Green Mint Chip Cookies

The first time I brought these vibrant green cookies to a cookie swap, my friend Sarah actually thought I'd accidentally used food coloring meant for something else. She took one skeptical bite and immediately asked for the recipe. Now whenever I need a dessert that makes people smile before they even take a bite, these are my go-to.

Last Christmas, I made three batches for my office and learned the hard way that I should have doubled that. People were hovering around the breakroom before the cookies even cooled completely. My coworker actually hid two in her desk before anyone else could get to them.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie structure, providing that perfect chewy base
• Baking soda: Essential for the right amount of spread and lift during baking
• Salt: Brightens all the flavors and keeps the chocolate from tasting too sweet
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for that creamy texture we want
• Granulated sugar: Creates crisp edges while helping the cookies spread
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and subtle caramel notes for chewiness
• Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness
• Pure mint extract: The star flavor that makes these cookies special
• Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the mint and adds depth
• Green gel food coloring: Gel gives the most vibrant color without thinning the dough
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic chocolate flavor that balances the mint perfectly
• Mint chocolate chips: Optional but doubles down on that minty freshness

Instructions

Prep your baking space:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks

Mix the dry ingredients:

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

Cream the butter and sugars:

Beat butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes of patience

Add the eggs and flavor:

Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in both extracts and green coloring until uniform

Combine everything:

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until no flour streaks remain

Fold in the chocolate:

Gently incorporate both types of chocolate chips by hand, being careful not to overmix

Scoop and space:

Drop heaping tablespoons of dough 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets

Bake to perfection:

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges look set but centers still appear slightly soft

Cool completely:

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack

Save

My niece helped me make these last spring and got so excited about the green dough she wanted to keep mixing forever. We ended up with slightly overworked dough but she didn't care one bit. Sometimes the memory matters more than texture perfection.

Getting the Right Green

Start with less coloring than you think you need because you can always add more. I dip a toothpick into the gel and swirl it into the dough, then decide if another dip is needed. Liquid coloring will throw off your ratios and make the dough sticky.

Baking Timing Secrets

The cookies might look underbaked when you pull them out, but that's exactly what you want. They continue cooking on the hot baking sheet during those crucial 5 minutes of resting time. I learned this after making hockey puck cookies my first time around.

Storage and Sharing

These cookies actually improve in flavor after sitting overnight, which is rare for most cookies. The mint extract has time to mellow and meld with the chocolate. If you're gifting them, bake them the day before for best results.

• Layer between wax paper if stacking in a container
• Add a slice of bread if they start to feel too firm after a few days
• Freeze unbaked dough balls for freshly baked cookies anytime

Save

There's something magical about a cookie that tastes as good as it looks. These never fail to disappear first at any gathering.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve the vibrant green color?

Use green gel food coloring as liquid types are less vivid. Adjust the amount to reach your preferred shade.

→ Can I enhance the mint flavor?

Add extra mint chocolate chips or increase the mint extract by half a teaspoon for a stronger mint presence.

→ What baking temperature and time are recommended?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes until edges set but centers stay soft for optimal texture.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness.

→ Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, containing no meat or animal-derived gelatin.