Mint Chip Cookies Green

Last winter my sister dared me to bring something ridiculous to our cookie exchange, and I showed up with these shocking green treats. Everyone hesitated until they took that first bite and realized the peppermint wasnt just for show. Now theyre the most requested item at every gathering.

My niece stared at the bowl with wide eyes when I first made these, convinced Id accidentally used something radioactive. She grabbed three cookies after that first cautious bite and asked if we could make them every St. Patricks Day forever.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) provides the structure for those perfectly thick cookies we all want.
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon gives the lift that keeps these from turning into flat minty disks.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon balances all that sweetness and wakes up the peppermint.
• Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g) softened to room temperature makes all the difference for proper creaming.
• Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150 g) creates crisp edges while keeping centers chewy.
• Light brown sugar: 3/4 cup (150 g) packed adds moisture and that subtle caramel depth.
• Eggs: 2 large ones bind everything together and add richness.
• Peppermint extract: 1 1/2 teaspoons sounds like a lot but trust the recipe.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon rounds out the mint so it doesnt taste like toothpaste.
• Green gel food coloring: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon depending on how bold you want to go.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: 1 1/2 cups (270 g) are the classic pairing that never fails.
• Dark chocolate: 1/2 cup (85 g) chopped if you want those sophisticated pockets of bittersweet contrast.

Instructions

Getting started:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks.

Mixing the dry team:

Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, then set it aside for later.

Creaming the butter and sugars:

Beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy.

Adding the eggs:

Drop in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and green food coloring until everything turns that gorgeous shade.

Combining everything:

Gradually add the dry ingredients on low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix.

Folding in the chocolate:

Gently stir in the chocolate chips and chopped dark chocolate until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Scooping and spacing:

Drop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each mound.

Baking to perfection:

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly underbaked, as they will firm up while cooling.

Cooling down:

Let them rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Save

These became my go-to birthday treat after my friend claimed they were the best thing shed ever tasted and then asked for the recipe three times in one week.

Getting That Perfect Green

Start with less coloring than you think you need, you can always add more but you cannot take it back. The dough will bake slightly darker than the raw mixture, so aim for a shade or two brighter than your final vision.

The Peppermint Balance

Peppermint extract is potent stuff, and measuring carefully prevents those cookies from tasting like youre chewing on a candy cane. The vanilla in the recipe exists specifically to temper that intense mintiness.

Storage and Sharing

These stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, though they rarely last that long in my house.

• Freeze unbaked dough balls for unexpected cookie emergencies.
• Gift them in clear bags so the green color does all the talking.
• Pair with hot cocoa for the ultimate winter comfort situation.

Save

Theres something joyful about biting into a cookie that looks like it shouldnt work but absolutely does. Happy baking, and may your kitchen smell like peppermint heaven.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I achieve the vibrant green color?

Use gel food coloring in small increments to reach the desired shade without altering dough consistency.

→ Can I add extra mint flavor?

Yes, incorporating chopped chocolate mint candies enhances the peppermint profile.

→ What type of chocolate works best?

Semisweet chocolate chips provide a balanced sweetness that complements the mint, while chopped dark chocolate adds richness.

→ How should the cookies be baked for best texture?

Bake until edges are set but centers remain soft; cookies will firm as they cool for a chewy bite.

→ Can I make a gluten-free version?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to maintain texture and flavor.