plate of mint chocolate chip cookies with chocolate chips and a light green cookie dough color, one cookie broken in half
Introduction
Mint and chocolate is one of those combos that just works. These Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies taste like a cozy treat you’d find at a bakery—soft, sweet, and perfectly minty.
The standout trick is chilling the dough. Even a short chill helps the cookies bake thicker and keeps them from spreading too much. Plus, chilling makes the flavor deeper (worth it).
Bake a batch for holidays, cookie swaps, or just because your freezer deserves emergency cookies. These Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies disappear fast—my family always goes back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Soft and chewy: Tender centers with lightly crisp edges.
- Perfect mint flavor: Refreshing, not overpowering.
- Chocolate in every bite: Plenty of chips for that classic combo.
- Easy cookie dough: Simple ingredients and beginner-friendly steps.
- Make-ahead friendly: Dough chills well and bakes when you’re ready.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze dough balls for fresh-baked cookies anytime.
Ingredients for Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Rich flavor and chewy texture.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and a soft chew.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Helps edges get lightly crisp.
- Eggs (2 large): Structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Makes the flavor taste warm and bakery-style.
- Mint extract (1/2 teaspoon): Start small—mint extract is strong.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Base. Spoon and level for best results.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps cookies spread just enough.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness.
- Chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Use semi-sweet or dark.
- Green food coloring (optional): 2–3 drops for a gentle minty look.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- 1. Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes, until fluffy.
- 2. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and mint extract. If using food coloring, add 2–3 drops and mix until evenly tinted.
- 3. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to wet ingredients and mix on low just until combined.
- 4. Fold in chocolate chips.
- 5. Chill dough for 30 minutes (even this short chill helps thickness and flavor).
- 6. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment.
- 7. Scoop dough into 1 1/2-tablespoon balls and place 2–3 inches apart.
- 8. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges look set and centers still look slightly soft. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then move to a rack.
Tips for Perfect Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Don’t overbake—cookies set as they cool.
- Chill dough for thicker cookies and better flavor.
- Use room-temp butter so it creams properly.
- Measure flour carefully (too much = dry cookies).
- Add a few extra chips on top before baking for pretty bakery vibes.
- If you love stronger mint, add only 1/4 teaspoon more—go slow.
Variations & Substitutions
- Andes-style: Stir in chopped mint chocolate pieces instead of chips.
- Double chocolate: Replace 1/4 cup flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate base.
- Extra festive: Add green and white sprinkles after baking.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- “Lazy” version: Use store-bought cookie dough and add mint extract to taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–5 days.
Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave 8–10 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.
Freeze dough balls up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or a cold glass of milk.
- Add to holiday cookie trays for a pop of minty flavor.
- Crumble over vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.
- Pack in lunches for a sweet treat.
Reader Review: “These are the perfect mint cookies—soft, not too strong, and loaded with chocolate chips!”
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: about 30 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 2–3 drops green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Cream butter and sugars 2 minutes. Add eggs, vanilla, mint, and optional color.
- 2. Mix in dry ingredients just until combined. Fold in chips.
- 3. Chill dough 30 minutes.
- 4. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Cool and enjoy.
If you bake them, leave a rating—do you prefer a subtle mint flavor or extra minty?