Andes Mint Cookies

It might just be me, but there’s something I love about Andes mints after a meal. Just a little hint of chocolate and mint married together in one little treat is such a cute and refreshing end to a dinner out. That’s what inspired me to make these soft and chewy Andes Mint Cookies.

I’m not even sure if there are lots of places out there still offering Andes mints after a meal, but if there aren’t, there should be. A big rounded glass full of Andes mints was the sign of a solid restaurant at one point. 

I love these minty cookies because they combine rich chocolatey goodness with the refreshing zip of mint. There’s little that can compete with this kind of delicious and decadent dessert that also packs a fresh zestiness. My favorite candy in cookie form.

Why You’ll Love Andes Mint Cookies

They’ve also been made famous at Crumbl, the fastest growing cookie store ever, so you know they will be a huge hit at your next gathering or party.

I’m not sure why I am trying to convince you to love mint chocolate chip cookies, but here are a few reasons:

• Fast- the prep time on these is only 15 minutes and while they cookies are baking you can easily and quickly whip up the icing. 
• Refreshing- who doesn’t love a decadent dessert that’s also zesty? These minty bites of chocolatey goodness are the perfect end to any meal. 
• Portable- you can make these cookies so quickly and then pack them up to take to a party. They travel well and are a great addition to any table.
• Huge Hit- They are great year round, but what better time to serve a peppermint cookie than during the Christmas season? Add these to your cookie tray right alongside candy canes for the most festive display!

Ingredients

This ingredient list is a little beyond kitchen staples… unless Andes mint chips are part of your pantry staples and then I envy you.

• Unsalted Butter– make sure to use unsalted butter and soften it on the counter for about an hour prior to baking. You’ll use this in the cookies and the frosting.
• Brown sugar– you can use light or brown sugar- the latter will produce a sweeter result. 
• White sugar– you probably have this in your pantry, but feel free to grab any brand you prefer. 
• Egg– typically baking recipes require a large egg, so check that your regular eggs are about this size. 
• Vanilla extract– this is often a pantry staple, but if you don’t have it vanilla extract is easy to make.
• Flour– just grab your general all-purpose flour for this – avoid self-rising.
• Unsweetened Cocoa powder– this ingredient will lend all of the flavor of chocolate without any extra sweetener.
• Baking soda– be sure to use baking soda instead of baking powder. This leavening agent will make your cookies scrumptious. 
• Fine sea salt– make sure to use a good salt. Since there’s only a bit in the recipe, you want to make it a good one to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. If using salted butter, omit this salt.
• Powdered sugar- this silky, fine sugar is perfect for making icing. It’s also called confectioner’s sugar. 
• Peppermint extract– this ingredient is going to give you that flavor to replicate Andes mints. Don’t skimp on this ingredient. You can use it later to infuse into ice cream, other baked goods, or coffee.
• Green food coloring– while this ingredient is optional, it really does elevate this icing and make the connection that “hey, these are peppermint flavored!”
• Andes mint chips- another optional ingredient, they add the special touch to the top of the cookie. Grab them at grocery stores or online or feel free to make your own by chopping up full size Andes bars. Or just use mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate.

How To Make

These cookies are super easy to make and the dough doesn’t require any chilling. the hardest part will be letting them cool until they are ready to be frosted.

1. Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, sift or whisk together the dry ingredients so they are evenly distributed. Set aside.
3. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugars, until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This introduces air into the mixture to make them light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla, continuing to mix well until no streaks remain. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, but only mix until just combined. Overworking the cookie dough batter can result in dry, crumbly cookies.
5. Use a large spoon, a melon baller, or a 1 ounce cookie scoop to measure out each cookie before rolling the cookie dough into balls.
6. Drop the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet and slightly flatten using your palm, bottom of a well floured glass or the back of a spoon. Leave at least 2 inches between the cookies for hot air to circulate around them and to prevent sticking if they spread.

7. Bake until golden brown and then remove. Allow cookies to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Moving them too soon can result in breaking, but letting them cool fully on a hot cookie sheet can result in overcooking.
8. Make the icing by beating together all of the frosting ingredients in a bowl until light and luffy. The green food coloring is optional.
9. Fill a piping bag fitted with a #12 icing tip with icing. If you do not have a piping bag, use a sandwich bag with one corner snipped off. 
10. Ice the cookies starting in the center. Work your way to the edges in circular motion.
11. If you prefer (or if you’re in a hurry) you can simply ice these cookies with a spatula or butter knife.
12. Sprinkle the cookies with Andes chips or mini chocolate chips.

Variations 

• Nuts– chop any nuts you prefer and add them in for some crunch and saltiness. 
• Marshmallows– get some of the tiniest marshmallows and add them in or press on top. Or use small marshmallows and cut them into quarters with kitchen shears.
• Chocolate chips– press mini chocolate chips into the top as the cookies cool or stir in 1/2 cup to the chocolate cookie dough.
• Thin Mints- To top, you can also use Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies or most stores have their own version of the minty wafer. We love using them in our Thin Mint Cheesecake Bars– cheesecake mint brownies!
• Espresso Powder- Coffee and espresso can bring out the natural deliciousness in chocolate, but they also contain caffeine, something my little kids don’t need. If you do want to add it, just a 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder or 1 tablespoon of strongly brewed coffee will do the trick.
• Drizzle It- Want to take this delicious Andes mint cookie recipe to yet another level? Melt milk or dark chocolate or use a powdered sugar glaze and drizzle it over the frosting and chopped candy.

Storage & Freezing

These chewy chocolate cookies can be stored in an airtight container in a cool dry place or covered with plastic wrap on a plate for up to a week. Separate cookies using parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. Cookies are, of course, best enjoyed without the first 2 days of baking.

Andes Mint Cookies can also be frozen. Wrap cookies in freezer paper and place in an airtight container or large plastic bag, being mindful to push out as much air as possible, and seal. Freeze for up to 6 months, thawing on the counter at room temperature.

So make a double batch of cookies and freeze them! It only takes a couple of minutes for a cookie to defrost, so you can take them out one at a time when you really want one.

More Cookie Recipes

• Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
• Soft Banana Cookies
• Cheesecake Cookies

And if baked cookies aren’t your jam, opt for our famous edible cookie dough or make baked cookies into cookie butter.