Chocolate Mint Cookies

Chocolate and mint—does it get any more timeless than that? These Chocolate Mint Cookies are rich, fudgy, and just the right amount of refreshing thanks to a layer of creamy mint frosting and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. They’re basically a homemade version of those famous chocolate-mint candies, but in cookie form. Think chewy, soft chocolate base topped with cool mint and a decadent ganache drizzle. Every bite is a little taste of dessert heaven.

If you love the chocolate-mint combo (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), these cookies are the perfect treat to whip up for holidays, parties, or when you just want something sweet and extra special.

Recipe Origin

This recipe is inspired by classic bakery-style chocolate mint desserts that balance rich chocolate with refreshing mint. You’ll often see this pairing in brownies, cakes, or even ice cream. But these cookies capture all those flavors in handheld form, making them easy to share—or not share at all.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for ganache)

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Mint Cookies

They’re layered and indulgent. Chewy cookie + creamy frosting + smooth ganache = dessert perfection.
Perfect for mint lovers. That refreshing mint cuts through the richness beautifully.
Holiday-ready. These cookies look fancy enough for a cookie exchange or Christmas tray.
Make-ahead friendly. The layers set nicely, so you can prep them in advance.
Customizable. Adjust the mint flavor, add festive sprinkles, or swap in different chocolate.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use room temperature butter for both the cookies and frosting—it makes mixing much easier.
• Don’t overbake the cookies; they should stay soft and fudgy.
• Chill the frosted cookies before adding ganache—this keeps the layers neat.
• For a smooth ganache, stir until the chocolate is just melted and glossy.
• Add green food coloring to the frosting if you want a classic mint-chocolate look.

Ingredients in Chocolate Mint Cookies

Chocolate Cookies

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender texture.
Vanilla: Enhances flavor depth.
Egg: Binds everything together.
Flour: Provides structure.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that deep chocolate flavor.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.

Frosting

Powdered Icing Sugar: For smooth, sweet frosting.
Unsalted Butter: Creamy and rich.
Milk: Thins the frosting to spreadable consistency.
Mint Extract: The star flavor—adjust based on your taste.
Green Food Coloring (Optional): Adds a fun, minty appearance.

Ganache

Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Rich and smooth topping.
Oil: Creates a glossy finish.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake 8–10 minutes, until set but still soft. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

1. Beat the butter until creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar, milk, and mint extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add a drop or two of green food coloring if using.
4. Spread frosting over cooled cookies. Chill for 20 minutes to set.

Step 3: Make the Ganache

1. Melt chocolate chips with oil in a microwave-safe bowl (20-second intervals, stirring between) or over a double boiler.
2. Stir until glossy and smooth.
3. Drizzle or spread ganache over frosted cookies. Let set before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: About 24 cookies
Calories per cookie: ~180–200 (depending on size and toppings)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cooling/Assembly Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour

How to Serve Chocolate Mint Cookies

These cookies shine on holiday platters, dessert buffets, or as an after-dinner treat with coffee or hot cocoa. Stack them on a festive plate, add a sprinkle of crushed candy cane for a holiday touch, or package them in little cookie boxes as edible gifts.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freeze baked, unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months; thaw and add frosting and ganache later.
• Ganache-topped cookies can also be frozen—just place parchment between layers.

Variations to Try

• Peppermint Twist: Use peppermint extract instead of mint for a candy-cane vibe.
• Double Chocolate: Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for extra richness.
• Holiday Sprinkle Fun: Top the ganache with red and green sprinkles.
• Thin Mint Vibes: Use dark chocolate in the ganache for that nostalgic cookie taste.
• Mocha Mint: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cookie dough for a coffee kick.

Additional Tips

• Don’t skip chilling before ganache—it keeps the frosting layer intact.
• Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache; it makes a huge difference.
• Taste-test your mint frosting—mint extract can vary in strength.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these without the ganache?
A1: Yes! The cookies with just mint frosting are still delicious.

Q2: Can I use peppermint candy for garnish?
A2: Absolutely—crushed candy canes or peppermint candies look festive on top.

Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
A3: Yes, swap all-purpose flour for a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q4: How strong should the mint flavor be?
A4: It’s up to you! Start with ½ teaspoon extract and add more if you want bolder flavor.

Q5: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A5: Yes—make and frost them the day before, then add ganache the day of serving.

Q6: Can I use dark cocoa powder?
A6: Yes, for a deeper chocolate flavor and darker cookie color.

Q7: How do I keep the ganache glossy?
A7: Don’t overheat the chocolate, and stir in the oil thoroughly.

Q8: Can kids eat these?
A8: Of course—they’re family-friendly cookies!

Q9: Can I pipe the frosting instead of spreading?
A9: Definitely, piping gives them a more polished, bakery-style look.

Q10: How do I know when the cookies are baked?
A10: They should look set on the edges but still soft in the middle—don’t overbake.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Mint Cookies are the ultimate combo of rich, fudgy chocolate and refreshing mint, with a touch of elegance from the ganache. They’re festive enough for the holidays, indulgent enough for dessert lovers, and simple enough to make anytime you’re craving that classic flavor pairing.

Bake up a batch, share them with friends, or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here). Either way, you’ll have a cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

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