Green Mint Chocolate Chip

My niece insisted we needed something green for her St. Patricks Day party, and these mint chocolate chip cookies were born from that innocent childhood request. The first batch came out an alarming shade of neon, but the smell was intoxicating. Now theyve become our March tradition, though we make them year-round just because. Something about that mint-chocolate combination feels like eating a thin mint cookie but better.

Last December I brought a batch to a cookie swap and watched peoples faces light up when they realized those bright green circles tasted like their favorite ice cream flavor. Someone actually asked if I could make them for her daughters birthday the following weekend. Now I double the recipe whenever we have guests because the platter always ends up empty before dessert time.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for that perfect chewy texture we all love
• Baking soda: Gives these cookies their signature lift and spread
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate pop
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for proper creaming with the sugars
• Granulated sugar: Creates crisp edges while contributing to that classic cookie sweetness
• Light brown sugar: The secret to moist, chewy centers thanks to its molasses content
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness
• Peppermint extract: Use pure extract for that authentic minty flavor without any aftertaste
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the mint and adds depth to the overall flavor profile
• Green food coloring: Gel coloring works best without thinning your dough
• Semisweet chocolate chips: The perfect counterpoint to all that refreshing mint

Instructions

Preheat and prepare:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless.

Mix the dry ingredients:

Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.

Cream the butter and sugars:

Beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add eggs and extracts:

Beat in eggs one at a time, then add peppermint and vanilla extracts until fully incorporated.

Add your green color:

Drop in food coloring gradually, mixing after each addition until you reach your desired shade.

Combine wet and dry:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Fold in the chocolate:

Gently fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Scoop and space:

Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto prepared sheets, leaving 2 inches between each.

Bake to perfection:

Bake 9-11 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.

Cool completely:

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Save Pin

These cookies have a way of turning ordinary moments into something special. My youngest nephew started calling them Grinch cookies after the famous green character, and now he requests them every time he visits. Theyve become more than just dessert in our house.

Getting the Color Right

I learned the hard way that liquid food coloring can turn perfect cookie dough into a sticky mess. Gel coloring gives you that vibrant grassy shade without altering the texture. Start with a tiny amount and work your way up.

Mint Variations

Sometimes I fold in chopped Andes mints during the last minute of mixing for extra bursts of minty goodness. White chocolate chips create a completely different but equally delicious flavor profile if you want to switch things up.

Storage and Serving

These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to five days, though they rarely last that long in my kitchen. You can freeze the dough balls for fresh-baked cookies anytime.

• Freeze scooped dough on a baking sheet first then transfer to a bag
• Add 1-2 minutes to baking time when baking from frozen
• Serve slightly warmed for the ultimate mint chocolate experience

Save Pin

Theres something joyful about pulling these green cookies out of the oven and watching everyones faces light up. Happy baking.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve the green color in these cookies?

Add green food coloring gradually to the dough until the desired shade is reached.

→ Can I substitute the semisweet chocolate chips with another type?

Yes, white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips can be used for a different flavor profile.

→ What gives these cookies their mint flavor?

Pure peppermint extract provides the refreshing mint essence that complements the chocolate.

→ How should I store these cookies to keep them soft?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness for several days.

→ Can I add extra mint flavor to these treats?

For a stronger mint taste, fold in chopped mint candies or Andes mints before baking.