Mint Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies: The Easiest 4-Ingredient Recipe for Soft, Chewy, Minty Goodness
Get ready to discover your new favorite dessert with these incredibly simple yet utterly delicious Mint Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies! Imagine soft, delightfully chewy cookies bursting with the perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing mint. The best part? You only need 4 ingredients to whip up a batch of these crave-worthy treats. They’re so easy to make, even beginner bakers will feel like pros, and they come together in a flash, making them perfect for unexpected guests or a last-minute sweet craving.
While these cookies are a fantastic indulgence any time of the year, their vibrant mint and chocolate flavors make them an absolute sensation for special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day. The green and brown hues of the Dark Chocolate Mint M&Ms naturally fit the festive theme, adding a delightful pop of color to every bite. What’s even better is that these particular M&M’s aren’t just seasonal; you can find them in stores all year round, ensuring that you can enjoy these wonderful cookies whenever the craving strikes, no matter the season!
If you’re skeptical about how good these M&Ms are, allow me to convince you: if you haven’t yet experienced the magic of Dark Chocolate Mint M&Ms, you absolutely need to grab a bag right now! I’m usually not a fan of dark chocolate, but these are truly exceptional. They have a surprisingly smooth and rich dark chocolate flavor perfectly balanced with a cool, invigorating mint kick. Many describe their taste as very similar to the beloved Andes mints, but with that satisfying candy-shell crunch that only an M&M can deliver. While crispy mint M&Ms are also an option, in my personal opinion, the Dark Chocolate Mint variety offers a superior depth of flavor and texture that truly elevates these cookies to another level of deliciousness!
Ingredients in Mint Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
One of the many charms of this recipe is its incredibly short and straightforward ingredient list. With just four core items (plus an optional flavor boost), you’re well on your way to baking a batch of irresistible cookies. The beauty of using a cake mix is that it already contains many of the dry ingredients needed for cookies, simplifying the process immensely. Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful mint chocolate cake mix cookies:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (any brand or kind, typically around 15-16 ounces)
- 1 egg (a binding agent that helps create the perfect texture)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (for richness and moisture)
- 1-2 cups Dark Chocolate Mint M&Ms (the star of the show for flavor and texture)
- 1/2 tsp mint extract (optional, but highly recommended for an intensified mint flavor)
How to Make Mint Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
These cookies are designed for ultimate simplicity, making them a fantastic choice for busy schedules or a fun baking project with kids. Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of soft, chewy, and minty chocolate cookies:
- Prepare Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring your oven is at the correct temperature before placing the cookies inside is crucial for even baking and the perfect texture. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy release.
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the chocolate cake mix, the egg, and the melted butter. Since the butter is already melted, there’s no need for an electric mixer; a large spoon or spatula will work perfectly. Mix just until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and no dry cake mix streaks remain. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Boost the Mint Flavor (Optional): The Dark Chocolate Mint M&Ms provide a wonderful mint flavor, but if you’re a true mint enthusiast and desire an extra punch, now is the time to add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of mint extract to the dough. Mix it in until it’s fully incorporated. Finally, gently fold in the Dark Chocolate Mint M&Ms until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop (approximately 1 Tablespoon in size) or two spoons, scoop out uniform balls of cookie dough. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-9 minutes. The cookies might still look slightly soft or underbaked in the center when you pull them out, but this is exactly what you want for a soft, chewy result.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This brief cooling period helps them set and firm up. After a few minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, store your delicious cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or follow our freezing instructions below for longer storage.
Mint Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix any kind, about 15-16 ounces
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1-2 cups Dark Chocolate Mint M&Ms
- 1/2 tsp mint extract optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
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In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, egg and melted butter. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing for tender cookies. If desired, add 1/2-1 tsp of mint extract and mix until fully incorporated. Fold in the Dark Chocolate Mint M&Ms.
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Use a cookie scoop to portion 1 Tablespoon sized balls of dough. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-9 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers may still look soft.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, store in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze for up to a month.
Tips for Making Perfect Cake Mix Cookies!
Even with a simple recipe like this, a few key tips can elevate your cookies from good to absolutely perfect every single time. Pay attention to these details to ensure your mint chocolate cake mix cookies are soft, chewy, and beautifully baked:
- Preheat Your Oven: This step is often overlooked but is crucial for consistent baking. A properly preheated oven ensures that your cookies start baking immediately and evenly, preventing them from spreading too much or baking inconsistently. Always give your oven at least 15-20 minutes to reach the set temperature before baking.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For perfectly uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made, a cookie scoop is your best friend. It ensures that each cookie is the same size, leading to consistent baking times and a visually appealing batch. It also makes the scooping process much quicker and cleaner.
- Employ Parchment Paper or a Silicone Baking Mat: These baking aids are game-changers for easy cleanup and flawless cookie removal. They prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, ensuring they slide right off without breaking. This also helps them maintain their shape and prevents over-browning on the bottom.
- Don’t Overbake the Cookies: This is arguably the most important tip for achieving that desirable soft and chewy texture. When you remove your cookies from the oven after 8-9 minutes, they should still look slightly underbaked in the center and just barely set at the edges. They will continue to bake and firm up on the hot baking sheet for a few minutes after removal, resulting in a perfectly soft interior. Overbaking will lead to dry, crumbly cookies.
Why You’ll Love These Mint Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
These cookies offer a delightful combination of convenience and gourmet taste, making them an instant family favorite. The simplicity of using a cake mix means you spend less time measuring and mixing, and more time enjoying the delicious results. They’re perfect for satisfying a sudden sweet tooth, bringing to a potluck, or adding a festive touch to holiday gatherings. The contrast between the rich chocolate and cool mint is incredibly satisfying, and the soft, chewy texture is simply irresistible. Plus, the bright colors of the M&Ms make them visually appealing, adding a touch of fun to any dessert spread.
Variations and Customizations
While the classic Mint Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies are fantastic on their own, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize them! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Different Cake Mix Flavors: Experiment with other cake mix flavors as your base. A devil’s food cake mix will yield an even richer chocolate flavor, while a yellow cake mix could offer a milder backdrop for the mint.
- Additional Mix-ins: Beyond the M&Ms, consider folding in chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or white), chopped Andes mints for an extra burst of minty goodness, or even crushed peppermints for a festive crunch.
- Gourmet Glaze: For an extra touch of elegance, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a tiny bit of mint extract to create a simple mint glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies.
- Food Coloring: If you’re making these for St. Patrick’s Day or just want to add more vibrant color, add a few drops of green food coloring to the cookie dough before mixing in the M&Ms.
More Cake Mix Cookie Recipes You’re Going to Enjoy!
If you loved how easy and delicious these cake mix cookies were, you’re in luck! We have a whole collection of simple and tasty cake mix cookie recipes that are just as fun to make:
- Caramel Apple Cake Mix Cookies
- Chocolate Caramel Cake Mix Cookies
- Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
- Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Caramel Apple Snickerdoodles
- Caramel Spice Cake Mix Cookies
- Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Can You Freeze Cake Mix Cookies?
Absolutely! Freezing cake mix cookies, either baked or as dough, is a fantastic way to extend their shelf life and ensure you always have a quick treat on hand. It’s perfect for meal prepping desserts or just having freshly baked cookies whenever the mood strikes. Here’s how you can do it:
You can freeze the baked cookies by allowing them to cool completely first. Once cool, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap individually or in small stacks, then place them in a freezer-safe Ziplock bag or an airtight container. This method keeps them fresh for up to a month. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
However, for the ultimate “fresh from the oven” experience, I highly recommend freezing the cookie dough in ready-to-bake balls. This way, you can bake just a few cookies at a time whenever you desire! Here’s how to freeze cookie dough:
- Scoop the Cookie Dough: First, scoop the cookie dough into individual balls (using a 1 Tablespoon cookie scoop works perfectly). Cake mix cookie dough can be a little sticky, so if you find it too soft to handle, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about an hour before scooping to make this step much easier.
- Flash Freeze: Place the scooped cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Pop the baking sheet into the freezer for about an hour, or until the cookie dough balls are completely frozen solid. This step prevents them from sticking together when stored.
- Store in Freezer: Once the dough balls are frozen, transfer them from the baking sheet into a large freezer-safe Ziplock bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. Label the bag with the date and type of cookies. Store them back in the freezer until you’re ready to bake.
- Bake from Frozen: When you’re ready for freshly baked cookies, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen cookie dough balls on a prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. I like to let the balls thaw on the baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature before baking. Then, bake according to the normal instructions (8-9 minutes), adding an extra minute or two if needed since they are starting from a frozen state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What kind of chocolate cake mix should I use for these cookies?
A: Any standard 15-16 ounce box of chocolate cake mix will work perfectly. You can choose classic chocolate, Devil’s Food, or even German chocolate for slight variations in flavor. Just make sure it’s a dry mix!
Q: Can I use other mint candies or chocolate?
A: Absolutely! While Dark Chocolate Mint M&M’s are highly recommended for their unique flavor and texture, you can certainly experiment with other minty additions. Chopped Andes mints, peppermint bark, or even regular chocolate chips with a few extra drops of mint extract would work wonderfully.
Q: How can I make these cookies even more festive for St. Patrick’s Day?
A: To enhance the St. Patrick’s Day theme, consider adding a few drops of green food coloring to your cookie dough when you’re mixing the wet and dry ingredients. This will give the cookies a vibrant green hue that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate and mint M&M’s.
Q: Do I really need the mint extract?
A: The mint extract is optional, but it definitely elevates the mint flavor. If you prefer a subtle mint hint that primarily comes from the M&M’s, you can omit it. However, if you love a strong, refreshing mint taste, we highly recommend adding it!
These Mint Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies are truly a dream come true for anyone seeking an easy, yet incredibly satisfying dessert. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Happy baking!
