Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a cookie that's as refreshing as it is decadent? Forget your average chocolate chip cookie – we're diving headfirst into a world of mint and chocolate bliss with these Andes Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies! This easy recipe delivers the perfect combination of creamy Andes mint, rich chocolate chips, and a subtly sweet cookie base. It's the ultimate treat for any chocolate and mint lover, perfect for a quick dessert, a delightful snack, or a charming addition to your next bake sale. Get ready to experience homemade cookie perfection!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup Andes Mint baking chips, roughly chopped
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
-
Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. A stand mixer is great for this, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works just as well.
-
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
-
Gradually Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
-
Stir in Chocolate: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped Andes Mint baking chips.
-
Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
-
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary.
-
Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful combination of cool mint and rich chocolate!
Tips for Andes Mint Cookie Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this ensures that your cookies will be light and fluffy.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies with crispier edges, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- White Chocolate Mint: Substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweeter, lighter flavor.
- Peppermint Extract: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for an extra burst of mint flavor.
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 200-250 (This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and cookie size). This recipe provides a delicious treat, but remember to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
These Andes Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fantastic example of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas that can be elevated to create truly delicious dishes. They're perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while enjoying some homemade cooking. Enjoy creating these incredible cookies and sharing them with loved ones!