If you have a soft spot for the delightful combo of chocolate and mint, then you absolutely must try this Andes Mint Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a truly irresistible treat, combining rich chocolate chips with the unmistakable cool burst of Andes mint chocolates and mint fudge chunks. Every bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and minty flavors that feel just like a cozy hug during any season. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just to satisfy a craving, these cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, yet carefully selected ingredients is the first step toward cookie bliss. Each component plays its part in creating the perfect texture and flavor—the buttery base, the mix of sugars for sweetness and moisture, and of course, the trio of minty chocolates that make these cookies stand out.
- Salted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Gives sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds a soft, chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warmth and depth.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): The structure of the cookies, keeping them soft yet sturdy.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly and get that perfect lift.
- Chopped Andes chocolates (â…” cup): The star ingredient that adds creamy mint chocolate bursts in every bite.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (½ cup): Balances sweetness with rich chocolatey goodness.
- Mint-flavored fudge baking chunks (½ cup): Adds extra minty sweetness and texture throughout.
How to Make Andes Mint Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and ready for baking. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly without burning the bottoms. This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter with the granulated and light brown sugars. Beat them together with a hand or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in cookies with a beautiful texture and lift.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and the vanilla extract just until the mixture is creamy and smooth. These wet ingredients bring richness and a subtle flavor that perfectly complements the mint and chocolate.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. This even distribution assures the rising agent is well incorporated throughout the dough for consistent texture in each cookie.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently—if you have a dough hook on your mixer, this is the perfect time to use it. Stir just until everything is combined; overmixing can create tough cookies, and you want tender ones here.
Step 6: Fold in the Mint Chocolates
Now for the fun part: fold in the chopped Andes chocolates, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and mint fudge chunks. Spread them evenly through the dough so each bite bursts with that irresistible mint-chocolate flavor that defines this Andes Mint Cookies Recipe.
Step 7: Portion Your Dough
Use a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop to form evenly-sized dough balls, then place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. This spacing prevents the cookies from merging as they bake and helps them keep a perfect round shape.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 7 to 11 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color. The centers may still seem a bit soft, but that’s exactly what you want because they will set as they cool, resulting in wonderful chewy centers with slightly crisp edges.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without breaking apart and makes them easier to handle—and eat!
How to Serve Andes Mint Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a few crushed Andes mints or a dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies just before serving. This adds a delicate, festive look and an additional hint of mint aroma that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
Pair these minty chocolate marvels with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. The creamy drinks help to mellow the mint’s brightness and round out the flavor experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Andes Mint Cookies Recipe on a festive tray lined with fresh mint leaves or arranged in a cookie jar adorned with a ribbon. For a party, you could even sandwich two cookies together with a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream for a show-stopping dessert treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Andes Mint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps their texture soft and the mint chocolate perfectly fresh, so you can enjoy them well after baking day.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze the baked cookies in a ziplock bag or airtight container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer without losing their flavor. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop the cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This simple step revives their soft texture and lets the chocolate melt just a little for ultimate indulgence.
FAQs
Can I substitute the salted butter for unsalted butter?
Yes! If you use unsalted butter, just be sure to add a pinch of salt to your dough. The slight saltiness balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate and mint flavors beautifully.
Are Andes Mint Cookies gluten-free?
Traditional Andes Mint Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version—just be aware that texture may vary slightly.
Can I use other mint chocolates if I don’t have Andes?
Absolutely! While Andes chocolates give these cookies their signature flavor, other mint-flavored chocolates can work well too. Just choose something creamy with a good balance of mint and chocolate.
How do I prevent the mint chocolates from melting too much?
Mix the chocolates in gently and bake at the recommended temperature. Keeping the dough balls spaced apart helps the edges set quickly, preventing the candies from melting into one another completely and losing their texture.
What is the best way to get chewy cookies from this recipe?
Don’t overbake. Take them out when the edges just turn golden but the centers still look a bit soft. Letting them cool on the baking sheet will help set the chewy centers perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Truly, making this Andes Mint Cookies Recipe is like inviting a little joy into your kitchen. With every bite, you’ll taste the care and love baked into these cookies. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, these cookies bring together chocolate and mint in the most delicious way imaginable. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to fall in love with baking all over again!
