The Ultimate Frosted Mint Chocolate Cookies: Your Homemade Thin Mint Dream!
Prepare to fall in love with these incredible Frosted Mint Chocolate Cookies! They are wonderfully soft, rich chocolate cookies generously topped with a creamy, vibrant mint frosting. If you’re a fan of those iconic Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies, you’re in for a treat – these homemade delights taste remarkably similar, often even better! This easy cookie recipe is a fantastic choice for any occasion, from festive holidays like St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas to a simple everyday indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just satisfying a craving, these mint chocolate cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
The timeless combination of chocolate and mint is truly a match made in heaven, and I’ve explored countless recipes that bring these two harmonious flavors together. While many have been delicious, I can confidently say that these Frosted Mint Chocolate Cookies have risen to the top as my absolute current favorite. My obsession with Girl Scout Thin Mints runs deep, and these cookies capture that classic flavor profile with an added layer of homemade perfection. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of deep chocolate intensity and refreshing peppermint zest, creating a truly irresistible dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe. They’re not just cookies; they’re a nostalgic journey with a fresh, homemade twist.
Why These Frosted Mint Chocolate Cookies Will Become Your New Favorite
What makes these mint chocolate cookies stand out? It’s the delightful interplay of textures and flavors. The cookie base is wonderfully soft and chewy, packed with intense chocolate flavor that provides the perfect canvas for the star of the show: the creamy, smooth mint frosting. This frosting is not just any frosting; it’s infused with just the right amount of peppermint extract to give that authentic Thin Mint zing without being overpowering. A delicate chocolate drizzle adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness and a beautiful professional finish, making these cookies as appealing to the eye as they are to the palate. They are surprisingly simple to make, yet yield impressive results that taste gourmet.
Key Ingredients for Your Frosted Mint Chocolate Cookies
Crafting these delectable mint chocolate cookies requires a few essential ingredients. The quality of your ingredients can significantly impact the final taste and texture, so I recommend using the best you can find. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
For the Rich Chocolate Cookies:
- Butter: You’ll need one stick (½ cup) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Real butter is always recommended for the best flavor and texture in cookies, as it contributes to their richness and tender crumb. Ensure it’s truly softened, not melted, for proper creaming with sugar.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar provides the necessary sweetness and helps create that desirable crisp edge and chewy center in your cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: A high-quality vanilla extract will significantly enhance the overall flavor profile of your cookies, adding a warm, aromatic depth that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Egg: One large egg acts as a crucial binding agent, bringing all the ingredients together and contributing to the cookie’s structure and moisture.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is the backbone of these cookies, providing structure. For accurate measurements, always spoon and level your flour, rather than scooping directly from the bag. A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be substituted if needed, though results may vary slightly.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for achieving a deep, intense chocolate flavor in the cookie base. Dutch-processed cocoa powder can also be used for an even darker color and smoother flavor.
- Baking Soda: This is your leavening agent, which helps the cookies rise slightly and contributes to their soft texture. Always check that your baking soda isn’t old or expired, as its potency diminishes over time.
- Salt: Just a small amount of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the cookie, particularly the chocolate.
For the Silky Mint Frosting:
- Butter: Another ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, is needed for a smooth and creamy frosting. As with the cookies, real butter yields the best results.
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this finely milled sugar is key to creating a perfectly smooth, lump-free, and delightfully sweet mint frosting.
- Milk: Approximately one tablespoon of milk is used to thin out the frosting to a spreadable consistency. You can adjust this amount slightly, adding a little more or less, to achieve your desired thickness. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
- Food Coloring: This ingredient is completely optional, but if you desire a vibrant green hue for your mint frosting, a few drops of green food coloring will do the trick. Gel food coloring often provides a more intense color with less liquid.
- Peppermint Extract: This is where the signature mint flavor comes from! Peppermint extract is potent, so remember that a little goes a long way. Start with the recommended amount and add more sparingly if you prefer a stronger mint taste. Do not confuse it with mint extract, which can have a different flavor profile.
For the Elegant Chocolate Drizzle:
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: I personally prefer semisweet chocolate chips for the drizzle, as their balanced sweetness complements the mint beautifully. However, if you’re a fan of a richer, more intense chocolate experience, dark chocolate chips or even chopped dark chocolate can be used instead.
- Oil or Shortening: Just a teaspoon of vegetable oil, coconut oil, or shortening helps to thin out the melted chocolate, making it smooth and easy to drizzle over your frosted cookies, and ensures a nice sheen once hardened.
How to Make Irresistible Frosted Mint Chocolate Cookies
Get ready to bake! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delightful frosted mint chocolate cookies:
Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet (or two, to speed up the process) with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Chocolate Cookies
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for a light, fluffy, and pale yellow consistency. This process incorporates air, which is crucial for soft cookies.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the vanilla extract and the large egg to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Continue to beat with the electric mixer for another 2-3 minutes until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the same bowl, add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat on low speed just until the dry ingredients are combined with the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Scrape the Bowl: Use a rubber spatula or spoon to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the chocolate cookie dough. This prevents pockets of unmixed flour.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop (approximately one tablespoon in size), scoop uniform balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 minutes. The cookies may still look slightly under-baked in the center when you remove them, but this is perfectly normal. They will continue to set on the hot baking sheet.
- Cool: Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and ensures they are firm enough for frosting. While they cool, proceed to make the mint frosting.
Crafting the Creamy Mint Frosting
- Combine Frosting Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, add the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring (if using).
- Beat Until Smooth: Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together on medium-high speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and completely smooth and creamy. If you desire a more intense green color, add a few more drops of food coloring until satisfied.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the chocolate cookies are completely cool, spread a layer of the mint frosting over the top of each cookie using a knife or an offset spatula.
- Chill to Set: Place the frosted cookies into the freezer for about 20 minutes. This chilling step is essential as it helps the frosting set firmly, making the subsequent chocolate drizzle much easier and preventing it from melting the frosting. As the cookies chill, start preparing your chocolate drizzle.
The Perfect Chocolate Drizzle
- Melt the Chocolate: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and the oil (or shortening). Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir the chocolate thoroughly. If it’s not completely smooth, continue to microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and has a smooth, glossy consistency. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize.
- Drizzle the Cookies: Transfer the melted chocolate into a small Ziploc bag. Seal the bag, pressing out any excess air. Snip off a tiny piece from one corner of the bag with scissors – this will create a fine piping hole for drizzling. Remove the chilled cookies from the freezer and elegantly drizzle the melted chocolate over the tops of each frosted cookie.
- Allow to Harden: Because the cookies are cold, the chocolate drizzle will harden relatively quickly. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes until the chocolate is completely set. At this point, your exquisite frosted mint chocolate cookies are ready to serve and enjoy! If you’re not serving them immediately, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
Frosted Mint Chocolate Cookies
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Ingredients
CHOCOLATE COOKIES
- ½ cup butter softened to room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ salt
MINT FROSTING
- ½ cup butter softened to room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- green food coloring
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
CHOCOLATE DRIZZLE
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp oil (vegetable oil, coconut oil, or shortening)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350° and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (or two baking sheets).
MAKE THE COOKIES
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Add the butter and sugar to a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla and egg and beat for another 2-3 minutes.
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Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to the bowl and beat just until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the walls with a spoon to get all the dry ingredients mixed together.
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Use a cookie scoop to scoop one-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1-2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool for about 5 minutes and then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting.
MAKE THE MINT FROSTING
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Add the butter, powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and several drops of green food coloring to a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add more food coloring if desired.
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Spread over the tops of the cookies with a knife and place in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Before you take the cookies out begin melting the chocolate.
MELT THE CHOCOLATE
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In a small microwaveable bowl add the chocolate chips and oil and microwave for one minute. Stir and then microwave in 30-second intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Add the melted chocolate into a small ziplock bag and close. Snip off a small piece of the corner of the bag and drizzle the cookies with the melted chocolate.
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The chocolate will harden since the cookies are cold, so just let them sit for a few minutes. By then, the cookies should be ready to serve! If not serving right away, just store at room temperature in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Expert Tips for Baking the BEST Cookies Every Time
Through countless baking adventures over the years, I’ve gathered several invaluable tips that elevate a good cookie to an exceptional one. Apply these to your frosted mint chocolate cookies for perfect results:
- Achieve the Right Dough Consistency: The amount of flour can greatly affect your cookie’s texture. If your cookie dough feels overly sticky after mixing the dry ingredients, you might need to add a tablespoon or two more of flour until it’s just barely sticky and easily scoopable. Too much flour, however, can result in dry, crumbly cookies.
- Master the Creaming Method: Don’t rush creaming the butter and sugar. Beating them together for a full 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy isn’t just about combining; it’s about incorporating air. This aeration is essential for a tender, chewy cookie texture and helps prevent dense cookies.
- Always Preheat Your Oven: This step is non-negotiable for consistent baking. A properly preheated oven ensures that your cookies begin to cook immediately and evenly, preventing them from spreading too much or baking inconsistently.
- Invest in a Cookie Scoop: For perfectly uniform cookies, a cookie scoop is your best friend. It ensures that all your cookies are the same size, which means they’ll bake evenly and look professionally made.
- Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Baking Mat: Say goodbye to scraped-off cookies! Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat creates a non-stick surface, allowing your delicate cookies to slide right off the pan in pristine condition.
- Avoid Overbaking: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for soft, chewy cookies. When I pull my cookies out of the oven, they often look slightly under-baked in the center. This is intentional! Cookies continue to bake and firm up on the hot baking sheet for a few minutes after being removed from the oven, resulting in that perfect soft center. Overbaking leads to hard, dry cookies.
Storage and Freezing Tips for Your Frosted Mint Chocolate Cookies
How long will decorated cookies stay fresh?
These delightful frosted mint chocolate cookies can be kept fresh for up to a week. To ensure they retain their softness and flavor, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing a slice of bread in the container can sometimes help keep them even softer, though with the frosting, they tend to stay moist quite well on their own.
Can I freeze frosted cookies?
Absolutely! Freezing these mint chocolate cookies is a fantastic way to enjoy them later. After you’ve applied the mint frosting, allow the cookies to sit at room temperature for about an hour or so. This crucial step lets the frosting firm up a bit. Once the frosting is firm to the touch, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until they are completely solid. This flash-freezing prevents them from sticking together. Once solid, transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight freezer-safe container, placing a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent any sticking or damage. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw on the counter for a few minutes until they are soft enough to eat. They taste just as wonderful as freshly baked!
Pro Tips for Melting Chocolate in the Microwave
Melting chocolate in the microwave is a convenient method, but it requires a bit of care to ensure a smooth, un-seized result. The key is to go slow and steady. Always use a clean, dry glass or ceramic bowl, as even a tiny drop of water can cause chocolate to seize. Make sure your chocolate chips are fresh and not old or expired.
For melting approximately 1 cup of chocolate chips, begin by microwaving for 1 minute on high. After this initial minute, remove the bowl and stir the chocolate thoroughly with a rubber spatula, even if it doesn’t look fully melted. The residual heat will continue to melt the chocolate. If it’s not yet smooth, return it to the microwave and heat for additional 30-second intervals, stirring vigorously after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and beautifully smooth and creamy. Avoid the temptation to microwave for too long at once, as this is the quickest way to burn or seize your chocolate. Patience and frequent stirring are your best friends here!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mint Chocolate Cookies
Q: Can I use a different type of mint extract?
A: While peppermint extract is specifically called for to achieve the classic Thin Mint flavor, you could experiment with pure mint extract or spearmint extract. However, be aware that their flavor profiles are slightly different, and peppermint offers the strongest, most refreshing “cool” sensation.
Q: Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking.
Q: My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?
A: Several factors can cause cookies to spread. Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and that you’re accurately measuring your flour. Chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading, especially if your kitchen is warm.
Q: How can I achieve a vibrant green frosting?
A: The type of food coloring matters! Gel food coloring is often more concentrated than liquid drops and will give you a brighter, more intense green with less product, which is ideal for maintaining frosting consistency. Add it gradually until you reach your desired shade.
Delicious Variations to Your Mint Chocolate Cookies
These Frosted Mint Chocolate Cookies are fantastic as is, but here are a few ideas to customize them:
- Add Mini Chocolate Chips: Fold 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough before baking for extra chocolatey goodness in every bite.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of dark or semi-sweet chocolate, use melted white chocolate for the drizzle. You can even tint the white chocolate with a drop of green food coloring for a festive look.
- Holiday Colors: For other holidays, simply change the color of your frosting! Red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or orange for Halloween.
- Sprinkle Fun: Add some festive sprinkles to the wet chocolate drizzle for an extra pop of color and texture before it sets.
Explore More of Our Great Chocolate Mint Recipes!
If you love the dynamic duo of chocolate and mint as much as we do, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other fantastic recipes from our collection. From more cookies to delightful cakes and pies, there’s a mint chocolate treat for every craving!
- CHOCOLATE MINT COOKIES
- MINT CHOCOLATE BROWNIE COOKIES
- BIG FAT MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
- CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT COOKIES
- PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE SANDWICH COOKIES
- MINT CHOCOLATE CAKE MIX COOKIES
- CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BLOSSOMS
- ANDES MINT CHOCOLATE COOKIES
- MINT CHOCOLATE POKE CAKE
- MINT CHIP BUNDT CAKE
- CHOCOLATE MINT CREAM PIE
- EASY MINT CHOCOLATES
There you have it! A comprehensive guide to making the most delicious Frosted Mint Chocolate Cookies. This recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a testament to the magic that happens when rich chocolate meets refreshing mint. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday, a party, or simply to satisfy a craving, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Their soft texture, creamy mint frosting, and elegant chocolate drizzle make them a standout dessert that everyone will adore. Happy baking!