Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful twist on a beloved classic? Forget everything you think you know about mint chocolate chip, because these Ole Smoky Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are about to become your new favorite dessert. Combining the rich, decadent flavor of chocolate chips with the surprisingly perfect coolness of mint, these cookies offer a unique and unforgettable taste experience. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, guaranteeing delicious homemade cookies in no time! Prepare for a quick dinner idea that's anything but ordinary!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine Chocolate Mint candies, finely chopped (or substitute with your favorite mint chocolate candies)
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 light and fluffy. A stand mixer is helpful, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works just as well!
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- 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, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Add Chocolate & Mint: Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped mint candies.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches 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.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This ensures the cookies spread evenly.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust Mint to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of mint candies to your liking. Start with less and add more if you prefer a stronger mint flavor.
Variations:
- White Chocolate Mint: Substitute white chocolate chips for semisweet chocolate chips.
- Peanut Butter Mint: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the dough for a delightful peanut butter mint combination.
- Dark Chocolate Mint: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-3g
These nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make Ole Smoky Mint Chocolate Chip cookies! They're the perfect treat for any occasion, from a casual weeknight snack to a special gathering. This recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your healthy meals repertoire. They are a wonderful addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Happy baking!