Chocolate Mint Cookies with Dark Chocolate Mint Chips
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, chewy cookie that perfectly balances the rich flavors of dark chocolate and the refreshing zing of mint. These Chocolate Mint Cookies with Dark Chocolate Mint Chips are not just any cookies; they’re a delightful treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
The combination of chocolate and mint is a classic that never fails to delight. The rich, velvety dark chocolate mingles beautifully with the refreshing mint flavor, creating a cookie that’s both indulgent and invigorating. Plus, the addition of dark chocolate mint chips adds an extra layer of richness and texture, making each bite a heavenly experience. These cookies are perfect for gifting or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
What Goes In
To whip up a batch of these delectable cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup baking cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 10-oz. package Nestle Toll House Dark Chocolate & Mint Morsels
Tools of the Trade
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Mixing Bowls: A set of various sizes will help in mixing dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success.
- Electric Mixer: This will make creaming butter and sugars a breeze.
- Baking Sheets: Line these with parchment paper for easy cookie release.
- Cookie Scoop: Use this for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
Chocolate Mint Cookies with Dark Chocolate Mint Chips — Do This Next
Now, let’s get down to business and make these mouthwatering cookies!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter, sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Extracts
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture. Continue to beat until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Fold in the Mint Chips
Gently fold in the dark chocolate mint morsels, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm, or store them for later!
Seasonal Twists
To keep things exciting, consider trying out these seasonal twists on your Chocolate Mint Cookies with Dark Chocolate Mint Chips:
- Holiday Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, festive flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a beautiful presentation.
- Minty Green: Add a few drops of green food coloring to the dough for a fun St. Patrick’s Day treat.
Don’t Do This
When making your cookies, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Don’t skip the chilling step if you decide to refrigerate the dough; it helps the cookies maintain their shape.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour; this can lead to tough cookies.
- Don’t use cold butter; it needs to be at room temperature to cream properly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give your cookies room to spread.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- If freezing the dough, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them. When ready to bake, bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Quick Questions
Can I use a different type of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter taste.
What if I don’t have mint extract?
You can use additional vanilla extract for flavor, but the mint will be missing. Alternatively, try using crushed mint candies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.
How can I make these cookies even more indulgent?
Consider sandwiching two cookies with a scoop of ice cream in between for a delightful ice cream sandwich!
If you’re in the mood for more chocolatey goodness, check out these delicious recipes:
In Closing
There you have it! Your guide to making the most delicious Chocolate Mint Cookies with Dark Chocolate Mint Chips that will surely become a favorite in your home. With their rich flavor and delightful texture, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the wonderful experience of baking and sharing these delightful treats! Happy baking!
Chocolate Mint Cookies with Dark Chocolate Mint Chips
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter, sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture. Continue to beat until everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Gently fold in the dark chocolate mint morsels, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will firm up as they cool.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm, or store them for later!
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- If freezing the dough, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
