightly glossy centers with set edges—this ensures a soft and chewy texture. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare Mint Frosting
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat together 1½ cups powdered icing sugar and ½ cup unsalted butter until smooth.
- Add 1 tablespoon milk and ½–1 teaspoon mint extract. Adjust the mint to your preferred strength.
- Optional: add a few drops of green food coloring for a festive appearance.
If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, add additional powdered sugar. The frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape on the cookie but soft enough to spread evenly.
Step 8: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of mint frosting on each cookie. For easier application, use a butter knife or small offset spatula. Place the frosted cookies in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. Freezing ensures the frosting is firm, which helps when applying the chocolate ganache in the next step.
Step 9: Make the Chocolate Ganache
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine:
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 tablespoon oil
Heat in the microwave in 30–40 second intervals, stirring well each time, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. The ganache should be pourable but thick enough to stay on top of the cookies without running off.
Step 10: Top Cookies with Ganache
Spoon or drizzle the ganache over the frozen, frosted cookies. Using frozen cookies makes it easier to control the ganache and prevents it from spreading over the edges. Allow the ganache to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until firm.
Step 11: Serving and Storing
Chocolate Mint Cookies are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to two months. For freezing, flash-freeze cookies on a tray before transferring them to a container or freezer bag with parchment paper between layers.
Tips and Variations for Chocolate Mint Cookies
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to create the perfect chewy and gooey cookie texture.
- Extract Options: While mint extract is traditional, you can experiment with peppermint, spearmint, or even almond extract for a unique twist.
- Chocolate Variations: Use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even milk chocolate for the ganache to suit your taste.
- Food Coloring: The green frosting is optional but adds a festive touch for holidays like Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day. You can also leave it uncolored or use other colors.
- Texture Tips: Slightly underbaking the cookies ensures soft and chewy centers. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate Mint Cookies pair beautifully with:
- Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
- No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream
- A glass of cold milk or hot chocolate
- Coffee or cold brew for an afternoon treat
These cookies also make excellent gifts for chocolate and mint lovers, packaged in a decorative box or jar.
