Chocolate Mint Dream Cookies

If you’re a fan of the iconic chocolate and mint combination, then get ready to discover your new favorite treat: Andes Mint Cookies. These delightful cookies are not only incredibly easy to bake but also burst with that signature refreshing mint and rich chocolate flavor that Andes Mints are famous for. Perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to festive holiday gatherings, these cookies promise a soft, chewy texture with a delightful hint of coolness.

The classic pairing of mint and chocolate has always been a personal favorite, and these cookies encapsulate that perfect harmony. While Andes Mints often appear during the holiday season, these luscious and decadent cookies are truly a year-round pleasure. Their chewy chocolate base and the smooth, melted mint topping make them an irresistible indulgence. We particularly adore baking them as part of our Christmas cookie tradition, but they’re equally enjoyable whenever a craving strikes.

Incorporating Andes Mints into our trusted chocolate cookie recipe elevates a simple treat into something extraordinary. The gentle heat from the freshly baked cookies perfectly melts the mints, allowing them to spread into a glossy, flavorful layer that truly enhances the overall experience.

If you find yourself craving more delicious mint-chocolate desserts, be sure to explore our recipes for Grasshopper Pie, Mint Chocolate Brownies, and Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake. Each offers a unique way to enjoy this beloved flavor combination.

Why These Andes Mint Cookies Are a Must-Try

These Andes Mint Cookies aren’t just another dessert; they’re an experience waiting to happen. From their irresistible flavor to their straightforward preparation, here’s why they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection:

• The Ultimate Chocolate and Mint Fusion: The classic pairing of rich chocolate and refreshing mint is simply unbeatable. Andes Mints, a beloved family candy, when melted atop a warm chocolate cookie, creates a delightful flavor explosion that’s both comforting and invigorating. It’s a match made in heaven that appeals to nearly everyone, making these cookies a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Effortlessly Easy to Make: Forget complicated baking projects. This recipe is designed for simplicity, requiring no elaborate techniques or specialized equipment. You’ll use readily available ingredients and follow straightforward steps to achieve a perfect batch of chewy, mint-infused chocolate cookies. It’s the ideal recipe for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick and impressive dessert.
• Budget-Friendly with Pantry Staples: Holiday baking, or any baking for that matter, doesn’t have to break the bank. This recipe utilizes common pantry ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and cocoa powder, making it incredibly economical. It’s a smart way to create a gourmet-tasting dessert without a hefty grocery bill, proving that deliciousness can be affordable.
• Irresistibly Chewy Texture with Crispy Edges: The base of these cookies is a perfectly baked chocolate cookie – delightfully chewy in the center with slightly crispy edges. This textural contrast provides a satisfying bite. When the melted Andes Mint is added, it forms a smooth, creamy topping that contrasts beautifully with the cookie, elevating a simple chocolate cookie to a whole new level of deliciousness and sophistication.
• Perfect for Gifting and Sharing: Beyond their incredible taste and ease, these cookies are fantastic for sharing. Arrange them on a festive platter for parties, package them in decorative boxes as homemade gifts, or simply keep a batch on hand for unexpected guests. Their appealing look and delightful flavor make them a welcome addition to any occasion.

Essential Ingredients for Andes Mint Cookies

Crafting these delectable Andes Mint Cookies begins with a selection of common baking ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Butter: For the best results, use unsalted butter that has been softened to room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, well-combined cookie dough. Avoid using melted butter, as it can drastically alter the texture of your cookies, making them flatter and potentially greasy. Room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air for a lighter, chewier cookie.
• Granulated Sugar: This provides essential sweetness and helps with the spread and texture of the cookies. It works in conjunction with brown sugar to create that ideal chewy consistency.
• Brown Sugar: The addition of brown sugar contributes to the cookies’ moistness and chewiness, thanks to its molasses content. It also adds a deeper, more complex caramel-like flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully. Learn how to make Homemade Brown Sugar Recipe if you ever find yourself short.
• Eggs: Large eggs act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and adding richness. They also contribute to the structure and moisture of the cookies. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for easier incorporation into the butter mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract is a must in almost any cookie recipe. It enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth that beautifully balances the mint and chocolate. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient, flour provides the structure for our cookies. It’s important to measure it correctly, ideally by weighing or using the spoon-and-level method, to prevent overly dense or dry cookies.
• Cocoa Powder: This is what gives our cookies their rich, deep chocolate flavor and color. Unsweetened cocoa powder is typically used to allow control over the sugar content in the recipe. Dutch-processed cocoa powder can offer an even darker color and smoother flavor.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent reacts with the acidic components in the dough (like cocoa powder or brown sugar) to help the cookies rise slightly and achieve a soft, tender crumb. Make sure your baking soda is fresh for optimal results. If you’re out, try some of the best Baking Soda Substitutes.
• Salt: A small amount of salt is crucial for enhancing all the other flavors in the cookie, particularly the chocolate. It balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of the cocoa.
• Andes Mint Chocolates: The star of the show! These iconic rectangular mint chocolates are placed on top of the warm cookies to melt into a smooth, refreshing, and visually appealing layer. Have enough on hand to cover each cookie generously.

For the complete, precise measurements and detailed instructions, please continue scrolling through the recipe section below.

Creative Recipe Variations to Customize Your Cookies

While the classic Andes Mint Cookie recipe is undeniably delicious, there’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! These variations allow you to customize your cookies to suit different tastes, occasions, or simply to experiment with new flavor and texture combinations.

• Incorporating Andes Mint Baking Chips: Instead of, or in addition to, melting Andes Mints on top, you can fold Andes Mint baking chips directly into the cookie dough. This distributes the refreshing mint flavor throughout the entire cookie, offering a delightful surprise in every bite. It’s a great way to ensure a consistent minty presence.
• A Touch of Nutty Crunch: For those who appreciate a contrasting texture and a hint of savory goodness, consider mixing in chopped nuts to the chocolate cookie batter. Walnuts, pecans, or even almonds would add a fantastic crunch and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the richness of chocolate and the coolness of mint. The combination of sweet and salty is always a winner!
• Chopped Andes Candy in the Batter: If you prefer a more integrated mint experience and want to skip the step of melting candy on top, simply chop whole Andes Mints into smaller pieces and fold them into the cookie dough before baking. The mint pieces will soften and melt slightly within the cookie, creating pockets of creamy mint chocolate.
• Double Chocolate Delight with Chocolate Chips: Elevate the chocolate factor by mixing in semi-sweet chocolate chips to the cookie batter. This adds extra pockets of melted chocolate, enhancing the already rich flavor and providing an additional layer of texture. It’s perfect for true chocolate lovers.
• White Chocolate Chips for a Visual Twist: For a different flavor profile and a striking visual contrast, stir in white chocolate chips instead of traditional chocolate chips. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate pairs surprisingly well with the mint, creating a softer, milder chocolate backdrop that allows the mint to shine.
• Festive Christmas Sprinkles: Transform these into the ultimate holiday cookies by adding some festive Christmas sprinkles to the dough or sprinkling them over the melted Andes Mints. This not only makes them more celebratory and eye-catching but also adds a fun, playful element to your holiday baking.
• Mini Marshmallows for S’mores Vibes: For a truly decadent and comforting twist, fold mini marshmallows into the cookie mixture. The marshmallows will melt and become gooey during baking, adding a delightful chewiness and a hint of s’mores-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate and mint. This variation is particularly appealing and makes these cookies taste absolutely amazing.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Andes Mint Cookies

Creating these irresistible Andes Mint Cookies is a straightforward process, promising delicious results even for beginner bakers. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch.

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking when your cookies are ready to go in. Also, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are well combined and aerated, which is important for the cookie’s texture. Set this bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients. In a separate, larger bowl, using either a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand-held mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, typically for 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ texture. Next, add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until thoroughly combined. Finish by mixing in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix by hand with a spatula or on low speed with your mixer until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter at this stage, as overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour are visible.

Step 5: Scoop the Dough. Using a cookie scoop (approximately 1 tablespoon in size), scoop uniform balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. Using a scoop helps ensure all your cookies are the same size, promoting even baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies. You’re looking for cookies that have set edges but are still soft and slightly underdone in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Add Andes Mints and Cool. Immediately upon removing the hot chocolate Andes Mint Cookies from the oven, place one unwrapped Andes Mint chocolate in the center of each cookie. Allow them to sit for about 3-5 minutes, letting the residual heat from the cookie gently melt the chocolate mint. Once softened, use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the melted mint across the top of each cookie, creating a smooth, minty “icing.” Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for the mint topping to set properly.

Once fully cooled, your beautiful and delicious Andes Mint Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!

Baking Tips for Perfect Andes Mint Cookies Every Time

Achieving bakery-quality Andes Mint Cookies is easier than you think with a few expert tips. These suggestions will help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly moist, chewy, and full of flavor every single time.

• Accurate Dry Ingredient Measurement: Always combine your dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt) in a separate bowl and whisk them thoroughly before adding them to the wet mixture. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and flavorings. When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level off the top with a straight edge. Never scoop directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and lead to too much flour, resulting in dense, dry cookies.
• Properly Mix Wet Ingredients: The creaming method is vital for the texture of these cookies. Ensure your butter is truly softened (but not melted) to room temperature. Cream the butter and sugars together using a hand-held mixer or a stand mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air, which is essential for the cookies’ soft and chewy texture.
• Incorporate Eggs One at a Time: When adding the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, do so one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition until the egg is fully incorporated into the batter. This helps to create a stable emulsion, contributing to the cookie’s structure and preventing a greasy texture.
• Avoid Overmixing the Combined Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix only until just combined. Use a spatula for the final mixing if necessary. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense, and less tender cookies. Stop as soon as no dry streaks of flour are visible.
• Consider Chilling the Cookie Dough: While not strictly necessary for this recipe, chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) can significantly improve the texture and flavor of your Andes Mint Cookies. Chilled dough spreads less in the oven, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies. It also allows the flavors to meld, leading to a richer taste. If you chill the dough, you might need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
• Utilize a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity: For consistently sized and perfectly baked cookies, we highly recommend using a cookie scoop. A 1-tablespoon cookie scoop is ideal for this recipe. Uniform cookies not only look professional but also bake evenly, preventing some from being overdone while others are underbaked.
• Bake Until Just Set: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. They are ready when their edges are lightly golden and set, but the centers still look slightly soft or puffy. Remember, cookies continue to bake for a few minutes after they are removed from the oven due to residual heat. Baking them slightly underdone ensures a chewy interior.
• Optimal Andes Mint Application: The timing for placing the Andes Mints is key. Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, while they are piping hot, place an unwrapped Andes Mint in the center of each. Allow the heat from the cookie to naturally melt the chocolate mint for about 3-5 minutes. Once softened, gently spread the melted mint with a knife or small offset spatula to create a smooth, glossy topping.
• Cool Completely on a Wire Rack: For the best texture and to allow the melted Andes Mint topping to set properly, transfer the cookies to a wire rack after about 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet. Cooling on a rack allows air to circulate around the entire cookie, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy and ensuring a firm yet chewy consistency throughout. Do not stack them until completely cool and set.

Storage Solutions for Andes Mint Cookies

Proper storage is essential to keep your delicious Andes Mint Cookies fresh and chewy for as long as possible. Fortunately, storing these cookies is quite simple.

Once the cookies have cooled completely and the mint topping has fully set, place them in an airtight container. Store the container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. When stored correctly, these cookies will remain fresh and delightful for about 5-7 days. To prevent the mint topping from sticking together, you can place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies if stacking them.

These perfectly stored cookies would also be an excellent addition to a holiday cookie tray or thoughtfully packaged as homemade gifts for friends, family, or neighbors. Their robust flavor and attractive appearance make them a wonderful present.

How to Freeze Andes Mint Cookies for Later

Freezing Andes Mint Cookies is a fantastic way to enjoy them at a later date, whether you’re planning ahead for holidays, preparing for unexpected guests, or simply want to keep a stash of these delightful treats on hand. Freezing them correctly will help maintain their fresh taste and texture.

To freeze baked Andes Mint Cookies, first ensure they are completely cooled. If the mint topping is still soft, it could smudge or stick when frozen. Once firm, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flash freeze them for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This step prevents the cookies from sticking together when stored in a larger container. After flash freezing, transfer the hardened cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible if using a bag to prevent freezer burn.

These cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without a significant loss in quality. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or two. You can also briefly warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or a low oven for a few minutes to get that freshly baked feel, though this might slightly soften the mint topping.

Freezing cookie dough is another great option. Prepare the dough as instructed, then scoop individual cookie dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freeze. Once solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This allows for fresh, warm cookies anytime!

More Irresistible Easy Cookie Recipes

If you loved making these Andes Mint Cookies and are on the hunt for more simple yet satisfying cookie recipes, you’re in luck! Here are some other easy-to-make cookies that are perfect for any occasion:

• Homemade Oreos Recipe: Recreate the classic sandwich cookie right in your own kitchen.
• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe: For even more festive chocolate and peppermint goodness.
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: These powdered sugar-dusted cookies are a holiday favorite.
• Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe: A super simple recipe that starts with a box of cake mix.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: Another delightful way to enjoy the refreshing combination of mint and chocolate chips.

Now it’s your turn to experience the magic of these yummy Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies! We encourage you to try this recipe, savor every bite, and share your experience. Please feel free to leave a comment and a star rating below once you’ve baked your batch. Happy baking!

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Andes Mint Cookies

If you love Andes mints, you need to try this recipe for Andes Mint Cookies. It’s packed with chocolate and mint flavor for the best cookie.

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Cool Time:

5 mins

Total Time:

25 mins

Servings:

24 cookies

Cuisine:

American

Course:

Dessert

Calories:

176 kcal

Author:

Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

• 1 cup Butter softened (butter needs to be slightly soft at room temperature not melted)
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 1/4 cup Flour
• 1/2 Cup Cocoa Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 24-36 Andes Mint Chocolates

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, blend the butter with the sugars and vanilla until smooth (I used a hand held mixer or stand up mixer for this).
4. Add in the eggs 1 at a time until thoroughly combined.
5. Then hand mix in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Do not over mix.
6. Scoop approximately 1 Tbsp of the dough onto a baking sheet and ensure that they are approximately 2 in apart.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges of the cookies are soft.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and place an unwrapped andes mint on each cookie at the center.
9. Allow them to set and let the heat from the cookie melt the mint (3-5 minutes).
10. Then take a knife and gently spread the cookie around the top of the cookie to make the icing.
11. Transfer the cookies to a cool rack and allow them to cool completely.
12. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 176kcal, Carbohydrates 22g, Protein 2g, Fat 10g, Saturated Fat 6g, Cholesterol 35mg, Sodium 179mg, Potassium 53mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 11g, Vitamin A 256IU, Calcium 21mg, Iron 1mg