Save There is nothing more tempting than a platter of Chocolate Mint Cookies when the craving for something truly decadent hits. These cookies deliver the ultimate flavor combination of rich chocolate and cool refreshing mint in every bite. With a chewy chocolate base, creamy mint buttercream frosting, and a glossy ganache finish, they have become a non-negotiable at every holiday and whenever my family needs a sweet pick-me-up.
My family cannot get enough of these After making them once for a neighborhood cookie exchange I have had requests ever since Whenever I bring a tray everyone wants the secret
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: for both cookie and frosting gives the best rich flavor Use a good quality butter for creamiest results
- Granulated sugar: creates a classic chewy cookie with balance in sweetness Always measure with leveled spoons for cookies that bake evenly
- Vanilla: adds warmth to the chocolate and mint You will really notice it in the final cookie
- Egg: binds ingredients and gives just the right cookie texture Room temperature helps the dough come together smoothly
- All purpose flour: gives structure to the cookies Fluff and level your flour for accurate measuring to avoid dry dough
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: is the backbone of the chocolate flavor Dutch process or regular both work just pick one with vibrant color for the prettiest cookies
- Baking soda: provides the soft lift Avoid double acting baking powder for this style of cookie
- Salt: balances out the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor Always check your butter is unsalted so you do not over salt
- Powdered icing sugar: for the mint frosting—this gives it that smooth bakery style finish Sift it if yours is extra lumpy
- Milk: helps the frosting reach spreadable consistency Use whole milk if you have it for extra creaminess
- Mint extract: gives that cool signature flavor Start with less and add to taste for just the right amount of mint
- Green food coloring (optional): if you want the visual pop Always start with one drop and add more a little at a time
- Semisweet chocolate chips or bars: for ganache Choose a brand you love to eat straight as the chocolate tops the cookie
- Neutral oil: added to ganache for shine Canola or coconut work well
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- Use an electric mixer to beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy This usually takes three to four minutes and sets your cookie texture
- Add Vanilla and Egg:
- Blend in the vanilla and egg until the mixture looks creamy and smooth This adds richness and helps the dough hold together
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together flour cocoa powder baking soda and salt separately to avoid lumps Pause to check your flour is not packed down for accuracy
- Combine to Form a Dough:
- Add the dry mix into the butter mixture and stir slowly until a dough forms You want the dough to hold easily but not feel sticky
- Shape Balls and Bake:
- Form dough into sixteen even balls about one and three quarter inches across Place on lined sheets several inches apart Bake at three hundred fifty degrees F for eight to ten minutes The centers should look slightly glossy but set at the edges
- Cooling:
- Let cookies cool on the pan for ten minutes then transfer off the tray to finish cooling Completely cool cookies are a must before frosting
- Make the Mint Frosting:
- Beat powdered sugar butter milk and mint extract together until thick smooth and spreadable Add a drop of food coloring if using Adjust with extra sugar or milk as needed for consistency
- Frost the Cookies:
- Spread a generous amount of mint frosting on each cookie Use an offset spatula or butter knife for an even smooth layer Freeze frosted cookies for at least fifteen minutes before topping with chocolate This keeps the ganache from dripping over
- Make and Top with Ganache:
- Mix chocolate and oil in a microwave safe bowl Heat in short thirty second bursts stirring each time until just melted Spoon a little chocolate over each frozen frosted cookie and gently spread to cover
- Let Set Up:
- Let the ganache set until firm If you want a shiny finish let cookies sit at cool room temperature before serving
Save I always look forward to swirling on the mint frosting My daughter loves picking which cookies will have the most chocolate I think the best moment was watching the whole family sneak these off the tray before they even fully set up
Storage Tips
Once cookies cool completely store in an airtight container You can keep them in the fridge for a week or freeze for longer For the freezer I always layer the cookies between parchment paper so they stay perfect Defrost at room temperature and the mint buttercream stays as fluffy as day one
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in vegan margarine and dark chocolate for a dairy free treat For gluten free use a trusted gluten free flour blend with no bean flavors I have even made these with whole wheat flour which gave a heartier flavor and extra fiber Change up the extract to peppermint or even orange for a twist
Serving Suggestions
Set these out on a cookie tray for parties or add as a topping to a dish of ice cream They also make terrific sandwich cookies with a second layer of mint filling For the holidays sprinkle crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings over the ganache for festive flair
Save Let cookies set completely before storing to avoid sticking together
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I get chewy chocolate cookies?
Cream butter and sugar well and avoid overbaking. Remove cookies when edges are set but centers look slightly glossy.
- → Can I make them gluten-free or dairy-free?
Swap flour for gluten-free oat flour, and use hard vegan margarine plus dark chocolate to make them dairy-free.
- → How should I store these cookies?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to two months for longer storage.
- → Can I use different extracts in the frosting?
Yes! While mint is classic, try vanilla, almond, or orange for unique flavors. Adjust to your personal preference.
- → Why freeze cookies before adding ganache?
Chilling helps ganache set neatly on top without dripping over the sides, giving a professional look.