Irresistibly Thick & Chewy Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies with Andes Mints
Prepare to fall in love with these irresistibly soft, wonderfully thick, and perfectly chewy Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies. Each bite is an explosion of cool mint and rich chocolate, generously loaded with chopped Andes Mints and delectable milk chocolate chips. This recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who adores the classic combination of mint and chocolate, delivering a homemade treat that’s far superior to anything store-bought.
The marriage of chocolate and mint is a timeless flavor pairing that evokes comfort and indulgence. From refreshing mint chocolate ice cream to decadent after-dinner treats, the duo holds a special place in many hearts. While you might have enjoyed other fantastic mint-chocolate desserts like Chocolate Mint Pudding Cookies – a lusciously soft and chewy cookie made extra tender with pudding – or perhaps elevated your regular Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies with a touch of mint, these specific cookies take that beloved combination to an entirely new level. You could even get creative with Fudgy Peppermint Patty Cookies using York Peppermint Patties. However, this particular recipe stands out for its exceptional balance of buttery richness, intense chocolate flavor, and that signature cool mint, all wrapped in a wonderfully soft and chewy texture that makes them truly unforgettable. They are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving any day of the week.
Why You’ll Adore This Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
There are countless reasons why these Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household. Their unique qualities make them stand out from other cookie recipes and promise a delightful baking and eating experience.
- Unmatched Thick & Chewy Texture – If you crave a cookie that’s substantial, wonderfully soft on the inside, and delightfully chewy around the edges, these are for you. We achieve this perfect texture through a careful balance of ingredients and a smart chilling technique, ensuring every cookie has that satisfying bite and remains soft for days. They truly are the ideal cookie in terms of mouthfeel.
- Incredibly Easy to Make – Don’t let their gourmet taste fool you; these cookies are surprisingly simple to whip up. Utilizing common pantry staples, the dough comes together in approximately 10 minutes with minimal fuss. It’s a fantastic recipe for both seasoned bakers and beginners looking for a foolproof dessert. The straightforward steps mean you’ll be enjoying warm, fresh cookies in no time.
- Highly Versatile for Customization – While our recipe features classic milk chocolate chips and delightful Andes Mints, the possibilities for customization are endless. Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate chips for a more intense cocoa flavor, semi-sweet chips for a balanced sweetness, or even white chocolate for a creamier contrast. During the festive season, you might even find vibrant green mint chips in your local grocery store, adding a fun visual twist. You can also adjust the proportion of mint to chocolate to suit your preference, making this recipe truly your own.
- Conveniently Freezable Dough & Baked Cookies – This recipe is a dream for meal prep or spontaneous cravings. The cookie dough freezes beautifully, allowing you to scoop balls of dough in advance and bake just a few at a time whenever the mood strikes. This means you can always have warm, fresh-from-the-oven cookies ready in minutes, without the hassle of making a full batch from scratch every time. You can also freeze the baked cookies for later enjoyment, making them an excellent choice for gifting or stocking up your freezer for future dessert emergencies.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
For the exact measurements and full instructions, make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for the complete, printable recipe card.
Crafting these exceptional mint chocolate chip cookies requires a selection of readily available ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect taste and texture. Understanding the purpose of each component will help you bake with confidence and achieve consistent results.
- Unsalted Butter – We always recommend using unsalted butter when baking. This gives you complete control over the total salt content in your cookies, ensuring a balanced flavor without them becoming too salty. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming with the sugars.
- Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and helps create a slight crispness around the cookie’s edges, contributing to a pleasant textural contrast.
- Brown Sugar – The star for chewiness and moisture. Light brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and ensures your cookies stay soft and moist for longer. Its molasses content is key to the chewy texture we love.
- Egg – Acts as a crucial binder, holding all the ingredients together. A large egg also adds richness and moisture to the dough, contributing to the overall structure and tenderness of the cookies.
- Vanilla Extract – A foundational flavor enhancer in almost any cookie recipe. Good quality vanilla extract deepens the overall flavor profile, complementing both the chocolate and mint beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour – The structural backbone of our cookies. It provides the necessary bulk and framework, ensuring the cookies hold their shape without being overly dense.
- Cornstarch – This is our secret ingredient for ultra-soft cookies! Cornstarch inhibits gluten development, resulting in a tender crumb that stays soft for days. It’s the magic touch that sets these cookies apart.
- Baking Soda – Our primary leavening agent. When combined with the acidic brown sugar, baking soda helps the cookies spread and rise slightly, creating that characteristic soft, puffy interior.
- Salt – A small but mighty ingredient that balances and enhances all the other flavors, particularly the sweetness of the sugars and the richness of the chocolate. Don’t skip it!
- Milk Chocolate Chips – Chosen for their creamy texture and approachable sweetness, milk chocolate chips melt wonderfully, providing pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the cookie.
- Andes Mints – The star of the show for that signature minty kick! Chopped Andes Mints melt into delightful swirls of mint chocolate, infusing every bite with their refreshing flavor. Dividing them allows for some to be folded into the dough and some to be pressed on top for an extra flourish.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Making these delicious mint chocolate chip cookies is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps for perfect cookies every time.
- Cream Together Butter and Sugars. In a large bowl, ideally using an electric mixer (stand or hand-held), combine your softened unsalted butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat them together on medium speed for about 2 minutes. The mixture should transform into a light, fluffy, and pale consistency. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ light texture.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients. Reduce the mixer speed to low, then add the large egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing just until the egg is fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in your mixer. Mix on low speed *just* until the flour streaks disappear and the dough is combined. It’s crucial not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can lead to tough cookies. As soon as the flour is incorporated, stop blending.
- Fold in the Chips and Mints. Remove the bowl from the mixer and use a sturdy spatula to gently fold in the milk chocolate chips and the majority of your chopped Andes mints (reserving some for topping). Mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. This gentle folding ensures you don’t overwork the dough.
- Scoop and Chill the Dough. Using a medium-sized cookie scoop (this ensures uniform cookie size and baking), scoop balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. This recipe typically yields about 36 cookies. Once scooped, place the baking sheet into the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor development and to prevent excessive spreading, you can chill the dough for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze scooped dough balls at this stage for longer storage.
- Bake to Perfection. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Arrange the chilled cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, leaving enough space between them for spreading. Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set and just beginning to turn a golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft, which is exactly what you want for a chewy cookie.
- Cool and Garnish. Carefully remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to finish cooking gently and firm up before you move them. During this cooling period, immediately press a few of the reserved chopped Andes mints onto the top of each warm cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt the mints, adhering them beautifully and adding an appealing visual and flavor boost. After 5 minutes, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storing and Freezing Your Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
One of the best features of this recipe is how well these cookies and their dough can be stored, ensuring you always have a delightful treat on hand. These Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies will maintain their freshness and deliciousness for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you wish to extend their life even further, freezing is an excellent option, and there are two convenient methods to choose from.
Freezing Cookie Dough – This method is perfect for having fresh-baked cookies at a moment’s notice.
First, scoop your cookie dough into individual balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, just as you would before baking. Place the entire baking sheet into the freezer for 2-3 hours, or until the dough balls are completely frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer the solid dough balls into a freezer-safe plastic bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the desired number of frozen dough balls, place them on a baking sheet, and let them sit on the counter while your oven preheats. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time compared to chilled dough. This method offers ultimate convenience and ensures a warm, homemade cookie experience whenever you desire.
Freezing Baked Cookies – If you’ve baked a large batch and want to save some for later, freezing them after baking is also an option.
Ensure the cookies have cooled completely on a wire rack before attempting to freeze them. This step is critical; if they are still warm, the melted chocolate or mint will cause them to stick together and create a messy block of cookies. Once fully cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper separating the layers to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3-4 months. To enjoy, simply remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked feel. This is a great way to ensure you always have a delicious dessert ready for unexpected guests or a personal craving.
Expert Baking Tips for Flawless Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Achieving the perfect cookie every time is a blend of good ingredients and smart techniques. Here are some essential tips to ensure your Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out beautifully, just like a professional baker’s:
- Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: This is perhaps one of the most crucial tips for baking success. Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. Room temperature butter creams together with sugar more efficiently, creating a light and fluffy mixture that traps air, resulting in softer cookies. A room temperature egg emulsifies better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother, more cohesive dough and a better overall texture. For butter, take it out about 30-60 minutes before you start. For eggs, simply placing them in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes can quickly bring them to temperature.
- The Art of Underbaking for Softness: The secret to truly soft and chewy cookies is to slightly underbake them. When you remove cookies from the oven, they continue to cook on the hot baking sheet for several minutes. If you wait until the tops are fully golden and set, they will become overbaked and dry once cooled. Look for edges that are lightly golden and set, while the centers still appear a little soft or slightly underdone. This guarantees a wonderfully soft and chewy interior.
- Invest in a Cookie Scoop for Consistency: Using a cookie scoop (or disher) is a game-changer. It ensures that every single cookie in your batch is the same size, which is vital for even baking. When all cookies are uniform, they bake for the same amount of time, preventing some from being underdone and others from becoming crispy and dry. This leads to a perfectly baked batch every time.
- Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough is not just an optional step; it truly makes a significant difference in the final product. Not only does it help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring they remain wonderfully thick and chewy, but it also allows the flavors to meld and deepen. The fats in the butter solidify, leading to less spread and a more concentrated flavor. Chilled dough is also much easier to handle and scoop. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but a few hours or even overnight will yield an even better result.
- Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats prevents sticking, promotes even baking, and makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, it helps the cookie bottoms achieve a perfect golden hue without burning.
- Avoid Overcrowding Your Baking Sheet: Give your cookies room to breathe and spread. Baking too many cookies on one sheet can lead to uneven baking as the airflow is restricted and the cookies might spread into each other. Bake in batches if necessary.
Discover More Delicious Cookie Recipes
If you’re a true cookie enthusiast, your culinary adventure doesn’t have to end with these mint chocolate chip delights! Our kitchen is always bustling with new and exciting cookie creations designed to tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family. From classic comforting flavors to inventive new twists, there’s a cookie for every occasion and every craving. Explore some of our other popular cookie recipes:
- Frosted Churro Cookies: A delightful fusion of classic churro flavors in a soft, frosted cookie.
- Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies: Extra tender and rich, with the added tang of cream cheese for a unique twist.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies: For the ultimate peanut butter and chocolate lovers, loaded with Reese’s pieces.
- Bakery Style Sugar Cookies: Perfectly soft, chewy, and easily customizable sugar cookies, just like your favorite bakery.
- Andes Mint Cookies: If you can’t get enough Andes Mints, these cookies put the refreshing candy front and center.
- S’mores Cookies: All the campfire magic of s’mores packed into a convenient and delicious cookie.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: A hearty and satisfying cookie with the wholesome goodness of oats and classic chocolate chips.
Each recipe is crafted with the same attention to detail and passion for flavor as these Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies. Happy baking!
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped Andes Mints, divided (1 cup for dough, 1/2 cup for topping)
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and both sugars (light brown and granulated) on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
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Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract, and beat until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix; as soon as the flour is incorporated, stop blending to ensure tender cookies.
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Using a spatula, gently fold in 1 cup of the chopped Andes mints and the milk chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped Andes mints for topping.
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Using a medium-sized cookie scoop, scoop uniform balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for best results. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
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Once you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350º F (175ºC). Arrange the chilled cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set and just starting to turn golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft and underbaked; this is key to achieving a thick, chewy texture.
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Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, immediately press some of the reserved chopped Andes mints onto the top of each cookie. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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