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 depending on 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 deep, rich chocolate, these Chocolate Mint Cookies are about to become your new obsession. They bring together a soft, cocoa-packed cookie base layered with a cool, creamy mint frosting and topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and uplifting. Whether you’re serving them at a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat, these Chocolate Mint Cookies have a way of making any moment a little more special.

Chocolate Mint Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chocolate Mint Cookies lies in their simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each item plays a key role, from creating a tender cookie base to delivering the crisp minty freshness and silky chocolate finish. Gathering these essentials sets you up for a truly delicious baking adventure.

½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides the creamy, rich foundation that keeps the cookies soft and tender.
1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams): Adds the perfect sweetness and helps with cookie structure during baking.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Boosts depth of flavor, balancing the chocolate and mint beautifully.
1 large egg (room temperature): Binds all the ingredients together for lovely cookie texture.
1¼ cups flour (163 grams, fluffed and leveled): The core dry ingredient that forms the chewy cookie.
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (30 grams): Brings that rich, chocolatey intensity to the dough.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1½ cups powdered icing sugar: The base for the smooth mint frosting, light and sweet.
½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): For the frosting’s creamy texture and rich taste.
1 tablespoon milk: Adjusts the frosting to the perfect spreading consistency.
½-1 teaspoon mint extract: Adds that refreshing mint flavor which you can customize to your liking.
Green food coloring (optional): Gives the frosting a fun and festive minty hue.
¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (130 grams): Used for the luscious ganache topping.
1 tablespoon oil: Helps melt the chocolate ganache into a perfectly smooth finish.

How to Make Chocolate Mint Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Then, using an electric mixer, cream the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step ensures your cookies will have a tender crumb. Next, add the vanilla and egg, beating until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. You want the dough to hold together easily; it might feel a bit tacky but should not be overly sticky. This balance will give you cookies that bake up tender yet sturdy enough to hold up under the frosting and ganache layers.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Roll the dough into sixteen 1¾ inch balls, giving yourself flexibility with size if you prefer slightly larger or smaller cookies. Place these on your prepared baking sheets with a bit of spacing. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookie centers remain a little glossy but the edges look set. This ensures they’re soft and chewy rather than crunchy. Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Mint Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat together the powdered icing sugar, butter, milk, mint extract, and optional green food coloring in a medium bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if the frosting is too thin or a splash more milk if it’s too thick. The mint extract is your chance to dial in how strong you want that fresh mint kick—start with less, taste, and add more if desired. Once smooth and spreadable, generously frost each cooled cookie.

Step 5: Freeze Cookies and Make Chocolate Ganache

Pop the frosted cookies in the freezer for at least 15 minutes so the frosting firms up, making it easier to work with the ganache. Meanwhile, combine the semisweet chocolate and oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30 to 40 second bursts, stirring well each time, until the chocolate melts to a glossy, smooth finish. This careful melting process keeps the ganache silky and perfect for drizzling.

Step 6: Add the Ganache Topping

Remove the cookies from the freezer and spoon or drizzle the warm ganache over each one. The cold frosting helps prevent the chocolate from running off, allowing you to control coverage and achieve a neat, polished look. You can serve these immediately at room temperature, where the ganache sets beautifully firm but still melts in your mouth.

How to Serve Chocolate Mint Cookies

Garnishes

Take your Chocolate Mint Cookies to the next level by adding a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies or a light dusting of cocoa powder just before serving. A tiny fresh mint leaf on top also makes a charming, aromatic touch that enhances the mint flavor and presentation. These little extras bring an elegant flair and a festive feel, perfect for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of your favorite coffee or peppermint tea. The creamy drink cools the palate between bites, making each cookie just as exciting as the first. For holiday gatherings, serve alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a few slices of sharp cheese for an unexpected but delightful balance of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dessert display, stack cookies into neat towers tied with a festive ribbon, or arrange them on decorative trays with sprigs of fresh mint and chocolate curls. You might also sandwich two cookies together with extra mint frosting for a boozy twist by adding a splash of peppermint liqueur in the frosting. Presentation can be as playful or polished as you like, making these Chocolate Mint Cookies a crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Chocolate Mint Cookies (though that’s rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, letting you savor them a little longer without losing any of their charm.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully, whether baked or frosted. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature so that frosting and ganache regain their creamy texture.

Reheating

Chocolate Mint Cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you want to bring back some warmth, place them in a warm oven (about 300 degrees F) for 5 minutes. This will gently soften the cookie and slightly melt the ganache for that indulgent freshly-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of mint extract?

Absolutely! Peppermint extract is commonly used, but spearmint or even a blend can work well. Just start with a smaller amount and add more to taste, since mint extracts vary in strength.

What if I don’t have green food coloring?

Your Chocolate Mint Cookies will taste just as wonderful without it. The color just adds a fun, festive touch, so feel free to skip it if you prefer natural tones.

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is key for the flavor and texture here, but if you must substitute, choose a high-quality margarine. Using oil alone may change the cookie structure and richness significantly.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for slightly glossy centers that are still soft and edges that look set but not browned. The cookies will firm up more as they cool, keeping them tender inside.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour, and check that your cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free. The texture might be a bit different, but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Chocolate Mint Cookies is such a joyful experience, blending the classic warmth of chocolate with the invigorating freshness of mint. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover how effortlessly delightful these cookies can be, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself. Once you do, I guarantee they’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

Chocolate Mint Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Delight in these rich and fudgy Chocolate Mint Cookies featuring a soft cocoa base, creamy mint frosting, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for mint chocolate lovers craving a festive and flavorful treat.

Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step ensures a light texture.
Add Vanilla and Egg: Mix in the vanilla extract and egg until fully incorporated, creating a smooth and consistent batter.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. The dough should hold together easily and be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
Shape and Bake Cookies: Roll the dough into sixteen balls, roughly 1¾ inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cookie centers appear slightly glossy and the edges are set.
Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage during frosting.
Prepare Mint Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered icing sugar, room temperature butter, milk, mint extract, and optional green food coloring. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or milk to thin as necessary.
Frost Cookies: Evenly spread the mint frosting over the cooled cookies. Place the frosted cookies in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to set the frosting before adding the ganache.
Make Chocolate Ganache: Combine the semisweet chocolate and oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30 to 40-second intervals, stirring after each, just until the chocolate melts and becomes smooth.
Finish Cookies: Spoon the melted chocolate ganache over the frozen frosted cookies, allowing for controlled placement without running. You may serve immediately or let the cookies sit at room temperature to thaw fully; the ganache will remain firm and glossy.

Notes

Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for smooth batter and even mixing.
Do not overbake the cookies; slightly glossy centers mean they’ll be soft and fudgy inside.
Freezing the frosted cookies before adding ganache helps the chocolate set nicely without running.
Adjust mint extract quantity to your taste; start with less if unsure.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
The green food coloring in the frosting is optional but adds a festive touch.

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