Chocolate Dipped Mint Shortbread Cookies
There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and mint, especially when it comes to cookies. The buttery crunch of shortbread paired with a hint of refreshing mint and a luscious chocolate coating creates a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. These Chocolate Dipped Mint Shortbread Cookies are sure to impress your family and friends with their elegant appearance and delicious flavor. Whether you serve them at a holiday gathering or enjoy them with a cup of tea, these cookies are a must-try for every baking enthusiast.
Reasons to Love Chocolate Dipped Mint Shortbread Cookies
These cookies are not just beautiful; they are incredibly simple to make and packed with flavor. Here are a few reasons why you will adore them:
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these cookies come together quickly.
- Perfect for Any Season: The mint flavor is refreshing in the summer and festive in the winter.
- Customizable: Add a drop of green food coloring for a fun pop of color or swap the chocolate for white chocolate if you prefer.
- Great for Gifting: Package them in a cute box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint is simply irresistible.
What Goes In
To make your Chocolate Dipped Mint Shortbread Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter, cubed (and cold)
- 1 tsp mint extract
- 1 drop green food coloring (1 to 3 drops – optional)
- 1/2 cup Andes’ Creme De Menthe Baking Chips
- Additional sugar to coat cookies before baking (optional)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vegetable oil or shortening
What You’ll Need (Gear)
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining your ingredients.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar.
- Baking Sheet: For placing the cookies during baking.
- Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Cookie Cutter: If you’d like to cut your cookies into fun shapes.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate.
- Cooling Rack: To allow your cookies to cool completely.
How to Prepare Chocolate Dipped Mint Shortbread Cookies
Now that you have your ingredients and gear, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these delightful cookies!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold, cubed butter and sugar. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Flavors
Mix in the mint extract and the optional green food coloring. The amount of food coloring can be adjusted based on how vibrant you want your cookies to be.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Fold in the Mint Chips
Gently fold in the Andes’ Creme De Menthe Baking Chips using a spatula. This adds a wonderful minty flavor and texture to your cookies.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out the dough using a cookie scoop or your hands, and roll them into balls. If desired, roll each ball in additional sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Melt the Chocolate
While your cookies are cooling, melt the dark chocolate chips and vegetable oil (or shortening) together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Step 10: Dip and Decorate
Once cooled, dip the cookies halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Place the dipped cookies back on the cooling rack. For an extra touch, sprinkle with additional mint chips or crushed candy canes while the chocolate is still warm.
Seasonal Serving Ideas
These Chocolate Dipped Mint Shortbread Cookies can be enjoyed year-round, but here are some fun serving ideas for different seasons:
- In winter, serve them at holiday parties alongside a cup of hot chocolate.
- During the spring, package them in pastel bags for Easter treats.
- In summer, enjoy them with fresh mint tea for a refreshing afternoon snack.
- In the fall, pair them with pumpkin spice lattes for a cozy treat.
Errors to Dodge
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using softened butter instead of cold butter can change the texture of your cookies.
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until combined.
- Not allowing the cookies to cool completely before dipping can cause the chocolate to melt and run.
- Skipping the additional sugar coating can reduce the sweetness of the cookies.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your Chocolate Dipped Mint Shortbread Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the un-baked cookie dough for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to three months; just make sure they are completely cooled and wrapped tightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of mint flavoring?
Yes, you can use peppermint extract instead of mint extract for a more intense mint flavor. Just be cautious with the amount, as peppermint extract can be stronger.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, though this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Can I add nuts to the cookies?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can be added for an extra crunch and flavor if desired.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Chocolate Dipped Mint Shortbread Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
Enhance your cookie experience by serving them alongside:
Make It Tonight
Now that you have all the details, why not whip up a batch of these delectable Chocolate Dipped Mint Shortbread Cookies tonight? They are perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Enjoy the process, and savor the delicious results!
Chocolate Dipped Mint Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold, cubed butter and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Step 3: Mix in the mint extract and optional green food coloring.
- Step 4: Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Step 5: Fold in the Andes' Creme De Menthe Baking Chips.
- Step 6: Scoop out the dough and roll into balls. Optionally, roll in additional sugar before baking.
- Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Step 8: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Step 9: Melt dark chocolate chips and oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Step 10: Dip cooled cookies halfway into melted chocolate and place back on the cooling rack.
Notes
- For a festive touch, add green food coloring to the dough.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Freeze unbaked dough for up to three months; thaw before baking.
