Name: Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-493746H12M52S
Total time: PT-493746H12M52S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 & 1/2 cups sugar; 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, or more to taste; 10 drops green food coloring; 3 & 1/4 cups flour, spooned and leveled; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 12 ounces dark chocolate chips, divided (semi-sweet chips are fine)

If you adore the refreshing zing of mint paired with the rich indulgence of chocolate, you are in for a real treat with this Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies manage to capture the essence of your favorite ice cream flavor but in a warm, buttery, and wonderfully gooey cookie form. With crisp edges and a tender, chewy center, these cookies are so easy to make that they can brighten up any occasion—be it Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, or simply a cozy midweek treat. Trust me, once you try this Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a cracked white eggshell with a bright yellow yolk flowing out in a smooth, shiny stream into a white bowl below. The bowl contains translucent egg white with a slightly greenish tint, and it sits on a white marbled surface. The background is blurred but shows a wooden texture. The bright yellow yolk contrasts with the pale egg white and the white bowl, creating clear layers of color and texture in the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your cookies starts with simple, thoughtful ingredients. Each item brings something special to the magic: from the richness of butter to the cool burst of peppermint, and of course, the irresistibly melty chocolate chips.

1 cup butter, softened: This adds decadence and a tender crumb to your cookies, ensuring they’re soft yet sturdy.
1 & 1/2 cups sugar: Sweetness is key here, balancing the mint and chocolate perfectly.
2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk: Eggs help bind the dough and contribute to that chewy center everyone loves.
1 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star flavor of this recipe, giving your cookies their unmistakable minty punch.
10 drops green food coloring: For that inviting, festive green hue that hints at the mint inside.
3 & 1/4 cups flour, spooned and leveled: Provides the structure and chewiness in every bite.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps achieve a gentle rise and soft texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to give a perfect lift.
1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds a slight tang and enhances the tenderness.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and accentuates the flavors.
12 ounces dark chocolate chips, divided: Semi-sweet is fine too; these provide pools of melted chocolate throughout.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Before diving into mixing, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line one or more baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. It’s these little prep steps that make baking a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This is the foundation of your cookie’s texture, so give it a solid 2 minutes, scraping down the sides to make sure everything is blended perfectly.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Peppermint Extract, and Color

Mix in 2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk to add richness. Next, pour in the peppermint extract for that refreshing burst of flavor, then add the green food coloring to give your cookies their signature look. Feel free to adjust the peppermint to your flavor preference—mint lovers rejoice!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and kosher salt. Once combined, gradually add this mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until the flour is almost incorporated. Overmixing can cause toughness, so be gentle here.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Divide the chocolate chips in half. Stir in half of them whole, then coarsely chop the remaining half and fold those chunks in. This gives your cookies varied texture and generous pockets of melted chocolate that are pure bliss.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough and pop it into the refrigerator for about an hour. While it’s not mandatory, chilling helps the flavors meld and the dough firm up, which leads to better texture and shape when baked.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop out dough and shape each piece into a long oval—think egg shape rather than a ball. Place them tall-ways on the baking sheet, leaving enough space as these are generously sized cookies. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges just start to turn golden and the centers look mostly set but with a tiny bit of shine.

Step 8: Final Touches

Once out of the oven, immediately press a few reserved chocolate chips into the warm cookies to melt beautifully on top. Let the cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely. This is where that irresistible texture really sets in.

How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

The image shows two views of a cookie dough making process. On the right, there is a silver bowl filled with pale green dough mixed with dark chocolate chunks and cocoa powder, with a white spatula stirring the mixture. On the left, a silver ice cream scoop holds a round, full ball of the same pale green dough with dark chocolate pieces, lifted above the bowl. The background is a white marbled texture. The dough looks soft and slightly textured. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a charming touch to your cookies. Fresh mint leaves nearby also boost the visual appeal and hint at the vibrant mint flavor inside.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a hot cup of coffee or mint tea. The contrast between warm cookies and cool beverages is simply delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

Try sandwiching two cookies with a mint chocolate chip or vanilla-flavored buttercream for an elegant twist. Alternatively, serve broken pieces alongside an ice cream sundae to echo the mint chocolate chip theme in a fun, casual way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days—perfect for sharing or indulging across the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies! For dough, shape into ovals and freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag; bake straight from frozen adding a minute or two to baking time. For baked cookies, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm leftover cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes to revive that fresh-baked, gooey chocolate chip goodness. They’ll taste like you just pulled them from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint extract substitutes in this Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?

If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can try spearmint or even a mint-flavored liqueur, but peppermint extract gives the truest and brightest mint flavor that complements chocolate best.

Why does the recipe use both baking powder and baking soda?

The combination of baking powder and baking soda ensures your cookies rise perfectly with a soft yet chewy texture—baking powder gives lift, while baking soda helps with browning and spread.

Is the green food coloring necessary?

Not at all! The food coloring is purely for visual fun and a festive look. Your cookies will taste just as fantastic without it.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.

What’s the best way to keep the chocolate chips from melting too much?

Adding the chopped chips inside the dough provides melty pockets, while pushing reserved whole chips onto the cookie tops after baking keeps them intact and visually appealing.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe enough—these cookies bring together all the best parts of the mint chocolate chip experience in a fun, easy-to-make treat. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or craving a personal indulgence, these cookies will not disappoint. So grab your ingredients, warm up your oven, and prepare to fall head over heels for this deliciously minty, chocolatey delight!