Mint Chip Cookies Green Dough

My niece Sophie stared at the bowl of bright green dough with wide eyes, convinced Id made cookies from grass. The mint scent hit us both as I folded in the chocolate chips, and her skepticism melted into curiosity. Those cookies disappeared faster than any batch Ive ever made, with the unmistakable fresh flavor making everyone pause mid bite.

Last Christmas, I brought these to a cookie exchange and watched adults circle the plate like sharks. Three people asked for the recipe before they even finished their first cookie. Something about that green dough sparks pure joy, like edible happiness in cookie form.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: The foundation that gives these cookies their perfect chewy structure
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies spread just right without losing their soft center
• Salt: Essential for balancing the sweet chocolate and bright mint flavors
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter creams perfectly into the sugars for that tender texture
• Granulated sugar: Creates crisp edges while keeping centers soft
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and subtle depth that complements the mint
• Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the chewy texture
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla rounds out the mint flavor beautifully
• Mint extract: The star of the show, use pure extract for the freshest taste
• Green gel food coloring: Gel coloring gives vibrant color without thinning the dough like liquid does
• Semi sweet chocolate chips: Classic chocolate that balances the mint perfectly
• Dark chocolate: Chopped dark chocolate adds pockets of intense chocolate flavor

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Set the temperature to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks

Whisk the dry ingredients:

Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, then set it aside

Cream the butter and sugars:

Beat the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture looks pale and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes

Add the eggs and extracts:

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and mint extract until everything is incorporated

Color the dough:

Start with 1/4 teaspoon of green gel coloring and add more until you reach your desired shade of vibrant green

Combine wet and dry:

Gradually mix in the flour mixture on low speed, stopping as soon as the flour streaks disappear

Fold in the chocolate:

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

Scoop the cookies:

Drop tablespoon sized balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each

Bake until perfect:

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft

Cool completely:

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack

Save

My neighbor texted me at 11 pm after trying these, demanding to know if they were supposed to taste this good or if I had done something magical. I told her the secret was just really good butter and patience, but I think the green color makes them taste better somehow.

Getting That Perfect Green

I learned the hard way that natural food coloring gives a disappointing army green instead of this vibrant grass shade. Gel coloring is concentrated, so start small and add drop by drop until you hit the color that makes people do a double take.

Mint Extract Matters

Artificial mint extract can taste like toothpaste, so reach for pure mint extract or even peppermint oil for the best flavor. The difference is shocking, like comparing fresh mint leaves to mint gum.

Storage Secrets

These stay soft for days when stored in an airtight container, though I have never personally tested that theory because they vanish within hours. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

• Place a slice of white bread in the container to keep cookies extra soft
• Warm cold cookies for 10 seconds in the microwave for that just baked taste
• The dough actually freezes beautifully for up to three months

Save

These cookies have become my go to for whenever someone needs a little pick me up. Something about that bright green color and refreshing flavor just works.

Recipe FAQs

→ How is the green color achieved in the dough?

Gel food coloring is used to give the dough its vibrant green shade, adding a fun, natural touch without altering taste.

→ Can I substitute the mint extract with another flavor?

Yes, vanilla or peppermint extracts can be adjusted to your preference, but mint contributes a refreshing twist unique to this treat.

→ What type of chocolate works best in these cookies?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a balanced sweetness, while optional dark chocolate pieces add depth and rich contrast.

→ How should the cookies be stored to maintain freshness?

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve softness and flavor for up to five days.

→ Is it necessary to use both granulated and brown sugars?

Combining these sugars contributes to the chewy texture and adds subtle caramel flavor notes to the final product.