The delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint makes these chewy mint chocolate chip cookies truly irresistible. Perfectly portioned for small-batch baking, they’re ideal for those moments when you want a treat but don’t want dozens of leftovers.
With gooey chocolate chips, chopped Andes mints, and just the right hint of green, these cookies bring a fun twist to your typical cookie routine. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy night in, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons light brown sugar
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1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
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1 large egg yolk
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/8 teaspoon baking soda
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1/8 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
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2 tablespoons chopped Andes mints or other chocolate mint candies
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1-2 drops green food coloring (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Stir in the peppermint extract and egg yolk, mixing until combined.
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Add green food coloring, if using, and mix until evenly colored.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a dough forms.
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Fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped Andes mints.
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Scoop dough into 6 evenly-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart.
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Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
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Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 160 kcal per cookie | Servings: 6 cookies
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Ultimate Small-Batch Treat for Mint Lovers
Mint chocolate chip cookies are a refreshing and indulgent twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Combining the bold, cool flavor of peppermint with the richness of chocolate chips, these cookies are ideal for those who love a balance of sweet and minty in every bite. This particular recipe is specially crafted for small batches, perfect when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want to end up with dozens of leftovers. With just six cookies per batch, you’ll satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging or, let’s be honest, feel free to indulge without too much guilt!
Whether you’re baking for yourself, a loved one, or a cozy holiday evening, these cookies offer a delightful escape into the world of nostalgic flavors and sweet comforts. The combination of smooth mini chocolate chips and chopped Andes mints melts beautifully into the cookie base, creating pockets of gooey, minty richness. And with the optional green food coloring, they even look festive and fun, perfect for themed parties, St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, or simply when you’re in the mood for something a little different.
Why Mint and Chocolate Work So Well Together
The fusion of mint and chocolate is one of those flavor marriages that just makes sense. Mint adds a cool, refreshing lift to the deep, creamy intensity of chocolate, which helps cut through the richness and adds a surprising twist to your taste buds. The flavor profile is complex yet comforting, mint enhances chocolate’s depth without overpowering it.
This combination has been beloved for decades, often found in everything from mint chocolate chip ice cream to after-dinner mints, brownies, and now, cookies. When baked into a warm, soft cookie, the result is sheer perfection. The slight crispness on the edge and the soft, chewy center provide the ideal texture to highlight both flavors in harmony.
Small Batch Baking: Why It’s a Game-Changer
Small batch baking is becoming increasingly popular, especially for people living in smaller households or those trying to control their portions while still enjoying homemade baked goods. This recipe makes just six cookies, enough to satisfy a craving or share with a friend, but not so much that you’ll be left with cookie overload for days.
The ingredients are measured in small amounts, making them easy to whip up with pantry staples. No need to break out the stand mixer or worry about complicated techniques. Just one bowl, a few ingredients, and 20 minutes later, you’ll have a plate of warm, minty cookies fresh from the oven.
Plus, small batch baking reduces waste and encourages mindful eating. You enjoy the process, the aroma, and the reward, without worrying about overconsumption. It’s baking made convenient, practical, and still indulgently satisfying.
The Secret to Soft and Chewy Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
What makes these cookies so perfectly chewy and soft? It’s all in the technique and ingredient balance. Here are a few key elements:
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Butter: Softened butter is creamed with sugar to create air pockets that give the cookie its light, tender crumb.
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Sugar Combo: A mix of white and brown sugar balances sweetness while the molasses in the brown sugar adds moisture and chew.
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Egg Yolk: Using just one egg yolk keeps the dough rich and dense, ideal for a smaller batch without thinning the dough.
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Chocolate Chips + Andes Mints: The mini chips spread nicely, while the chopped Andes provide bold, cool mint flavor in melty bursts.
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Peppermint Extract: Just a tiny amount goes a long way. It enhances the mint flavor without making it taste like toothpaste (a common fear with mint baking!).
Optional green food coloring is purely for aesthetics, but it does add a fun touch, especially if you’re serving these for a holiday event.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about cookies is their adaptability. This recipe is no different, you can easily make tweaks to fit your mood, dietary preferences, or pantry contents:
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Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts bring crunch and a toasty flavor that pairs well with mint.
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Use dark chocolate chips: For a richer, more intense cocoa flavor, sub in dark chocolate chips.
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Go vegan: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg yolk substitute. Swap out regular chocolate for dairy-free mints or chips.
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Add espresso powder: A pinch of instant espresso intensifies the chocolate without making the cookie taste like coffee.
When to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are incredibly versatile and fit well into a wide range of occasions:
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Holiday Gatherings: With their minty flavor and optional green tint, they’re a perfect addition to Christmas cookie trays.
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St. Patrick’s Day: The color and flavor theme align beautifully with this celebration.
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Date Nights: Want a sweet ending to dinner for two? This small batch delivers just the right amount of sweetness.
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Everyday Treats: Whether it’s a reward after a long day or a treat during a work break, these cookies make everyday moments feel special.
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DIY Gifts: Package a few of these in a cellophane bag with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storage Tips
Since this recipe only makes six cookies, chances are they’ll be gone before storage is necessary. But if you want to save a few for later, here’s how:
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave to restore their chewy texture.
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Make-Ahead Dough: You can also freeze the dough balls. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What sets this mint chocolate chip cookie recipe apart is its simplicity, precision, and unforgettable flavor. It’s crafted with just the right balance of mint and chocolate to appeal to both kids and adults. And because it’s a small batch, it makes cookie baking feel approachable even on a busy weekday.
You’ll love how easy it is to bring together the ingredients, how delicious your kitchen smells while they’re baking, and how satisfying each bite is once they’re done. No mixers, no mountains of dough, no complicated prep, just sweet, minty joy in every chewy cookie.
Conclusion
Mint chocolate chip cookies are proof that small treats can pack big flavor. Whether you’re a mint lover, a small batch baker, or just someone looking for a fresh twist on a classic cookie, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. With a crisp edge, a soft and chewy center, and melty pockets of chocolate and mint, each cookie is a bite of cool, comforting bliss.
Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and bake in just 10 minutes, perfect for when the cookie craving strikes. Serve them warm with a glass of milk, add them to your holiday cookie collection, or wrap them up as sweet gifts from the heart. However, you choose to enjoy them, these mint chocolate chip cookies will always leave you wanting just one more.