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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are the perfect blend of crisp edges and a chewy center, making them irresistible. The peppermint extract gives a refreshing mint flavor, while the chunks of dark chocolate create pockets of melty goodness. They're also easy to make, using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and are perfect for a variety of occasions, whether it’s Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, or a random Tuesday. The extra egg yolk makes the cookies extra chewy, ensuring every bite is a delight!
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Peppermint extract
- Green food coloring
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Cream of tartar
- Kosher salt
- Dark chocolate chips (semi-sweet also works)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar for about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs, peppermint extract, and green food coloring to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and kosher salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Chop half of the dark chocolate chips into smaller pieces and fold them into the dough along with the remaining whole chocolate chips.
- Refrigerate the dough for about 1 hour to firm up.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
- Let the cookies cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including refrigeration)
Variations
- Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Version: Incorporate a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream into the dough for an even more intense minty flavor.
- Different Chocolate Chips: Try using milk chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use an egg replacer.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dough before baking. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Reheat the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
FAQs
1. Can I use mint extract instead of peppermint extract?
No, it's best to use peppermint extract to avoid a toothpaste-like flavor that mint extract can sometimes cause.
2. Do I have to refrigerate the dough?
While not mandatory, refrigerating the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and results in a chewier texture.
3. Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can use semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate chips, but dark chocolate pairs particularly well with the mint flavor.
4. How do I make my cookies chewier?
Using plenty of butter and adding an extra egg yolk will ensure your cookies turn out soft and chewy.
5. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough or the baked cookies. Just be sure to store them properly in an airtight container or freezer bag.
6. Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, the food coloring is optional. It’s only for aesthetic purposes to give the cookies a minty green look.
7. How can I make these cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly, or try using dark chocolate chips with a higher cocoa content for a less sweet cookie.
8. Can I make these cookies without cream of tartar?
Yes, the cream of tartar is optional, but it helps create a soft texture. You can omit it if you don’t have it on hand.
9. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, the cookies will stay fresh for about 4 days.
10. Can I add nuts to these cookies?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to add texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Mint chocolate chip cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With their chewy texture and burst of minty freshness, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday or just want a treat, these cookies are sure to become a beloved addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or stored for later indulgence!
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Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including refrigeration)
- Yield: 24 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mint chocolate chip cookies are a perfect blend of chewy texture, refreshing mint flavor, and rich chocolatey goodness. With peppermint extract and chunks of dark chocolate, these cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves mint chocolate chip ice cream. Easy to make and customizable, they’re ideal for any occasion, from holidays to everyday cravings. Plus, with an optional green hue, these cookies are both fun and delicious!
Ingredients
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Cream of tartar
- Kosher salt
- Dark chocolate chips (semi-sweet works too)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar for about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs, peppermint extract, and green food coloring (if using) to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and kosher salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Chop half of the dark chocolate chips into smaller pieces and fold them into the dough along with the remaining whole chocolate chips.
- Refrigerate the dough for about 1 hour to firm up.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
- Let the cookies cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
- For a richer mint flavor, you can add a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream to the dough.
- You can substitute the butter with a plant-based option for a vegan version.
- Feel free to add nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
- If you want less sweetness, reduce the sugar or use dark chocolate chips with a higher cocoa content.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American