Chocolate Mint Cookies Green

The first time I brought these to a Christmas cookie exchange, my friend Sarah actually hid three of them in her purse before anyone else could get seconds. The combination of rich chocolate and cool mint frosting hits that perfect nostalgic note while still feeling special enough for holiday platters.

Last year my nephew helped me add the green food coloring, and we may have gone a bit heavy on the drops. The cookies turned out neon green, which he absolutely loved. Sometimes the unexpected versions become the memories we talk about most.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter creates the best texture for both cookies and frosting
• Peppermint extract: A little goes a long way, but it is what makes these cookies sing
• Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa for the deepest chocolate flavor possible
• Chocolate chips: Folding them into the dough gives pockets of melted chocolate in every bite
• Green food coloring: Start with a couple drops and add more until you reach your desired shade

Instructions

Get everything ready:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper

Make the cookie dough:

Cream together the butter and both sugars until fluffy, then beat in eggs and extracts

Combine the dry ingredients:

Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl

Bring it together:

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, then fold in chocolate chips

Bake them:

Drop tablespoon balls onto prepared sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set

Cool completely:

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack

Whip up the frosting:

Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring

Finish them:

Spread a generous layer of frosting on each completely cooled cookie

Save

These became my go-to contribution for winter parties after someone requested them by name at the third gathering I attended. There is something about that green frosting peeking out from a dessert platter that makes people smile before they even take a bite.

Making Them Ahead

You can bake the cookies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them the day you plan to serve them for the freshest presentation.

Getting The Right Green

Natural food coloring gives a more subtle mint green, while gel coloring creates that vibrant festival shade. Either way works beautifully with the chocolate base.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee, depending on the weather. The mint flavor actually becomes more pronounced the next day, making them excellent for make ahead treats.

• Try adding crushed candy canes on top for extra holiday sparkle
• Package them in clear bags tied with ribbon for easy gift giving
• The frosting recipe makes plenty, so do not worry about running out

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a tray of these from the oven and knowing exactly what joy they will bring. Happy baking, friend.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep cookies soft after baking?

Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack and store in an airtight container to retain moisture and softness.

→ Can I substitute dairy ingredients?

Yes, plant-based butter and milk alternatives work well for a dairy-free variation without compromising texture.

→ What gives the frosting its green color?

A few drops of green food coloring are added to the mint-flavored frosting to provide the vibrant hue.

→ How is the mint flavor incorporated?

Peppermint extract is used in both the dough and frosting to deliver a cool, refreshing mint taste throughout.

→ Are chocolate chips necessary?

Chocolate chips add melty pockets of sweetness, but you can omit or replace them with chopped mint chocolates for enhanced flavor.