Best Chocolate Mint Cookies

The scent of peppermint always makes its rounds around the holidays, but this time, it wasn’t a special day or a cookie exchange that brought these Chocolate Mint Cookies into my kitchen. It was Maya, my neighbor’s college-aged daughter, home for winter break, arms full of thrifted books and her peppermint mocha from the corner café.

She asked if we could bake something together something rich, cool, and chocolatey. I glanced at my pantry, spotted the mint extract, and said yes before she finished her sentence.

Another time, it was little Theo from across the street who rang the bell with frosting on his cheek and a wide grin. “Do you have more of the chocolate cookies with green stuff on top?” Apparently, he’d snuck a leftover one from our last baking day. The ganache had hardened perfectly, and the frosting still had its cool bite of mint. It’s become that kind of recipe quietly loved by all ages, no matter the day or reason.

Whether you’re baking these with someone or just because you need a minty bite after dinner, Chocolate Mint Cookies are a breeze. They look polished, taste like a dream, and come together with no complicated tricks. Here’s how I make them shine.

Short Description

Chocolate Mint Cookies are soft and chewy with a rich cocoa base, topped with fluffy mint frosting and a silky layer of ganachecool, indulgent, and ideal for gifting or anytime snacking.

Key Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cookies

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (163 g), fluffed and leveled
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (30 g)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Mint Frosting

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ½–1 teaspoon mint extract, to taste
• Green food coloring (optional)

For the Ganache

• ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (130 g)
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Baking trays
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for ganache

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Mix in the vanilla and egg until smooth.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 16 even balls and space them apart on the trays. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and centers look slightly soft. Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare and Apply Frosting
While cookies cool, beat powdered sugar, butter, milk, mint extract, and green food coloring (if using) until fluffy. Spread about 1 tablespoon of frosting on each cooled cookie. Place cookies in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.

Step 5: Make the Ganache and Finish
Melt the chocolate chips with the oil using a microwave in 30-second intervals (stirring in between) or over low heat in a saucepan. Spoon a layer of ganache over each frosted cookie. Let them sit at room temperature until set.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and chewy texture with a crisp ganache top

Perfectly balanced mint and chocolate flavors

Freezer-friendly and great for gifting

No fancy tools required

Easy to decorate and customize

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overbaking the cookies
Cookies can dry out quickly if left too long in the oven.
Solution: Remove them when the centers are slightly soft they’ll finish setting on the tray.

Too much mint extract
The flavor can become harsh and overpowering.
Solution: Start with ½ teaspoon and taste the frosting before adding more.

Frosting too runny
If your butter is too soft or warm, the frosting won’t hold.
Solution: Chill the frosting for 5–10 minutes before spreading if needed.

Ganache won’t set
Using the wrong type of chocolate can affect texture.
Solution: Use real semisweet chips or quality bar chocolate and allow cookies to cool completely before applying.

Crumbly dough
Dry dough makes cookies fall apart.
Solution: Add 1 teaspoon of milk if the dough seems too dry after mixing.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with hot cocoa or peppermint tea

Great on a dessert platter with vanilla or chocolate truffles

Pair with a cold glass of milk for kids

Perfect for cookie boxes or bake sales

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days

Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week (the ganache stays firmer)

Freeze frosted cookies for up to 2 months, separated with parchment

Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies without the mint frosting?
Yes, you can leave it out or replace it with vanilla or almond extract.

2. How do I prevent the ganache from getting dull?
Add the oil to create a glossy finish and let it cool slowly at room temperature.

3. Can I use a piping bag for the frosting?
Absolutely use a round tip for a clean, bakery-style look.

4. What if I don’t have green food coloring?
The color is optional. You’ll still get the minty flavor without the tint.

5. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes simply double all ingredients and bake in batches.

Tips & Tricks

Use room-temperature butter for better creaming

Chill frosting before spreading for cleaner layers

Spoon ganache while warm for a smoother finish

Add a drop of peppermint oil for stronger mint flavor

Decorate with crushed candy canes for a festive twist

Recipe Variations

Mint Chocolate Chip Version
Mix mini chocolate chips into the mint frosting. Follow all other steps the same for a fun texture.

Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Check other labels for GF-safe ingredients.

Double Chocolate Mint
Add ¼ cup of chocolate chips into the dough for a more intense chocolate bite.

Thin Mint Style
Flatten the cookie dough balls before baking and use only a thin layer of mint frosting. Coat entirely in ganache.

Cream Cheese Mint Frosting
Swap half of the butter in the frosting with cream cheese for a tangy twist. Beat until light and fluffy.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Mint Cookies aren’t just another holiday treat. They’ve found a home in quiet moments, after-school visits, and cozy weekend afternoons. Each layer soft cookie, cool mint, rich ganache adds something a little extra, without making anything feel fussy.

There’s joy in the chill of the mint against the warmth of the chocolate, and even more joy in sharing them, one bite at a time. Bake them once and you’ll find they make their way into your regular rotation no matter the season. And if you ever need a cookie to spark a smile, this one always delivers.