Chocolate Mint Cookies Green

The green frosting on these cookies always reminds me of the time my niece asked if I was serving Grinch food at our holiday party. The kids went absolutely wild for them, and honestly, so did the adults. Something about that bright green against dark chocolate just makes people smile before they even take a bite.

Last December I made three batches back to back for various gatherings and learned that if you bring these to a party, you will be asked for the recipe at least four times. People seem to have a nostalgic connection to mint chocolate that makes these cookies disappear faster than anything else on the dessert table.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Use really soft butter for both the cookies and frosting or you will end up with stubborn lumps that refuse to blend smoothly
• Granulated and brown sugar: The brown sugar adds a subtle chewiness that balances the crisp edges perfectly
• Large eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate much better into the dough than cold ones straight from the fridge
• Vanilla and peppermint extracts: The double extract combo is what gives these cookies their signature flavor without being overpowering
• All-purpose flour: Measure by weight if possible because too much flour makes these cookies cakey instead of chewy
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Dutch process cocoa gives a deeper chocolate flavor but regular works perfectly fine too
• Baking soda: This helps the cookies spread just enough to get those delightfully crisp edges
• Salt: Do not skip this because it intensifies both the chocolate and mint flavors
• Semisweet chocolate chips: These melt into little pockets of chocolate throughout the cookie while baking
• Powdered sugar: Sift it first or your frosting will have tiny sweet lumps that never quite dissolve
• Milk: Whole milk makes a richer frosting but any milk you have on hand works perfectly
• Green food coloring: Gel coloring gives a more vibrant green with less liquid than traditional drops

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is effortless

Cream the butter and sugars:

Beat them together until the mixture looks pale and fluffy which usually takes about three minutes of serious mixing

Add the eggs and extracts:

Beat in each egg separately then pour in both extracts and watch the batter transform into something fragrant and minty

Whisk the dry ingredients:

In a separate bowl combine flour cocoa powder baking soda and salt so everything distributes evenly throughout the dough

Combine everything:

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined then fold in the chocolate chips by hand

Scoop the cookies:

Drop tablespoon balls onto the prepared sheets leaving about two inches between each one because they will spread

Bake to perfection:

Bake for eight to ten minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft

Cool completely:

Let them rest on the baking sheets for five minutes then move them to a wire rack until they are completely cool

Make the frosting:

Beat the butter until creamy then gradually add powdered sugar milk peppermint extract food coloring and salt until smooth

Frost the cookies:

Spread or pipe the green frosting onto each cooled cookie and let it set for about fifteen minutes before serving

Save

My neighbor now specifically requests these for our annual cookie exchange and told me she hides a few for herself before sharing with her family. Something about that fresh green frosting makes people feel like they are eating something special even though they are surprisingly simple to make.

Getting The Right Green Color

Start with a tiny amount of food coloring because you can always add more but you cannot take it back. Gel coloring works better than liquid since it will not thin out your frosting consistency.

Making These Ahead

The unfrosted cookies freeze incredibly well for up to three months if you store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw them completely before frosting for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies make an unexpected addition to holiday cookie plates because that green frosting pops against all the reds and browns. They also work beautifully for St Patricks Day celebrations or whenever you want something that feels festive and fun.

• Try adding crushed candy canes on top of the frosting for extra texture and holiday flair
• A sprinkle of edible glitter makes these feel even more special for parties
• Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for the perfect winter afternoon treat

Save

These cookies have become my go to whenever I need something that looks impressive but does not require hours of complicated work. The reaction from people seeing that bright green frosting for the first time never gets old.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I enhance the mint flavor in these cookies?

Adding crushed mint candies or extra peppermint extract to the dough or frosting can boost the minty freshness.

→ What is the best way to achieve soft cookies?

Remove the cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers remain slightly soft, then cool on the baking sheet before transferring.

→ Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives to keep the texture and flavor enjoyable.

→ How should the cookies be stored?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to four days.

→ What causes the green color in the frosting?

Green food coloring is added to the peppermint frosting for a bright, festive appearance.