Save These soft, chewy treats showcase a vibrant green dough infused with cool peppermint and studded with rich semisweet and dark chocolate chips. The dough is carefully mixed to combine all ingredients, then scooped and baked until edges set while centers remain tender. Perfect for festive occasions, they offer a refreshing twist with their bright color and minty flavor, making a delightful snack for any time.
The first time I brought these green cookies to a office potluck, my coworker Sarah actually asked if they were St. Patrick's Day themed. I explained they just tasted like a thin mint cookie in chewy form, and watched the whole plate disappear within twenty minutes. Now they are my most requested holiday treat.
My sister texted me at midnight last Christmas Eve, frantically asking for the recipe because she forgot to save it. She ended up making them for Santa instead of traditional sugar cookies, and her kids said it was the best Christmas ever.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these cookies their perfect chewy texture
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies spread just right for that crispy edge and soft center
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peppermint flavor
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for proper creaming with the sugars
- Granulated sugar: Creates crisp edges while keeping centers tender
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and subtle caramel notes
- Eggs: Structure and richness for the dough
- Peppermint extract: The cool minty flavor that makes these cookies special
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the mint flavor
- Green gel food coloring: Gel coloring gives the most vibrant green without thinning the dough
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Classic chocolate that pairs perfectly with mint
- Dark chocolate: Optional but adds sophisticated richness
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare:
- Heat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined
- Cream the butter and sugars:
- Beat softened butter with both sugars until the mixture looks fluffy and pale, about 2 to 3 minutes
- Add the wet ingredients:
- Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in both extracts and green coloring until you achieve your desired shade
- Combine everything:
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients on low speed just until the flour disappears
- Fold in the chocolate:
- Gently stir in both types of chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the green dough
- Scoop and space:
- Drop tablespoon sized dough balls onto prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie
- Bake to perfection:
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges look set but centers still appear slightly soft
- Cool completely:
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack
Save Last winter my neighbor's daughter saw me making these through the window and knocked on the door just to smell them. I ended up teaching her how to measure ingredients, and now she bakes them every year for her class.
Getting That Perfect Green
Start with less food coloring than you think you need. You can always add more, but you cannot take it back. Gel coloring is concentrated so a tiny amount goes a long way toward that vibrant minty shade.
Storage Secrets
These cookies actually improve after a day in an airtight container. The flavors meld together and the texture becomes even more chewy. I sometimes make them two days before serving for the best results.
Making Them Your Own
The basic formula is foolproof once you get the hang of it. Try crushed candy canes instead of chocolate chips for extra crunch during winter.
- Add white chocolate chips for a pretty contrast against the green dough
- Roll the edges in sprinkles before baking for festive occasions
- Freeze scooped dough balls to bake fresh cookies whenever cravings strike
Save These cookies have become my go-to for bringing cheer. Something about that green color just makes people happy before they even take a bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the vibrant green color?
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Use gel food coloring in small increments starting with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust until you reach the desired shade.
- → Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
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Yes, semisweet is recommended, but feel free to use dark or milk chocolate chips for different flavor profiles.
- → What is the best way to store these cookies?
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- → How can I intensify the peppermint flavor?
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Add extra peppermint extract or fold in chopped chocolate mint candies for a stronger mint sensation.
- → Is there a gluten-free option available?
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Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-friendly version.
